Electric vehicle (EV) range estimates vary significantly depending on the test cycle used. In China, the China Light-duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC) replaced the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) in 2019 to better reflect local driving conditions.

Meanwhile, the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) is widely adopted internationally for more realistic range measurements. Understanding how these test cycles differ clarifies why EV range figures vary between regions.

The three test cycles differ mainly in eight statistical driving parameters: average speed, driving speed excluding idle, average acceleration and deceleration, and the proportions of acceleration, deceleration, cruising, and idling. These differences directly affect the measured energy consumption and thus the official range numbers published for EVs.

NEDC

The NEDC cycle, developed in Europe and last revised in 1997, consists of four urban and one extra-urban segments.

The test lasts about 1,180 seconds, with urban speeds capped at 50 km/h and an average speed of 19 km/h, while the extra-urban portion reaches a maximum of 120 km/h with an average speed of 62.6 km/h.

Due to its relatively low average speeds and gentle acceleration patterns, the NEDC generally produces optimistic EV range estimates.

WLTP

The WLTP cycle was introduced by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe in 2015 to provide a more accurate reflection of real-world driving.

It lasts 1,800 seconds and covers 23.27 kilometers with an average speed of 46.5 km/h and a maximum speed of 131.3 km/h. WLTP includes four speed phases—low, medium, high, and extra-high—with more dynamic acceleration and deceleration.

This results in range estimates that are typically lower and more realistic than those from the NEDC.

CLTC

China’s CLTC, developed specifically for local traffic and driver behavior, was officially released in 2019 and became mandatory in 2020.

The CLTC cycle has two versions: CLTC-P for passenger cars and CLTC-C for light commercial vehicles. CLTC-P runs for 1,800 seconds, covering 14.48 kilometers, with an average speed of 28.96 km/h and a maximum of 114 km/h.

Compared to WLTP, CLTC emphasizes lower speeds, longer idling periods, and gentler acceleration, which often lead to higher EV range results than WLTP but are generally more reflective of urban Chinese driving conditions than NEDC.

Transition from NEDC to CLTC

China used NEDC as its primary range testing protocol for EVs until 2020. Between 2020 and 2025, WLTP standards were adopted for light gasoline, diesel, and hybrid vehicles, while CLTC remained the standard for electric and commercial vehicles.

From 2025 onward, CLTC is expected to become the unified standard across all vehicle types in China.

In general, the CLTC produces higher range values than WLTP due to its lower average speeds and longer idle times, aligning with Chinese urban traffic patterns.

The WLTP offers a closer approximation to actual driving in many regions outside China, while the NEDC’s older, less dynamic cycle tends to overestimate range by a significant margin.