Planning to Buy a New Car? Mileage Numbers Could Get More Realistic

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed a draft notification to mandate fuel consumption testing for cars with the air-conditioning system operational. This amendment to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, aims to provide consumers with more realistic mileage figures. Starting October 1, 2026, all vehicles in category M1, including both internal combustion and electric vehicles, will undergo tests as per the AIS-213 standard. This regulation seeks to standardize fuel consumption data across different vehicle types.

Keshav Rajput

Updated Jan 19, 2026, 12:13 PM IST

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued a draft notification proposing mandatory fuel consumption testing of cars with the air-conditioning (AC) system in operation, in addition to existing tests conducted with the AC switched off. The proposal forms part of an amendment to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, and is intended to provide more realistic mileage data to vehicle buyers.

The draft notification issued by the Ministry said, “On and after Oct 1, 2026, all vehicles of category M1 (cars), manufactured or imported in India, shall be tested for measurement of fuel consumption with air-conditioning system in operation, as per AIS-213, as amended from time to time.”

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Vehicles Covered Under the Draft Rule

The proposed regulation applies to all cars, including internal combustion engine vehicles and electric vehicles. By extending the rule to both fuel-based and battery-powered models, the ministry aims to standardise the way energy or fuel consumption data is measured and disclosed across powertrain types.

Testing Standard to Be Followed

Fuel consumption testing with the air-conditioning system switched on will be carried out as per AIS-213, which is updated from time to time. The standard explains how fuel or energy use should be measured when the AC is operating, taking into account the extra load it places on the vehicle during normal driving. At present, car manufacturers declare mileage figures based on tests done without the air-conditioning system in use.

Planning to Buy a New Car? Mileage Numbers Could Get More Realistic

Vehicles Covered Under the Draft Rule

Testing Standard to Be Followed

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