The test procedure jointly developed by ADAC and the FIA Foundation has been used since 2003. In EcoTest, ADAC has been testing the environmental soundness of numerous vehicles of various classes and sizes (Vehicle classes).
Protecting the environment one star at a time
Within EcoTest we test passenger cars with different drive-trains on the basis of a special measurement and rating protocol. Our testing clearly exceeds legal requirements and provides independent results. The more stars a vehicle wins, the more environmentally sound it is. The scoring system allows for a five-star maximum rating.
Special additional tests and strict standards
EcoTest is based on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), a prerequisite for type approval in the EU. In addition, we also test the environmental performance in more diverse cycles. Our tests include the ADAC Motorway Cycle, testing the behaviour of vehicles on a motorway with the air condition on, as well as the warm engine NEDC with the air condition on.
EcoTest rates pollutant emissions (carbon monoxide CO, hydrocarbons HC, nitrogen oxides NOx, particulate matter) and the emissions of the greenhouse gas carbon monoxide CO2. Some of the standards are more stringent than required by law. Whereas by law there are different emission levels for petrol and diesel cars, under EcoTest the same levels apply for all drive-train types.
Download the Testing and Assessment Protocol (PDF) >