AAA tests show EVs fall short of advertised range in real-world conditions

Australia’s peak motoring body has released results from the country’s first independent electric vehicle (EV) range tests, revealing that several popular models travel significantly less on a single charge in real-world conditions than claimed by their manufacturers.

The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) today published findings from its Commonwealth-funded Real-World Testing Program, which assessed five EVs across a standardised test route. The results showed battery ranges were between 5% and 23% lower than those achieved in mandatory laboratory testing.

The AAA says the findings aim to provide more accurate performance data for consumers and reduce uncertainty surrounding EV range.

Polling conducted by the AAA in late July found that 60% of people who identified as likely EV buyers listed range and recharging concerns as the main reason they may avoid purchasing an EV.

The 2024 Smart #3 EV performed closest to its advertised range, with a real-world range of 432km – just 5% or 23km less than in lab testing. In contrast, the 2023 BYD Atto 3 showed the largest variation, with a real-world range of 369km, 23% below its lab-rated 480km.

The results for the five tested vehicles are below:

MODEL	CATEGORY	RANGE VARIATION	LAB RANGE# (km)	RWT RANGE (km)	ENERGY CONSUMPTION VARIATION	LAB ENERGY CONSUMPTION# (Wh/km)	RWT ENERGY CONSUMPTION (Wh/km)
Tesla Model 3	Medium car	-14%	513	441	+6%	132	140
BYD Atto 3	Medium SUV	-23%	480	369	+21%	149	180
Tesla Model Y	Medium SUV	-8%	533	490	-1%	169	167
Kia EV6	Medium SUV	-8%	528	484	+1%	165	166
Smart #3	Medium SUV	-5%	455	432	+4%	163	170

AAA Managing Director Michael Bradley said the results will assist buyers in assessing EVs more accurately.

“As more EVs enter our market, our testing will help consumers understand which new market entrants measure up on battery range,” Bradley said.

The Real-World Testing Program began in 2023 with $14 million in federal government funding. It was developed in response to concerns that laboratory testing does not always reflect actual vehicle performance – a practice highlighted during the Volkswagen emissions scandal of 2015.

The testing is conducted on a 93km circuit in and around Geelong, Victoria, using standardised European-style protocols. The program is designed to minimise variables such as driving behaviour and traffic conditions and includes measurements of both energy consumption and charging needs.

To date, the program has also tested 114 internal combustion and hybrid vehicles, with 77% showing higher fuel consumption in real-world testing compared to their lab results. Around 20% also exceeded regulated noxious emissions limits.

The AAA says it will continue to publish EV test results at realworld.org.au.