Comparison of Melbourne driving characteristics with the NEDC and WLTC

In Australia, all new motorised road vehicles sold must undergo test procedures to measure the fuel consumption and emissions. Currently, the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) is used. Regulations might change, like they have in other countries, to abandon the NEDC in favour of the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Cycles (WLTC). Evidence from many countries, including Australia, suggests that the NEDC underestimates fuel consumption and emissions. Evidence also suggests that the WLTC can provide more accurate estimates when used with the appropriate procedures but that it could also provide underestimates `when driving characteristics are not representative. The aim of the present study is to determine the representativeness of the NEDC and WLTC for car driving in Australia. Primary data of Melbourne driving is collected and analysed using statistical tests. The results show evidence for many driving-cycle characteristics being different for Melbourne than for the NEDC and WLTC, but more data are required to increase certainty.