In a move aimed at making fuel efficiency figures more representative of real-world conditions, the Union Road Transport Ministry has proposed stricter testing norms for passenger vehicles in India. Starting October 1, 2026, all M1 category passenger vehicles—both manufactured and imported—will have their fuel consumption tested with the air conditioning (AC) switched on, according to a draft amendment to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules.
The draft amendment, released for public consultation, is open to objections and suggestions for 30 days, allowing consumers, manufacturers, and industry stakeholders to provide feedback before the rules are finalized.
Why the Change
Traditionally, fuel efficiency claims for cars in India have been tested under conditions that do not fully reflect everyday driving. AC usage, heavy traffic, and urban stop-and-go driving can significantly reduce mileage compared to advertised figures. By mandating AC operation during testing, the ministry aims to bridge the gap between laboratory results and real-world performance, giving consumers a more accurate picture of what to expect when driving their vehicles.
Amit Bhatt, India managing director at the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), highlighted the evolving patterns of vehicle use over the last decade.
“The use case from 10–15 years ago is changing. Earlier, not all vehicles had air-conditioning, and even when they did, AC was used sparingly. Now AC use is very common. That’s why it’s important that mileage test cycles reflect what is happening on the ground. Lab figures should be as close as possible to real-world driving.”
Bhatt added that while the move may result in slightly lower mileage figures in test reports, it would provide more realistic data for consumers and strengthen compliance measures for manufacturers.
AIS-213 Standard
The draft amendment introduces the AIS-213 standard, which outlines the methodology for fuel consumption testing under AC operation. This standard will apply to all passenger vehicles in the M1 category, which includes cars and SUVs intended for carrying up to eight passengers.
Automakers will need to recalibrate testing procedures and ensure that the published mileage claims are based on these AC-inclusive test cycles. The ministry has emphasized that the aim is consumer transparency, not penalization, but manufacturers are expected to adhere strictly to the revised procedures.
Wider Safety and Efficiency Overhaul
The AC-inclusive testing forms part of a broader vehicle safety and efficiency upgrade being undertaken by the ministry. Separately, India’s Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP 2) is also undergoing revisions, with new safety standards set to take effect from October 1, 2027.
Under the updated Bharat NCAP 2 protocol, five areas will determine a vehicle’s safety rating:
- Crash protection (55%)
- Vulnerable road user protection (20%)
- Safe driving features (10%)
- Crash avoidance (10%)
- Post-crash safety (5%)
This system assigns a significant 20% weightage to protection for vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists, aligning Indian standards more closely with European safety norms for the first time.
Industry and Consumer Implications
For manufacturers, the inclusion of AC in fuel testing will require adjustments in engine calibration, testing protocols, and lab reporting systems. Mileage claims may appear lower than previous advertisements, but these figures will be more credible and reflective of everyday driving conditions.
For consumers, the move is expected to provide a realistic benchmark when comparing vehicles, helping buyers make informed decisions. Vehicles with higher claimed mileage under these conditions will likely have better real-world performance, improving trust in manufacturer claims.
The draft rules encourage public participation, allowing suggestions on technical details and implementation timelines. Industry bodies and consumer advocacy groups are expected to weigh in, with inputs potentially shaping the final notification.
Expert Perspective
Bhatt explained that mileage testing without AC is outdated, noting that Indian driving conditions have evolved significantly over the past decade.
“We don’t want real-world performance to be very different from lab results. This is a good move. It will have an impact on mileage, but lab figures will become more representative of real-world driving.”
In urban India, where AC usage is almost constant during daytime drives, factoring it into test cycles will prevent consumer disappointment and provide manufacturers with a clear compliance benchmark.
Next Steps
The ministry will review objections and suggestions received during the 30-day public consultation period before finalizing the amendment. Implementation is slated for October 1, 2026, giving manufacturers sufficient time to align their testing and reporting practices.
Simultaneously, Bharat NCAP 2’s upgraded safety norms will be introduced from October 1, 2027, further enhancing vehicle safety and fuel efficiency standards in India. Together, these changes signal a more consumer-focused and safety-conscious approach by the Indian government in regulating passenger vehicles.
In short, from October 2026 onwards, the next time a buyer checks a car’s advertised mileage, they can expect it to reflect actual driving realities with AC running, making vehicle comparisons more meaningful and reliable than ever before.
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