Analysis of Differences Between the Current CLTC and China’s Current Traffic Operation Characteristics

With the significant increase in the ownership and market share of new energy vehicles, the current characteristics of China’s traffic operation have undergone remarkable changes compared with those before 2020. This paper focuses on a systematic study of the differences between the current China Light-duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC) and the current traffic operation characteristics. Firstly, the data are derived from the actual on-road operation data of nearly 400 new energy vehicles collected during 2020-2025. Based on this, a comparative analysis framework is established from two dimensions: differences in variable characteristics and differences in test energy consumption. The results show that due to the substantial rise in new energy vehicle ownership and market share, the maximum speed on roads has increased significantly, and the acceleration and deceleration have become more intense. The significant changes in traffic operation characteristics have further widened the deviation between the energy consumption tested under the existing CLTC and the actual energy consumption. Comprehensive research indicates that the increased market penetration of new energy vehicles has brought about obvious changes to the traffic operation characteristics formed during the era dominated by traditional fuel vehicles. Therefore, launching a new round of revision work on the CLTC is of great practical significance for promoting the high-quality development of the new energy vehicle industry in the future.