Quick Takeaways
- AC-on fuel efficiency testing India aims to deliver mileage figures that better match everyday driving conditions.
- The proposal requires carmakers to disclose mileage results with air conditioning both enabled and disabled.
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways proposed a major change to how fuel efficiency is measured for cars sold in India. The move focuses on AC-on fuel efficiency testing India to ensure officially published mileage figures better reflect real-world driving conditions experienced by buyers.
According to a draft notification, all passenger cars will soon be tested for fuel consumption with the air-conditioning system both switched on and switched off. This approach is intended to bridge the gap between certified mileage numbers and what drivers typically observe in daily use.
What the Draft Notification Specifies
The draft states, “On and after Oct 1, 2026, all vehicles of category M1 (cars), manufactured or imported in India, shall be tested for measurement of fuel consumption with air-conditioning system in operation, as per AIS-213, as amended from time to time.”
This requirement will apply uniformly to all qualifying vehicles sold in the country from the specified date onward.
Vehicles Covered Under the Proposal
M1 category vehicles include passenger cars designed to carry up to eight occupants, including the driver. The scope covers:
By covering the full M1 segment, the rule aims to standardize mileage reporting across most personal-use vehicles in India.
Why the Government Is Proposing This Change
At present, manufacturers publish fuel efficiency figures based on tests conducted with the air-conditioning system switched off, in line with global testing practices. In real-world conditions, however, air conditioning is used frequently, leading to lower observed mileage.
The government believes AC-on fuel efficiency testing India will improve transparency and help consumers make more informed purchase decisions by aligning certified figures more closely with everyday driving behavior.
Disclosure Requirements for Carmakers
If implemented, the proposal will require manufacturers and importers to publicly disclose both sets of results. This includes:
These figures must be published in the vehicle owner’s manual and on the official company website, ensuring easy access for prospective buyers.
AIS-213 Standard to Guide Testing
Testing will be conducted in accordance with AIS-213, which defines procedures for measuring emissions and fuel consumption with the air-conditioning system in operation for M1 vehicles. The standard accounts for the additional load imposed by the AC system and its effect on fuel use and emissions.
By adopting AIS-213, regulators aim to introduce a consistent, technically robust method for capturing the real impact of air-conditioning on vehicle efficiency, supporting more realistic mileage expectations for Indian car buyers.
According to a draft notification, all passenger cars will soon be tested for fuel consumption with the air-conditioning system both switched on and switched off. This approach is intended to bridge the gap between certified mileage numbers and what drivers typically observe in daily use.
What the Draft Notification Specifies
The draft states, “On and after Oct 1, 2026, all vehicles of category M1 (cars), manufactured or imported in India, shall be tested for measurement of fuel consumption with air-conditioning system in operation, as per AIS-213, as amended from time to time.”
This requirement will apply uniformly to all qualifying vehicles sold in the country from the specified date onward.
Vehicles Covered Under the Proposal
M1 category vehicles include passenger cars designed to carry up to eight occupants, including the driver. The scope covers:
- Hatchbacks and sedans
- SUVs and MPVs
- Crossovers and similar passenger vehicles
By covering the full M1 segment, the rule aims to standardize mileage reporting across most personal-use vehicles in India.
Why the Government Is Proposing This Change
At present, manufacturers publish fuel efficiency figures based on tests conducted with the air-conditioning system switched off, in line with global testing practices. In real-world conditions, however, air conditioning is used frequently, leading to lower observed mileage.
The government believes AC-on fuel efficiency testing India will improve transparency and help consumers make more informed purchase decisions by aligning certified figures more closely with everyday driving behavior.
Disclosure Requirements for Carmakers
If implemented, the proposal will require manufacturers and importers to publicly disclose both sets of results. This includes:
- Fuel or energy consumption with AC switched on
- Fuel or energy consumption with AC switched off
These figures must be published in the vehicle owner’s manual and on the official company website, ensuring easy access for prospective buyers.
AIS-213 Standard to Guide Testing
Testing will be conducted in accordance with AIS-213, which defines procedures for measuring emissions and fuel consumption with the air-conditioning system in operation for M1 vehicles. The standard accounts for the additional load imposed by the AC system and its effect on fuel use and emissions.
By adopting AIS-213, regulators aim to introduce a consistent, technically robust method for capturing the real impact of air-conditioning on vehicle efficiency, supporting more realistic mileage expectations for Indian car buyers.
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