China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle
The China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC) is a standardized chassis-dynamometer driving cycle used to measure light-duty vehicle energy consumption and electric range under prescribed laboratory conditions in China.
What the result represents
The cycle defines a sequence of vehicle speeds, stops, and accelerations intended to represent specified driving patterns. The vehicle follows that trace in controlled test conditions, and the measured electrical energy use is applied within the governing procedure to determine consumption and range.
A CLTC range is a certification result, not a promise of distance in every trip. Temperature, sustained motorway speed, wind, precipitation, gradients, cabin heating or cooling, tyres, load, and usable battery energy can make road range higher or lower. The test-cycle label must therefore stay attached to the number.
CLTC figures should be compared with other CLTC figures produced under compatible procedures. A numerical comparison with WLTP or EPA range does not by itself show that one vehicle is more efficient, because the speed traces, test conditions, corrections, and calculation rules differ.
For the test structure and interpretation of CLTC range, see CLTC Range Testing.