WLTP & RDE: What are they and what do they mean to businesses?

These were introduced in September 2017, replacing the New European Driving Cycles (NEDC).

These new regulations have caused a lot of confusion, not only around what they are, but what they mean for businesses and company car drivers.

In fact, these changes might drastically affect the tax and type of car chosen by fleets.

What is WLTP?

WLTP is a new method for measuring both carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and fuel consumption.

Like with NEDC, WLTP tests still take place in the laboratory. However, they involve longer tests under more varied conditions, featuring more realistic driving behaviour. As a result, the CO2 and MPG figures recorded will more closely match the vehicle’s performance in real life.

This will be hugely beneficial to businesses, as it will give them more accurate predictions of their fleet costs; from fuel to tax.

How will WTLP come into force?

The answer is different for cars and for vans.

For cars, WLTP came into force on September 1, 2017. From that date, all new car types had to undergo the new tests – however, existing models were exempt for the first year. From September 2018, all newly registered cars have had to go through WLTP testing.

As for vans, WLTP came into force for all new types of the lightest category of van (known as ‘N1 Class I’) on September 1, 2017. It became mandatory for all newly registered lighter vans on September 1, 2018, as well as for all new types of heavier van (N1 Class II and N1 Class III). As of September 1, 2019, all newly registered heavier vans have had to go through WLTP testing.

Whilst new WLTP figures are available from manufacturers for all new cars (registered after Sept 2018), the UK Government doesn’t intend to use these figures for tax purposes until 2020. This is in order to avoid a sudden, painful spike in company car tax rates. The delay allows both manufacturers and businesses to get up to date with the new figures and their implications.

What does it mean for fleets?

There are three main ways in which fleets and their drivers will notice the move to WLTP, taxation, non-taxation effects and choice.

1. Taxation

Because WLTP means more accurate – and therefore higher – emissions figures, it could affect taxes that are tied to CO2 emissions. Some cars could be pushed into higher tax bands than they occupied under NEDC.

The taxes that will be affected include:

• Company Car Tax (CCT)
• Class 1A National Insurance Contributions (NICs)
• First-year Vehicle Excise Duty (VED)
• Corporation Tax Relief (the changes to CO2 figures may push some cars over the threshold for the 100% first-year allowance [50g/km] or the main rate [110g/km].)

2. Non-taxation effects

An Ultra-low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) is defined as one that emits 75g/km or less. Some cars may be pushed above this threshold by WLTP tests.

This could remove those cars’ eligibility for certain financial benefits, including:

• The Plug-in Car Grant
• 100% discount on London’s Congestion Charge
• Exemption from fees in forthcoming Clean Air Zones around the country

3. Choice

In the short term, some manufacturers are changing their vehicle line-ups in response to the new emissions test – including withdrawing particular engine types. This could affect the range of vehicles that are available to customers, as well as the speed of certain vehicle deliveries.

In the longer term, manufacturers may prioritise cleaner vehicles on their production lines – including electric vehicles (EVs). With other measures being introduced to encourage greener motoring, such as the spread of Clean Air Zones (CAZs), now might be the time for fleets to consider EVs.

How will WLTP affect van taxes?

Fewer van taxes are linked to emissions – at least currently – so the effect on tax bills will be relatively limited.

However, the government is working on linking VED for vans to emissions. Alongside the 2018 autumn Budget, it published a document with an ‘indicative’ outline of the new system, dividing vans into two different weight classes and then putting them into different bands according to their CO2 emissions.

The document also confirmed, however, that the government intends to consider the effect of WLTP on emissions data – and structure the new VED system accordingly.

Will WLTP effect electric vehicles?

All plug-in hybrid and fully electric vehicles (EVs) will also be tested under the new WTLP regulations. For full EVs, the new test should give businesses more realistic driving ranges, which will be invaluable to all businesses looking to switch their fleets to electric.

What are RDE tests?

RDE tests have been designed by the European Commission to tackle the large discrepancy between the emissions levels recorded in NEDC tests and those actually produced on the road, especially when it comes to nitrogen oxides (NOx).

As opposed to NEDC and WLTP, which are conducted in the lab, RDE tests take place on real roads. Vehicles are fitted with a portable emissions measurement system and driven for 90 minutes on urban and rural roads, as well as on the motorway.

In order to be approved, new cars and vans must meet the Euro 6 standard, which sets limits for emissions of NOx, carbon monoxide and particulate matter. And, from September 2018, every new vehicle will have the Euro standard to which it has been certified displayed on its V5c registration document. You can find out if your current vehicle meets the standard by using this free vehicle emissions checker.

When do RDE tests come in?

All new car types approved since September 1, 2017 must undergo RDE tests, but they won’t become mandatory for existing models until September 1, 2019. From that date, all newly registered cars will be subject to RDE tests.
How will RDE impact taxes

As of April 1, 2018, new diesel cars have faced higher first-year VED rates than petrol ones with the same CO2 emissions. But Euro 6d cars are exempt from this change. Euro 6d cars will also not have to pay the CCT diesel supplement, which was increased from 3 percentage points to 4 on April 6, 2018.

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2019 is set to be a big year for businesses of all sizes, with Brexit looming on the horizon and the additional pressure of trying to reduce carbon emissions. Whilst the company car fleet may be the last thing on managers’ minds, not keeping up with legislation changes or monitoring vehicles’ CO2 figures could be incredibly costly.

There is still time before WLTP regulations come into effect to reassess current vehicle fleets to minimise any potential tax increase. But this new regulation should also be a wake-up call for businesses that haven’t considered switching to electric vehicles, or a nudge for those who have yet to get their plans in place before April 2020.

* Matthew Walters is head of consultancy and customer data services at LeasePlan UK.