Vehicles fail to match advertised range in real world

The latest Real-World Testing Program results from the RACQ and other peak motoring bodies has again shown consumers can’t always rely on the fuel consumption and emissions information provided at point of sale, with 25 of the latest 30 internal combustion engine (ICE) powered cars tested consuming more fuel in real world conditions, compared to manufacturer lab tests.

In separate testing of five popular EVs, the Clubs’ tests found their driving range was between 5% and 23% less in real driving conditions than recorded in mandatory laboratory tests.

The testing, funded by the Federal Government, aims to alleviate range anxiety and provide motorists with an independent indication of real-world battery and fuel range. It can also help consumers pick out cars that will save them money in fuel and electricity bills, which is important at a time when many are feeling cost-of-living pressures.

The first EV tests found the 2023 BYD Atto 3 recorded the largest variation from its lab test – with a real-world range of 369km on a single charge – 23% less than the 480km recorded in its laboratory test.

At the other end of the spectrum, the 2024 Smart #3 EV performed closest to its laboratory test result with a real-world driving range of 432km – 5%, or 23km, less than recorded in its mandatory laboratory test.

Other EVs tested included the 2022 Kia EV 6 and the 2024 Telsa Model Y, which both had driving ranges of 8% less in the real-world tests, and the 2024 Tesla Model 3 which had a real-world range of 441km on a full charge, 14% less than the 513km achieved in the lab.

EV Real-World Testing Program results

 Australian Automobile Association (AAA) Managing Director Michael Bradley said range anxiety continued to be a significant barrier to EV uptake.

“We hope these independent results will give Australian car-buyers far greater confidence about the real-world range of new EVs on the market,” Mr Bradley said.

New round of ICE vehicle testing

As well as these five EVs, the AAA-led Program has now tested 114 popular ICE cars, vans and utes since August 2023, with more than three-quarters (77%) found to be using more fuel than advertised.

 The latest batch of Real-World Testing results showed the Hyundai Kona Hybrid using 33% more fuel on-road than in its lab test, with the Kia Stonic (26% more fuel), Hyundai i30 Hybrid (17%), Toyota Fortuner (16%), and Kia Sportage Hybrid (14%) rounding out the top five for discrepancies recorded. (Full list of results below).

The best performing models included the Ford Transit custom which used 9% less fuel than its laboratory test, the Lexus NX350h which used 7% less, and the Mercedes-Benz GLB250 which used 3% less.

Manufacturers overstating performance

“Some vehicles perform as advertised, but most do not, and our Program is seeking to reward carmakers that deliver genuine financial and environmental savings.” Mr Bradley said.

The Real-World Testing Program will test up to 200 of Australia’s most popular makes and models.

The program tested cars in and around Geelong, Victoria, on a mix of roads including urban, rural and motorways. It uses strict test protocols to ensure fuel consumption and emissions results are repeatable and to minimise the influence of human factors such as driving style and changing traffic flows.

Before launching the program, the AAA conducted more than 20 tests on its reference vehicle (a Toyota RAV4) with test protocols found to deliver results varying by less than 2.5%.

Relevant vehicle brands were notified prior to the publication of any testing results. The information in this article has been prepared for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal advice or specific advice to any particular person. Before acting on anything based on this information you should consider its appropriateness to you, having regard to your objectives and needs. The information within this article is only correct as at the date of publication.

Latest Real-World Testing Program results