Indian Govt To Adopt WLTP Cycle For BS-VI Emission Testing From 2027: Here's Why

India's vehicle emission framework is set for a significant upgrade, with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) officially notifying new standards that will take effect from April, 2027 for M1 and M2 categories. M1 vehicles are defined as motor vehicles designed to carry passengers, with no more than eight seats in addition to the driver's seat. This category typically covers standard cars, hatchbacks, sedans, and smaller SUVs used for personal or family transport.

On the other hand, M2 vehicles are passenger carriers with nine or more seats besides the driver's seat, and a maximum gross vehicle weight not exceeding five tons. This category generally includes minibuses, larger vans, and small passenger carriers that serve commercial or group transport needs.

The amendment to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, introduces testing based on the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) cycle, a globally recognised benchmark already in use across Europe since 2018.

Currently, India relies on the Modified Indian Driving Cycle (MIDC) to measure fuel efficiency and emissions. While MIDC has served as the domestic standard, it has often been criticised for not accurately reflecting real-world driving conditions. WLTP, by contrast, is designed to bridge the gap between laboratory testing and on-road performance, ensuring that pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and particle number (PN) are measured more realistically.

Under the new framework, all BS-VI compliant vehicles will undergo WLTP-based testing. Certification and compliance will follow the AIS-175 standard, which lays down procedures for type approval, conformity of production, and emission durability. Tests will be conducted on a chassis dynamometer, with protocols updated periodically to keep pace with evolving technology.

For consumers, WLTP provides more accurate information on fuel consumption and electric vehicle range. This transparency allows buyers to make better decisions when comparing vehicles, reducing the gap between advertised figures and everyday performance.

From an environmental perspective, WLTP plays a critical role in enforcing CO2 reduction targets. By tightening the link between lab results and on-road emissions, regulators can hold manufacturers accountable to stricter standards, supporting efforts to combat climate change.

Another key aspect is vehicle certification. WLTP requires that every configuration of a model - including variations in weight, aerodynamics, and optional equipment - undergo testing. This closes loopholes that previously allowed emissions to be underestimated, ensuring that all versions of a vehicle meet the same compliance standards.

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India's shift to WLTP builds on the landmark rollout of BS-VI norms in April 2020, which represented one of the most ambitious leaps in emission regulation globally. By retaining BS-VI limits but adopting WLTP testing, the government aims to make emission measurements more representative of everyday driving while maintaining strict thresholds.

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The move also has implications for Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) norms. At present, CAFE standards are based on MIDC results. However, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has proposed transitioning to WLTP from March 31, 2027, coinciding with the introduction of CAFE-III. This would align India's fuel efficiency and emission testing with international best practices, ensuring consistency across regulatory frameworks.