Electric vehicles (EVs) in Australia aren’t living up to their manufacturers’ claimed range, according to recent road tests. While some EVs performed better than others, none of the cars met their advertised range on a single charge.
Surprising Results: Tesla’s Model Y Leads the Pack
The tests, which were carried out on a 93 km course around Geelong, Victoria, took into account urban, rural, and motorway conditions to simulate real-world driving. Despite all models falling short of their advertised range, Tesla’s Model Y SUV performed the best. The Model Y, which claimed a range of 466 km, managed to travel 450 km on a single charge—just 16 km short of its promise. In comparison, the MG4 electric hatchback performed the worst, failing to meet its 405 km range claim by a significant margin, falling 124 km short—an underperformance of 31%.
Other vehicles, including the Kia EV3 and Smart #1 electric car, also underperformed, missing their advertised ranges by 67 km (11%) and 53 km (13%), respectively. While not as severe as the MG4’s shortfall, these results still reveal a significant gap between what manufacturers advertise and what consumers can expect on the road.
The Importance of Real-World Testing for Consumers
This series of tests highlights a crucial issue in the EV market: the gap between lab-based range testing and real-world driving conditions. Historically, EV manufacturers have relied on controlled environments to test and advertise their vehicles’ ranges, leading to claims that might not reflect how the cars perform under normal conditions. The AAA’s testing program, funded by the federal government, aims to give Australians a more accurate picture of how EVs perform in day-to-day use.
“We want consumers to have the information they need to make informed decisions,” said to The Guardian Michael Bradley, managing director of the AAA. “These tests help Australians set realistic expectations for the range of EVs, giving them the confidence to make the switch without worrying about running out of charge unexpectedly.”
Why the Results Matter for the EV Market
With more Australians considering electric cars as a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to traditional vehicles, the lack of transparency around actual range performance could deter some from making the switch. The findings from the AAA tests give consumers an independent measure of EV range that isn’t influenced by manufacturers’ marketing. As EVs become more popular, it’s essential for the industry to be held accountable for their real-world performance.
The results also underscore the need for further investment in EV infrastructure, particularly in charging stations and battery technology, to make EVs more viable for longer journeys. Consumers need to feel confident that they can travel long distances without worrying about running out of power or being caught with an underperforming vehicle.
What’s Next for Australia’s EV Market?
The AAA’s testing program is far from over, with plans to test up to 200 vehicles by the end of the year. This initiative is part of a broader push to ensure that EVs meet the expectations of Australian drivers, who are increasingly looking for alternatives to petrol and diesel vehicles. The real question moving forward is whether manufacturers will adjust their claims based on this real-world data or continue to rely on laboratory tests that may not fully reflect what drivers experience.
While the results from this round of tests may be disappointing for some EV enthusiasts, they are also a necessary step in creating a more transparent, reliable EV market. In the future, consumers will hopefully have a clearer understanding of which vehicles actually perform as promised, making the transition to electric cars smoother and more accessible for everyone.
