India’s automotive and transport policymakers are pushing for a significant revision in how fuel-efficiency tests are conducted. The government has proposed that tests by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) include the impact of air-conditioner usage, especially in hot-weather conditions where AC load substantially affects fuel consumption. This move is intended to produce test results that more accurately reflect real-world driving scenarios for Indian consumers. Why AC Use Matters for Fuel Efficiency Fuel-efficiency ratings play a crucial role in shaping buyer decisions, regulatory norms, and environmental policies. Currently, vehicles undergo standardized laboratory tests without considering auxiliary loads such as the air conditioner, which many drivers use routinely due to India’s warm climate. Since an AC compressor places additional load on the engine, fuel economy typically drops when the system is in use. By factoring AC usage into test cycles, ratings could better approximate the on-road mileage that consumers experience. Current Testing Regime and Its Limitations ARAI currently conducts fuel-efficiency tests under established protocols that simulate standardized driving conditions. While these tests are internationally recognised and facilitate comparisons across models, they do not include elements such as AC load, variable traffic patterns, and environmental factors like temperature and humidity. Critics… Read MoreBusiness Archives – Trak.in – Indian Business of Tech, Mobile & Startups
