US EditionEV real-world range testing finds popular models falling short by up to 23pc less than advertised
GEELONG, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA, AUG 7 – Testing reveals electric vehicles have 5 to 23 percent less real-world range than lab claims, with the BYD Atto 3 showing the largest gap, according to the Australian Automobile Association.
- On Wednesday, the Australian Automobile Association revealed in its Real-World Testing Program that five EV models’ ranges were 5 per cent to 23 per cent less than lab claims.
- Since 2023, the program has operated with $14 million of Commonwealth funding to assess EV range after initially testing internal combustion engine and hybrid vehicles.
- Among the models tested, the Smart #3 recorded a real-world range of 432 kilometres, 5 per cent below its lab result, while BYD Atto 3 managed only 369 kilometres, 23 per cent less.
- The FCAI noted that EV sales remained below 8 per cent of new vehicles in 2025, while AAA managing director Michael Bradley said the testing will help consumers and fleets understand battery range.
- Last month, polling found that 60 per cent of likely EV buyers cited range and recharging concerns, prompting AAA to expand its program for Australian consumers.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Tesla, Kia EV range claims fail to hold up in independent testing
Independent testing has found several popular EVs fell short of their claimed driving ranges when placed in real-world conditions, including the Tesla Model Y, Model 3, and Kia EV6. In the most egregious discrepancy, one vehicle demonstrated an enormous 23 percent reduction in range. SEE ALSO: Tesla grants Elon Musk $29 billion pay package, fights to give him $55.8 billion The Australian Automobile Association's (AAA) Real-World Testing Program…
EV real-world range testing finds popular models falling short by up to 23pc less than advertised
A popular Chinese-made electric vehicle has a real-world driving range of nearly one quarter less than advertised under laboratory conditions, according to testing conducted by the Australian Automobile Association (AAA).
Can EVs travel as far as they claim? New real-world testing suggests no
The Australian Automobile Association’s Real-World Testing Program moves beyond internal combustion and hybrid models, and puts electric vehicle range ratings to the test. In a move that aims to demystify the differences between manufacturer-stated lab ratings by using ‘real-world’ testing, the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) has found some popular electric vehicles (EVs) cannot travel as far as advertised. In an extension of the fuel c…
Some EVs reach up to 23% less range than advertised, AAA finds
Australia’s peak motoring body has found just how much the range of popular electric vehicles, including models from Tesla and BYD, varies between lab and real-world conditions. In some cases, the difference between real-world testing and advertised lab tests was as high as 23%. The testing by the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) looked at five EV models and compared the differences in range between the lab test results advertised by manu…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 86% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
