By 1 September 2019, all new passenger cars sold in the EU will have been tested according to the WLTP protocol. Pexels

By 1 September 2019, all new passenger cars sold in the EU will have been tested according to the WLTP protocol. Pexels

The new protocol replaces the new European driving cycle (NEDC) set up in the 1970s, which had received criticism following the diesel emissions scandal.

WLTP defines a global standard for determining CO2 emissions and pollutants, among other measures. “In contrast to NEDC, the WLTP test procedure is much more dynamic since it has many more acceleration and braking cycles than its predecessor,” according to the Verband der Automobilindustrie (Association of the German Automotive Industry).

The NEDC also tested in the laboratory, under unrealistic driving conditions.

The new protocol is also more “tailored to current automotive engineering” and includes stipulations for electric vehicles.

By 1 September 2019, all new passenger cars sold in the EU will have been tested according to the WLTP protocol.