Sunita Somvanshi
Your shiny new EV might not go as far as the window sticker claims. The Australian Automobile Association’s (AAA) Real-World Testing Program just put five popular electric vehicles through their paces on actual Aussie roads, and the results might make you rethink your charging strategy.
Testing on a 93-kilometer circuit mixing city streets, suburban roads, and highways revealed range shortfalls between 5% and 23% compared to manufacturer claims. The BYD Atto 3 recorded the biggest gap, delivering only 77% of its advertised range.
“Our testing will help consumers understand which new market entrants measure up on battery range,” said AAA Managing Director Michael Bradley. “Our program brings confidence to Australian fleets and families looking to buy an EV.”
The Numbers Don’t Lie
The test circuit mimicked typical Australian driving patterns, with the five tested EVs showing varying levels of range discrepancy:
- BYD Atto 3: 23% below claimed range
- Tesla Model 3: 14% below claimed range
- Kia EV6: 8% below claimed range
- Smart #3: 5% below claimed range
For EV shoppers, this translates to potentially 25-100 km less driving per charge than the dashboard might suggest.
Looking deeper at the data, the AAA’s energy consumption metrics tell an important story. While four EVs showed only marginally worse kWh/km rates in real-world conditions, the BYD Atto 3 consumed 21% more energy per kilometer than its lab tests indicated.
NEDC vs WLTP: The Testing Protocol Factor
Understanding the testing protocols helps put these results in context. The BYD Atto 3’s figures were based on the older NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) standard, while most other manufacturers use the newer, more stringent WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure).
“When compared to WLTP standards, the BYD’s range gap would be closer to 12%,” according to the Electric Vehicle Council, highlighting how test methodology affects perceived performance.
Australia currently accepts both standards for vehicle certification, creating potential confusion for consumers comparing models tested under different protocols.
Real-World Charging Challenges
Beyond range concerns, EV ownership comes with practical charging considerations. While not part of the AAA study, owner-reported data suggests around 15-20% of rural public chargers experience downtime issues at any given time.
Jim Noonan, an EV owner who regularly drives between major cities, reports: “You need to check charging apps before setting out and always have a backup plan. The infrastructure is improving, but reliability varies widely between networks.”
This reality underscores why most EV owners rely primarily on home charging for daily needs, using public infrastructure mainly for longer trips.
Consumer Protection Questions
The gap between sticker range and real-world performance raises potential consumer law issues. Melbourne University consumer law expert Professor Jeannie Paterson notes that consistently unattainable range claims could potentially breach Australian Consumer Law provisions against misleading advertising.
“Consumers base major purchase decisions on these figures,” Paterson said. “If normal driving consistently delivers significantly less range, that’s problematic from a consumer rights perspective.”
The ACCC has previously issued guidance on lithium-ion battery safety but hasn’t yet specifically addressed range claim accuracy in its EV consumer advisories.
From VW Scandal to EV Testing
The AAA’s Real-World Testing Program has an interesting origin story. It was established following the 2015 Volkswagen emissions scandal, when lab tests were found to poorly reflect real-world vehicle performance. Initially focused on fuel consumption in conventional vehicles, the program expanded to include EVs in 2025 as the market evolved.
“Australian consumers deserve to know how vehicles will perform on Australian roads, not just in laboratory conditions,” Bradley explained in the AAA’s press release.
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The program will test additional EV models through 2028, building a comprehensive database to help consumers navigate the growing electric vehicle market.
EV Market Momentum
Despite range concerns, Australia’s EV adoption continues to accelerate. Battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles captured 12% of new car sales in the first half of 2025, up from 9.6% in the same period last year.
This growth coincides with charging network expansion, with approximately 8,000 public charging locations now available nationwide, though distribution remains uneven between urban and rural areas.
Practical Takeaways for EV Shoppers
For anyone considering an EV purchase, the AAA’s findings offer practical guidance:
- Budget for 5-23% less range than the manufacturer’s claim
- Check whether range claims use WLTP or NEDC standards
- Consider your typical daily driving needs (the average Australian drives only 33 km daily)
- Factor in home charging capability and local infrastructure
- Use multiple charging network apps when planning longer trips
The AAA has published complete testing data on their website and plans to update the database as additional vehicles complete the testing protocol.
“We want to help overcome range anxiety with factual information,” Bradley said. “These tests give consumers the real-world data they need when considering an electric vehicle.”
Weather Effects on EV Range
While the AAA’s tests were conducted in controlled conditions, it’s worth noting that real-world range can be further affected by seasonal temperature changes. Cold weather in particular can significantly reduce EV range due to increased heating needs and decreased battery efficiency.
The good news is that battery longevity concerns are being addressed by ongoing improvements in battery technology. Recent studies suggest EV batteries may degrade more slowly than initially feared, with some models retaining over 90% capacity after significant mileage.
As the AAA continues its testing program and battery safety improvements progress, Australian consumers will have increasingly reliable data to make informed EV purchasing decisions.
