Electric Cars in Australia Show Up to 23% Lower Range Than Advertised, AAA Study Finds

A new government-funded study has revealed that the real-world driving range of some of Australia’s most popular electric vehicles (EVs) falls short of official laboratory test results. The Australian Automobile Association (AAA), through its Real World Testing Program, found discrepancies ranging from 5% to 23% between claimed and actual ranges of models from Tesla, BYD, Kia, and Smart.

While the findings highlight that consumers cannot always rely on lab figures alone, industry representatives emphasize that EVs still provide sufficient range for everyday use.

Background: The AAA Real World Testing Program

The Real World Testing Program is a four-year initiative funded by the federal government to provide consumers with more accurate data on vehicle performance. The program measures:

• Driving range of electric vehicles.

• Fuel consumption and emissions of petrol, diesel, and hybrid cars.

• Real-world electricity consumption for EVs.

Cars are tested on a 93 km circuit around Geelong, Victoria, covering urban, rural, and highway conditions. The process is based on European protocols to ensure fairness and consistency.

This program aims to bridge the gap between laboratory testing often conducted under controlled and ideal conditions and the unpredictable nature of real driving.

Short Summary Table

Key Findings on Electric Vehicles

The AAA tested five electric vehicles: Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y, BYD Atto 3, Kia EV6, and Smart #3. All showed lower ranges in real-world conditions compared to their official laboratory results.

Real-World vs Laboratory Range Results

The BYD Atto 3 showed the largest discrepancy, with its real-world range being 23% lower than claimed. The Smart #3 performed the best, showing only a 5% gap.

Industry Response

Despite the discrepancies, both the AAA and industry experts argue the findings should reassure rather than discourage potential EV buyers.

AAA’s Perspective

Michael Bradley, Managing Director of the AAA, said the results demonstrate why real-world testing is essential for consumers.

“Laboratory testing is a regulatory requirement, but our results show that consumers cannot always rely on these numbers when making purchasing decisions,” he stated.

The AAA plans to continue testing more EVs as they enter the Australian market, ensuring consumers have clearer insights into actual performance.

Electric Vehicle Council’s View

The Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) supported the findings, suggesting that they could help reduce consumer concerns about range anxiety.

Aman Gaur, Head of Legal, Policy and Advocacy at the EVC, highlighted that the average Australian drives only 33 km per day.

“This means that even an EV with a real-world range of 350 km can last more than 10 days before requiring a recharge,” he said.

Carmaker Reactions

• Smart EV (LSH Auto Australia): The company welcomed the results, noting that achieving only a 5% variation under stringent conditions was proof of strong battery technology.

• Other Manufacturers: While Tesla, Kia, and BYD have not yet issued detailed statements, the industry generally acknowledges that real-world factors such as weather, terrain, traffic, and driver behavior naturally reduce efficiency compared to laboratory testing.

Broader Context: Fuel, Emissions, and Consumer Information

The AAA’s EV findings follow a separate study released in July, which revealed that 77% of petrol, diesel, and hybrid vehicles consumed more fuel than advertised. Additionally, one in five exceeded their official emissions levels in real-world testing.

This trend underscores the importance of transparent, independent testing to help consumers make informed decisions. Currently, official figures advertised by carmakers in Australia come from mandatory laboratory testing, which is listed on the government’s Green Vehicle Guide.

What This Means for Consumers

The study confirms that while official lab-tested figures provide a standardized baseline for comparison, they should not be interpreted as guarantees of real-world performance.

Key Takeaways for Buyers:

• Expect some variation between official and actual range.

• Consider your average daily driving needs; for most Australians, even lower real-world ranges are more than sufficient.

• Factor in conditions like road type, climate, and passenger loads, which influence efficiency.

The results also suggest that as EV adoption rises, independent testing will play a crucial role in building trust among consumers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Why do EVs have lower real-world ranges than official figures?

A. Official figures come from laboratory tests conducted under controlled conditions. Real-world driving involves variables such as traffic, weather, terrain, and driving style, which reduce efficiency.

Q2: Should consumers be worried about range anxiety?

A. No. The average Australian drives only 33 km per day. Even EVs with real-world ranges of 350 km can cover more than a week of driving before needing a recharge.

Q3: Which EV performed best in the AAA test?

A. The Smart #3 showed the smallest gap, with only a 5% difference between claimed and real-world range.

Q4: Will the AAA continue testing more EVs?

A. Yes. The AAA intends to test more electric vehicles as they enter the Australian market to provide consumers with transparent and independent information.

Q5: Where can I find official figures for cars sold in Australia?

A. Consumers can check the federal government’s Green Vehicle Guide for official lab-tested emissions, fuel efficiency, and EV range data.

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