What is ARAI vs Real-World Mileage: Indian Car Buyers Must Know Before Buying
ARAI mileage is the fuel efficiency figure certified by the Automotive Research Association of India. This mileage is tested under controlled lab conditions with no traffic, minimal load, and the AC off. On the other hand, real-world mileage is the actual mileage a car delivers during daily driving on Indian roads, in city traffic, with AC usage, passenger load, road conditions, and driving style, resulting in a 20-40% lower figure than ARAI mileage.
With multiple fuel options such as CNG, petrol, diesel, and EVs, mileage is the No. 1 factor for Indian car buyers. Yet most buyers still rely on the automaker's ARAI-claimed mileage. But they discover real-world mileage after purchase, driving in different real-world conditions.
What Is ARAI Mileage in Cars?
ARAI stands for the Automotive Research Association of India, a government-recognised automotive testing and certification body that evaluates vehicle mileage before launch in India. The evaluated mileage under controlled laboratory conditions is referred to as ARAI mileage. It represents the vehicle’s maximum achievable fuel efficiency in ideal conditions. These figures are shared with manufacturers, who legally publish them in the vehicle's official brochure.
How Is ARAI Mileage Tested?
ARAI mileage is calculated in a lab under ideal conditions, not in real-world conditions.
Testing Method:
Laboratory Setup:
- Chahssis dynamometer (a roller or treadmill)
- Controlled temperature (25°C)
Test Cycle
- Duration: 19 Minutes (1140 seconds)
- Distance covered: 10 km
- Average speed: 31.6 km/h with a maximum speed cap of 90 km/h
AC & Electrical Equipment Switched Off
- Air-conditioner and cabin Blower
- Infotainment and audio system
- Headlamps, DRLs, and interior lights
Real-World Conditions Removed
- No traffic or idling
- No speed breakers and potholes
- No sudden braking or acceleration
- Single driver inside the car, empty boot
- No aggressive throttle, smooth driving
Vehicle preparation during testing: The chassis dynamometer, calibrated to simulate basic resistance factors such as:
- Air resistance (drag)
- Tyre rolling resistance
- Vehicle weight and inertia
By ignoring the real-life driving conditions above, ARAI mileage is usually 20%-40% higher in India.
What is Real-World Mileage?
Unlike brochure mileage, real-world mileage is the actual mileage a car driver achieves in everyday driving conditions, such as:
- City traffic
- Highway runs
- AC usage
- Driving Style (Aggressive or Smooth)
- Passenger and luggage load in the car
- Indian road quality (uneven or highway) and driving habits
Factors That Affect Real-World Mileage in India
- Traffic Condition: Frequent braking and stops in heavy traffic, stop-and-go traffic, and long idling at signals drastically reduce mileage.
- AC Usage: Using the AC in the car can reduce mileage by up to 15% in petrol, 5-10% in diesel, and 15% in CNG cars.
- Passengers & Luggage Load: More weight forces the engine to produce more power to carry it. A fully loaded car can lose up to 10% mileage compared to solo driving.
- Driving Style: Aggressive acceleration (speed), high RPM, and frequent overtaking reduce real-world mileage, but smooth driving yields better mileage.
- Road Conditions & Terrain: Uneven, broken roads; flyovers; speed breakers; and hilly terrain reduce fuel efficiency.
Electric Cars Real-World Range
In electric cars, real-world range is affected by features like AC, infotainment, audio systems, Lights, and DRLs. Since energy is shared among other equipment, 100% battery power does not directly convert into driving range; it is consumed by other equipment. The real-world range may be reduced up to 35% compared to the claimed ARAI range.
Real-World Mileage vs ARAI Mileage in India
Fuel Type | Driving Condition | ARAI Mileage (Claimed) | Real-World Mileage | Average Difference |
Petrol | City Traffic | 18–22 kmpl | 11–15 kmpl | 30–40% lower |
Petrol | Highway | 18–22 kmpl | 14–17 kmpl | 20–30% lower |
Diesel | City Traffic | 20–25 kmpl | 15–18 kmpl | 25–30% lower |
Diesel | Highway | 20–25 kmpl | 17–21 kmpl | 15–25% lower |
CNG | City Traffic | 26–34 km/kg | 18–24 km/kg | 30–40% lower |
CNG | Highway | 26–34 km/kg | 22–28 km/kg | 20–30% lower |
Electric (Range) | Mixed Driving | 350–500 km | 250–380 km | 20–35% lower |
Actual mileage may vary depending on driving conditions, traffic, maintenance, and driving style.
How Buyer Should Use Real-World Mileage Correctly?
- Always compare other cars within the same segment (hatchback to hatchback), not across segments
- Check the owner-reported mileage data, not brochure claims
- Highway and city mileage should be calculated separately
- Calculate Cost Per Km, not just kmpl
- Match mileage with your daily usage pattern
- Always expect 60-70% of ARAI mileage in city driving as a safe estimate
