Australian Study Finds EVs Underperform By 23 % Range

A new government-backed study has revealed that some of Australia’s most popular electric vehicles are falling short of their advertised driving range when tested in real-world conditions. The findings come from the Australian Automobile Association’s (AAA) Real World Testing Program, which aims to provide more accurate performance data to help Aussie car buyers make informed decisions.

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Key Findings: EVs Don’t Always Meet Lab Promises

The first batch of electric vehicles tested by the AAA includes models from Tesla, BYD, Kia, and Smart. Each car was driven on a 93-kilometre circuit made up of urban, rural, and highway roads around Geelong, Victoria.

The results show that the real-world driving range was between 5% and 23% lower than official lab figures.

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Real-World vs Lab Range Comparison:

Note: Only BYD Atto 3’s official WLTP range was disclosed in the report.

The official range figures submitted by OEMs is based on the dated NEDC testing cycle, which is heavily skewed towards urban driving. WLTP which is the standard in the Europe testing cycle include a higher proportion of highway driving, would result in smaller differences i nthis test.

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Industry Reacts: “No Cause for Concern”

While the results might sound alarming to prospective EV buyers, industry leaders are urging Australians not to panic.

Aman Gaur, Head of Legal, Policy and Advocacy at the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC), said the data should actually reduce range anxiety for most drivers.

“The average Aussie drives just 33 kilometres a day. An EV with even a 350km range will easily last over a week without needing a recharge,” he explained.

Gaur also noted that it’s unrealistic to expect lab numbers to translate perfectly into real-world use, which includes variables like traffic, road quality, weather, passenger load, and driving habits.

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Testing Designed to Reflect Real-World Aussie Conditions

The AAA’s Real World Testing Program is designed to hold all vehicles, including EVs, hybrids, and combustion-engine models, to the same rigorous standards. Earlier this year, the AAA published data from tests on 114 petrol, diesel, and hybrid cars, finding that 77% used more fuel than advertised, and 20% breached claimed emissions levels.

AAA Managing Director Michael Bradley says the program’s EV focus will help buyers better compare battery range between new entrants.

“Lab tests alone don’t always reflect real-world results. Our testing gives drivers clarity and confidence when considering an EV,” Bradley said.

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EV Brands Respond

Smart EV’s Australian distributor, LSH Auto, responded positively to the results. Their Smart #3 showed the smallest gap between lab and real-world performance.

“Achieving only a 5% variation is proof of Smart’s leading battery and drivetrain technology,” a spokesperson said, adding that real-world data could further build trust in EVs among the public.

Other brands including Tesla, BYD, and Kia have yet to formally respond.

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What It Means for Aussie EV Buyers

As more Australians shift toward electric mobility, accurate performance data will become increasingly important. In the first half of 2025, battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles accounted for 12% of all new car sales , up from 9.6% during the same period in 2024.

While real-world testing has confirmed that no EV is immune to environmental and driver-related factors, the majority of these models still offer more than enough range for typical daily use. And with the AAA continuing its independent testing, buyers now have a valuable new tool to navigate the growing EV landscape.

Stay tuned for more results as the AAA expands its program to include additional models.