EU Prepares To Dump Lab Testing And Use Real World For Emission Results

It's about time!

In theory, there's no difference between theory and practice.

But in practice, there IS a difference between theory and practice.

If the objective is to get good numbers in a lab and feel good about them (sort of like getting good grades on a test), then the current methodology does a great job. But if the objective is to reduce specific emissions (sort of like actually being able to apply the stuff you learned in school once you get out into the real world), then turning to measure real-world performance is where you'll see how we're *really* doing.

You'd think that would be common sense, right? It took a Volkswagen to get us to wake up and go, "yeah, I guess."

While I agree that real world testing should have been included initially - one must remember that it was not - and manufacturers were given specific conditions under which they would test their vehicles. So - while it may seem that there was no real change in emissions - that is not the case - in testing an apples to apples way - the cars did reduce emissions. However - what should have been said it that this was not the same as real world testing - and so therefore one should not expect the same emissions.

It is much like the Fuel Economy standards - in the USA - which are based on a specific lab test procedure. It has resulted in better fuel mileage - but the real world results are different (But still better than before). Manufacturers were given a specific goal based on specific testing - and that is what they went after. And in fact - changing the testing procedures would be really big problem - requiring re-engineering and long lead times increased because of a different target.

On the money!