GB20997-2024
Limits and evaluation targets of fuel consumption for light-duty commercial vehicles
轻型商用车辆燃料消耗量限值及评价指标
GB 20997-2024 is a current mandatory Chinese national standard for Limits and evaluation targets of fuel consumption for light-duty commercial vehicles. It appears in the Electronics compliance cluster with a testing methods focus and has an implementation date of Jan 1, 2026.
Applicability depends on product scope, certification route, competent authority notices and transition rules. Requst for the translation or verify source before using this record in a compliance decision.
Compliance overview
Scope and applicability
This standard applies to N1 class vehicles and M2 class vehicles (with a maximum design total mass not exceeding 3500kg) that have a maximum design speed of 50km/h or greater. It covers vehicles powered by gasoline, diesel, pure electric, fuel cell, gas fuels, and alcohol ether fuels. This standard is mandatory for all manufacturers and importers of applicable light-duty commercial vehicles in China. It does not apply to special-purpose operational vehicles.
Technical requirements
The standard establishes mandatory fuel consumption limits calculated based on the vehicle's test mass (TM) and fuel type (gasoline or diesel) for both N1 and M2 categories. For vehicles with special structures, such as those with self-dumping structures, the limit is adjusted by a specific multiplier. Manufacturers must ensure that the type approval value of fuel consumption for each vehicle model does not exceed the specified limit. In addition to individual model limits, the standard introduces Corporate Average Fuel Consumption (CAFC) evaluation indicators. It sets target values for each vehicle model and calculates a corporate average target based on annual production or import volumes. Enterprises must meet annual CAFC requirements, which progressively tighten from 124% of the target in 2026 to 100% by 2030. The standard also defines specific calculation multipliers for new energy vehicles (pure electric, fuel cell, and plug-in hybrid) and high-efficiency conventional vehicles when computing the CAFC. These multipliers are designed to incentivize the production of advanced technologies and will gradually decrease from 1.4x to 1.0x by 2030. Off-cycle technology devices may also qualify for fuel consumption reduction credits.
Testing methods
Fuel consumption and energy consumption values are determined using the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Cycle (WLTC). For conventional and hybrid vehicles, testing follows the procedures outlined in GB/T 19233-2020 and GB/T 19753-2021. Pure electric and fuel cell vehicles utilize GB/T 18386.1-2021 and GB/T 43252-2023 respectively. The standard also mandates production consistency evaluations to ensure mass-produced vehicles comply with the certified type approval values.
FAQs
What products are regulated under GB 20997-2024?
The standard applies to N1 class vehicles and M2 class vehicles (with a maximum design total mass not exceeding 3500kg) that have a maximum design speed of 50km/h or greater. This includes gasoline, diesel, pure electric, fuel cell, and alternative fuel vehicles. It does not apply to special-purpose operational vehicles.
What are the main updates in GB 20997-2024 compared to the 2015 version?
The 2024 version introduces Corporate Average Fuel Consumption (CAFC) requirements, adds calculation methods for CO2 emission reference values, updates fuel consumption determination methods using the WLTC, and includes new type approval report templates for hybrid vehicles. It also sets a phased compliance timeline for CAFC targets starting from 2026.
How does GB 20997-2024 align with international standards?
The standard aligns closely with international testing protocols by adopting the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Cycle (WLTC) for fuel consumption determination. However, it introduces China-specific CAFC evaluation targets, multipliers for new energy vehicles, and a phased compliance timeline that are unique to the Chinese regulatory framework.
The summary above provides a high-level overview of GB 20997-2024. To ensure complete compliance for your light-duty commercial vehicles entering the Chinese market, a precise and professional translation of the full technical specifications is essential. Purchase our high-quality English translation of GB 20997-2024 today to access all detailed parameter formulas, CAFC calculation tables, and testing procedures.
Applicability hints
- Type
- Management
- CCS
- T40
- ICS
- 43.020
- Competent department
- Ministry of Industry and Information Technology
- Technical committee
- National Technical Committee on Automobiles of Standardization Administration of China
Relationships
Replaces:GB 20997-2015