
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 The differences between the two are as follows: NEDC: The NEDC range test standard is not only outdated but also significantly differs from the actual road conditions in China compared to Europe.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 We seasoned drivers are used to range discrepancies, but NEDC's outdated approach feels like child's play.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.

Having worked in the automotive industry for years, I know these testing standards are often inflated. NEDC is the outdated European approach with minimal speed variations and simplified loads, typically yielding 10-20% overestimated results—real-world driving guzzles electricity like water. CLTC adjusted the test cycles to incorporate China-specific traffic congestion, making it theoretically more grounded with only 5-15% inflation. But both are lab simulations that ignore poor road conditions or extreme weather. From an energy-efficiency perspective, NEDC is more problematic as it doesn’t incentivize manufacturers to optimize real-world consumption. When discussing cars, prioritize actual data over numbers that mislead driving experience and environmental impact. Improving standards is crucial, but NEDC’s flaws are more glaring currently.

As an ordinary office worker, I always notice the mileage shrinkage during my daily commute. The test values advertised by automakers, like NEDC, are basically deceptive. The constant-speed tests are too idealistic, and the battery drains quickly in real driving conditions when stuck in traffic. The newer CLTC standard is said to better match Chinese road conditions, but even with a new car, the actual experience falls short of the claimed values. Direct comparison shows NEDC is even more unrealistic because it ignores energy consumption from stopping at red lights and acceleration. I suggest car owners not obsess over these test standards but instead focus more on real-world usage feedback, which is more reliable. These standard issues make car selection more frustrating, but NEDC is clearly outdated and should be phased out.


