Manipulation of fuel economy test results by carmakers: new evidence and solutions
A growing body of evidence shows the current test used to measure car fuel efficiency is outdated, unrepresentative of real-world driving and lax enough to allow carmakers to systematically manipulate official test results at the expense of consumers’ trust.
European institutions are presently finalising a regulation to lower CO2 emissions from cars and vans in 2020. This has stimulated intense debate when and how a new official test should be introduced. This briefing informs this debate in the light of new evidence from the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) that for the first time compares progress in official and real-world vehicle fuel efficiency on a brand-by-brand basis.
Related Articles
View All
What Europe can learn from China if it wants to save its industry
Something I learned from my trip to China: you can be fast followers if you're willing to learn from the best.
Now including Q3 2026
Plugged in: T&E's EV market watch
What is happening in the European electric car market and how does it differ across countries? Explore the data, trends and milestones.
From barrel to battery: what will Europe’s clean car debate decide
The new energy reality: 1 kWh of battery is cheaper than a barrel of oil