Starting from February 1, 2008, China introduced the "Limits for Fuel Consumption of Light Commercial Vehicles" (GB20997-2007), a mandatory national standard approved by the National Standardization Management Committee on July 19, 2007. This regulation aligns with the Energy Conservation Law and plays a crucial role in promoting energy efficiency and reducing emissions in the automotive sector. It aims to improve China's vehicle energy conservation standards and encourage technological advancements in light commercial vehicles.
The standard sets two stages of fuel consumption limits. From February 1, 2008, newly certified basic models and their variants must meet the second-stage requirements. Starting January 1, 2009, production vehicles certified before February 1, 2008, must comply with the first-stage limit. By January 1, 2011, all applicable vehicles must meet the second-phase requirements. Once fully implemented, the average fuel consumption of light commercial vehicles is expected to decrease by 10% to 15%.
Developing this standard required careful consideration of how to evaluate and set fuel consumption limits. Prior to the official standard, the China Automotive Technology and Research Center began researching an evaluation system. Unlike the U.S. and Japan, where different systems were used, China needed a tailored approach due to its unique market conditions.
Through extensive research and analysis of 544 light commercial vehicles from 14 manufacturers, the drafting team found that total mass and engine displacement had a strong correlation with fuel consumption. They decided to use both factors as key indicators for setting limits, ensuring the standard reflects real-world vehicle performance.
The standard includes 33 sets of limit values, accounting for differences in vehicle types and engine sizes. For example, gasoline and diesel trucks have distinct fuel consumption profiles. The first stage of the standard was set relatively leniently, allowing most existing models to meet the requirements. The second stage, introduced later, is stricter—about 5% to 10% more stringent than the first.
China’s light commercial vehicles typically do not use engines larger than 4 or 5 liters, and the standard discourages large-displacement engines. Despite this, there is still room for improvement, especially in small-displacement vehicles. The implementation timeline was designed to give manufacturers time to adapt, with the second stage being introduced earlier than the first.
In summary, the GB20997-2007 standard marks a significant step in China’s efforts to promote energy efficiency in the automotive industry. It balances practicality with environmental goals, setting a clear path for future improvements in fuel economy.
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