Which is more unrealistic, CLTC or NEDC?
2 Answers
CLTC is more unrealistic, but it better aligns with the national conditions. The biggest difference between CLTC and NEDC is that the CLTC test cycle yields a longer range than NEDC. The differences between the two are as follows: NEDC: The NEDC range test standard is not only outdated but also significantly differs from the actual road conditions in China compared to Europe. This discrepancy means that the same car might achieve a 500 km range in NEDC testing, but consumers may only get 400 km or even less in real-world usage. Under conditions like highway driving or using air conditioning, the range can be even shorter. CLTC: CLTC was developed under the leadership of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, with the China Automotive Technology and Research Center organizing industry experts to conduct a three-year research and development effort. It involved data from 41 representative cities, nearly 4,000 vehicle models, and over 30 million kilometers of driving data, culminating in this test standard. At a glance, the CLTC test cycle covers a broader, more comprehensive range of conditions and lasts longer.
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I must say the NEDC standard is truly unreliable. Its testing resembles coasting at constant speeds on highways, completely ignoring daily traffic congestion or frequent stop-and-go scenarios. That's why the advertised range falls far short in real-world driving, especially when using AC in winter. CLTC is a newer Chinese standard that incorporates some simulated traffic jam tests, which feels like an improvement, but still falls short. Overall, NEDC is noticeably unrealistic because it completely disregards actual driving conditions. My advice when car shopping: don't just focus on these numbers - test driving the actual vehicle gives more reliable insights. We seasoned drivers are used to range discrepancies, but NEDC's outdated approach feels like child's play. At least CLTC made an effort, though it's far from perfect.
