{"id":3527,"date":"2026-01-28T14:34:19","date_gmt":"2026-01-28T09:04:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carbikebhp.com\/blogs\/?p=3527"},"modified":"2026-01-28T14:34:24","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T09:04:24","slug":"government-mandates-ac-on-mileage-testing-india","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carbikebhp.com\/blogs\/government-mandates-ac-on-mileage-testing-india\/","title":{"rendered":"Government Mandates AC On Mileage Testing India"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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If you\u2019ve ever bought a car expecting the advertised mileage only to be disappointed on Indian roads, you\u2019re not alone. The fuel efficiency figures in brochures rarely reflect real-world results, mainly because testing standards don\u2019t mimic Indian driving conditions.<\/span><\/p>

Government Steps In: A Major Policy Shift<\/strong><\/span><\/p>

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is set to address this issue with a landmark proposal. Starting October 1, 2026, carmakers must test and publish fuel efficiency figures with both the air conditioning (AC) turned on and off\u2014making mileage claims more transparent and trustworthy.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Understanding the Proposed Rule<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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What\u2019s Being Suggested?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>

A draft notification from MoRTH requires that every vehicle sold in India, whether domestically manufactured or imported, must undergo fuel efficiency testing under two scenarios:<\/span><\/p>

  • With the air conditioning off<\/span><\/strong><\/li>
  • With the air conditioning on<\/span><\/strong><\/li><\/ul>

    Manufacturers will then be required to publicly share both sets of figures.<\/span><\/p>

    Which Vehicles Will This Affect?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>

    This rule applies to all powertrain types, including:<\/span><\/p>

    • Petrol cars<\/span><\/strong><\/li>
    • Diesel cars<\/span><\/strong><\/li>
    • CNG vehicles<\/span><\/strong><\/li>
    • Hybrids<\/span><\/strong><\/li>
    • Electric vehicles (EVs)<\/span><\/strong><\/li><\/ul>

      It represents one of the biggest changes in India\u2019s approach to fuel efficiency.<\/span><\/p>

      Timeline for Implementation<\/strong><\/span><\/p>

      • Draft Notification: 2025<\/span><\/strong><\/li>
      • Final Implementation: October 1, 2026<\/span><\/strong><\/li><\/ul>

        All new cars sold from this date must comply with the dual-test regime.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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        Why AC Usage Matters in India<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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        The Reality of Indian Driving<\/strong><\/span><\/p>

        In India, driving without AC is rare due to the hot, humid, and congested conditions. AC is a necessity, not a luxury.<\/span><\/p>

        How AC Impacts Efficiency<\/strong><\/span><\/p>

        • Petrol\/Diesel Cars:<\/strong> The AC compressor draws power from the engine, increasing fuel consumption.<\/span><\/li>
        • Electric Vehicles:<\/strong> AC usage drains the battery, reducing range\u2014especially critical in hot weather.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>

          The Current Shortfall<\/strong><\/span><\/p>

          Currently, official mileage figures are based on global (mostly European) test cycles, conducted with the AC off. These tests don\u2019t account for India\u2019s hotter climate, heavier traffic, or typical driving styles, causing real-world mileage to be 15\u201330% lower than advertised.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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          What This Means for Car Buyers<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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          Key Benefits for Consumers<\/strong><\/span><\/p>

          From 2026, buyers will see:<\/span><\/p>

          • Mileage figures with AC off<\/span><\/li>
          • Mileage figures with AC on<\/span><\/li><\/ul>

            Why This Matters<\/strong><\/span><\/p>

            • More realistic expectations<\/span><\/li>
            • Easier car comparisons<\/span><\/li>
            • Accurate fuel cost calculations<\/span><\/li>
            • Greater transparency<\/span><\/li><\/ul>

              This is especially valuable for budget-conscious buyers of entry-level and mass-market vehicles.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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              Manufacturer Responsibilities Under AIS-213<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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              Standardized Testing and Reporting<\/strong><\/span><\/p>

              Manufacturers must follow the AIS-213 standard, which prescribes:<\/span><\/p>

              • Specific test methods for AC-on scenarios<\/span><\/li>
              • Consistent test conditions<\/span><\/li>
              • Uniform reporting formats<\/span><\/li><\/ul>

                Where Will These Figures Appear?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>

                Both mileage numbers must be published in:<\/span><\/p>

                • Owner\u2019s manuals<\/span><\/li>
                • Official websites<\/span><\/li>
                • Sales brochures<\/span><\/li>
                • Promotional materials<\/span><\/li><\/ul>

                  This ensures consumers have access to transparent information before making a purchase.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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                  A Major Shift in Indian Regulations<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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                  Moving Beyond European Standards<\/strong><\/span><\/p>

                  India has relied on European testing cycles that don\u2019t consider:<\/span><\/p>

                  • Hot weather<\/span><\/strong><\/li>
                  • Frequent idling<\/span><\/strong><\/li>
                  • City traffic<\/span><\/strong><\/li>
                  • Constant AC usage<\/span><\/strong><\/li><\/ul>

                    The new rule marks a move towards India-specific regulations, reflecting local climate, traffic, and real-world usage.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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                    Impact on Claimed Mileage and EV Ranges<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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                    What to Expect Post-2026<\/strong><\/span><\/p>

                    • Claimed mileage figures may appear lower<\/span><\/li>
                    • EV range claims will become more realistic<\/span><\/li>
                    • Brochure numbers will better reflect everyday experiences<\/span><\/li><\/ul>

                      Important Reminders<\/strong><\/span><\/p>

                      Even with improved testing, mileage still depends on:<\/span><\/p>

                      • Driving habits<\/span><\/li>
                      • Loads and terrain<\/span><\/li>
                      • Traffic and weather<\/span><\/li>
                      • Regular maintenance<\/span><\/li><\/ul>

                        However, the gap between claimed and actual results will narrow significantly<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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                        Building Trust: Expert Insights<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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                        Benefits for Industry and Consumers<\/strong><\/span><\/p>

                        This new rule promises:<\/span><\/p>

                        • Increased customer trust<\/span><\/li>
                        • Stronger brand credibility<\/span><\/li>
                        • Fairer competition among carmakers<\/span><\/li><\/ul>

                          Manufacturers will be motivated to innovate in areas like AC efficiency and energy management, particularly for electric vehicles.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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                          Special Focus: Electric Vehicles<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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                          Why This Matters for EV Buyers<\/strong><\/span><\/p>

                          • Clearer understanding of range loss due to AC<\/span><\/li>
                          • Better trip planning<\/span><\/li>
                          • More accurate real-world expectations<\/span><\/li><\/ul>

                            Transparent range reporting is key to building consumer confidence in India\u2019s growing EV market.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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                            Conclusion<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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                            India\u2019s upcoming mileage testing rules are a bold and necessary reform. By factoring in real-world conditions\u2014especially AC usage\u2014they bridge the gap between lab results and everyday driving.<\/span><\/p>

                            • For buyers:<\/strong> Greater clarity and confidence<\/span><\/li>
                            • For automakers:<\/strong> Incentives for transparency and better engineering<\/span><\/li>
                            • For the industry:<\/strong> A step towards a more consumer-centric market<\/span><\/li><\/ul>

                              This is a positive move for both Indian car owners and the automotive sector at large.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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                              FAQs<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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                              \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhen does AC-on mileage testing become mandatory?<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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                              October 1, 2026.<\/span><\/p><\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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                              Yes, EVs will be tested for range with AC both on and off.<\/span><\/p><\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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                              Previous tests followed European standards, which don\u2019t account for Indian conditions.<\/span><\/p><\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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                              \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWill car prices increase?<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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                              No direct price increase is expected, as the change affects only testing and reporting.<\/span><\/p><\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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                              \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWill claimed mileage figures drop after 2026?<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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                              They may look lower, but they\u2019ll be much closer to what owners actually experience.<\/span><\/p><\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                              If you\u2019ve ever bought a car expecting the advertised mileage only to be disappointed on Indian roads, you\u2019re not alone. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3532,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[20,25],"tags":[1126,1125,1127],"class_list":["post-3527","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-car-news","category-maintenance-tips","tag-car-mileage-test-with-ac-on-india-2026","tag-india-ac-on-mileage-testing-rule-2026","tag-real-world-mileage-testing-india-2026"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carbikebhp.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3527","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carbikebhp.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carbikebhp.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carbikebhp.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carbikebhp.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3527"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.carbikebhp.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3527\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3533,"href":"https:\/\/www.carbikebhp.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3527\/revisions\/3533"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carbikebhp.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3532"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carbikebhp.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3527"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carbikebhp.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3527"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carbikebhp.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3527"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}