On February 20, 2021, China approved the release of Fuel Consumption Limits for Passenger Cars (GB 19578-2021). Under the guidance of Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), this mandatory national standard was revised by National Technical Committee for Auto Standardization (NTCAS).

GB 19578-2021 applies to vehicles (M1 category up to 3,500 kg of maximum mass) powered primarily by gasoline or diesel, and will take effect on July 1, 2021. The fuel consumption defined in GB 19578-2021 will be measured according to Worldwide harmonized Light duty Test Cycle (WLTC) for more realistic results.

This standard support the smooth implementation of the China dual-credit policy together with the Fuel Consumption Evaluation Methods and Targets for Passenger Cars (GB 27999-2014), in order to encourage the automotive technology in energy saving and emission reduction, eliminate the vehicles with high fuel consumption, and promote the sustainable development of the automobile industry.

The revision of GB 19578 features a shift from the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) to the more representative and dynamic WLTC. For more official interpretation of GB 19578-2021, please learn from the following illustration from NTCAS: