Archive · 19 Jan 2026
India Mandates AC-On Fuel Testing for Cars from 2026
The Indian government has announced that starting from October 2026, all new cars, including those with regular engines and electric ones, will have to be tested for fuel efficiency with the air conditioner (AC) turned on.
This change is being made because current tests are done without the AC, which doesn't reflect real-world driving conditions in India, where AC is used a lot.
From now on, car companies will have to show two sets of mileage numbers: one with the AC off and one with the AC on.
This will help people make better choices when buying a car.
The tests will be done by a special organization called ARAI, and the new rule will apply to all new cars made or imported after October 2026.
India will mandate AC-on fuel efficiency testing for all passenger cars from October 2026.
Both Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles and electric vehicles (EVs) will be required to undergo testing with AC operational.
Manufacturers must display dual mileage figures (AC on and off) in user manuals and promotional materials.
Current tests follow European norms, which do not account for AC usage, leading to discrepancies in real-world efficiency.
The change aims to provide more accurate and realistic mileage data to help consumers make informed decisions.
- Who
- Indian Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)
- What
- Mandating AC-on fuel efficiency testing for all passenger cars
- When
- Effective from October 1, 2026
- Where
- India
- Why
- To provide more accurate and realistic mileage data for consumers
- Effective Date
- October 1, 2026
- Applicable Vehicles
- Passenger cars (M1 category), including ICE and EVs
- Testing Standard
- AIS-213
- Testing Authority
- Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI)
- Mileage Display
- Dual figures (AC on and off)
- Current Standard
- European norms (AC off during testing)