How are fuel consumption ratings determined?
The fuel consumption ratings on the EnerGuide for vehicles labels, in the Fuel Consumption Guide, and on the Office of Energy Efficiency’s web site were submitted by vehicle manufacturers who have certified that the tests and calculations were carried out according to approved Transport Canada methods. Transport Canada is responsible for ensuring the accuracy of the data. New vehicles are “run in” for about 6000 km before testing. Vehicles are mounted on a programmable two-wheel laboratory chassis dynamometer and, using two-wheel drive (the 4WD or AWD is physically disconnected), are run through simulated city and highway driving cycles. This carefully controlled method of testing, including the use of standardized fuels, laboratories and testing equipment is used instead of on-road driving to ensure that all vehicles are tested under identical conditions. Fuel consumption ratings are generated based on test cycles and correction factors that take into account the aerodynamic efficienc
