Fuel consumption: the study that reveals a considerable gap between manufacturer data and reality

Vehicle owners may find their fuel consumption is significantly higher than that advertised by manufacturers. An in-depth study conducted by the European Commission reveals the gap between theoretical and real-world fuel consumption figures. These results are based on an analysis of the usage of more than 617,000 vehicles registered in 2021.

Disparities between theoretical and real-world fuel consumption

Car manufacturers use the WLTP procedure to measure vehicle fuel consumption. However, real-world data shows significant differences compared to the advertised figures. For gasoline vehicles, real-world consumption exceeds WLTP values ​​by an average of 23.7%, representing a difference of 1.5 liters per 100 km.

• Diesel vehicles consume on average 18.1% more than the values ​​measured by the WLTP procedure, representing a difference of 1.05 liters per 100 km.
• Significant Variations Between Brands The study also highlights notable differences between car brands. Fuel consumption figures vary significantly from one manufacturer to another. Brands such as

BMW

,

Dacia ,Ford , andRenault show real-world fuel consumption figures for gasoline vehicles that exceed WLTP values ​​by 25% to over 30%. In contrast,Hyundai , Suzuki , andToyota stand out with fuel consumption figures closer to the theoretical measurements.For diesel vehicles, the disparities are less pronounced, except for Alfa Romeo ,

BMW , andSeat , which exceed WLTP values ​​by more than 25%.Considerable Difference for Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles The most surprising differences concernplug-in hybrid vehicles. The discrepancies between real-world and theoretical fuel consumption are particularly striking.

Analyses show a difference between manufacturers ranging from 170% to 345%, with an average of 238%, representing a difference of 4.21 liters per 100 km. This disparity is explained by suboptimal use of these vehicles, as owners do not charge them frequently enough, preventing them from driving primarily in electric mode.

An update to the WLTP protocol is planned for 2025 to better reflect the real-world use of plug-in hybrid vehicles. This study highlights the differences between the theoretical and actual fuel consumption of vehicles, emphasizing the importance of considering these discrepancies when buying or leasing a car. To learn more about the financing option that best suits you, see our article onbuying a car through a lease, long-term rental, or traditional loan.

For those planning electric car holidays, we offer tips to avoid traffic jams at charging stations.