On September 2017, the new Worldwide harmonised Light-duty vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) came in to force, and is gradually replacing the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC).

Whilst 2018 was a milestone year for WLTP and passenger cars, it’s this year that changes in regards to LCV WLTP will come in to effect.

From September 2019, all newly registered LCVs will have an NEDC-b CO2 figure applied. This figure is the combined NEDC and WLTP, much the same as the NEDC correlated figure which has been applied for cars since September 2018.  This is the figure that will be used until April 2021, when full LCV WLTP comes in to effect.

How will WLTP affect LCVs?

Unlike passenger vehicles, WLTP for LCVs is likely to be less impactful as the changes in CO2 values have fewer implications. However, if you apply whole life cost models to your van ordering which includes fuel calculations, or if you apply CO2 restrictions to your fleet, there may be some changes you need to make as a result.

Similar to what we experienced with cars, there is the potential for order bank closures over the coming months as manufacturers suspend new vehicle production and transition their model ranges to be tested under WLTP. We are currently liaising with each LCV OEM to understand the impact upon their model ranges and will be sending out further communications in due course, complete with more detailed information on how each OEM is handling the transition to the NEDC-B figures as a result of WLTP.

Back in 2018, a project team was established within Inchcape Fleet Solutions to manage the impact of WLTP within our business, this team continues to work with manufacturers and our data providers to enable us to be able to continuously update our ordering systems to reflect any changes as a result of WLTP.

What is WLTP?

Click on the image below to view our guide which explains WLTP in more detail.