Naziya Alvi Rahman
The first batch of electric vehicle (EV) tests under the Australian Automobile Association’s (AAA) Real-World Testing Program has revealed a notable gap between advertised and actual driving distance.
Five EV models were tested to see how far they could travel on a battery charge, and all recorded shorter driving ranges compared to lab tests—with real-world results falling short by 5 percent and a substantial 23 percent.
The most accurate performer was the 2024 Smart #3, which recorded a real-world range of 432 kilometres—23 kilometres or 5 percent lower than the lab-tested figure.
The 2022 Kia EV6 and 2024 Tesla Model Y both returned results that were 8 percent below their respective laboratory values.
Tesla’s 2024 Model 3 saw a 14 percent drop, with a real-world range of 441 kilometres compared to 513 kilometres in the lab.
At the bottom of the list was the Chinese 2023 BYD Atto 3, which posted the widest discrepancy. Its real-world range reached just 369 kilometres, a full 23 percent below its 480-kilometre lab result.
The testing was conducted on a 93-kilometre circuit around Geelong, Victoria, using strict European-based protocols to eliminate driver variation and traffic-related factors.
Test Data Offers Buyers Clarity
The AAA’s July polling shows 60 percent of prospective EV buyers cite battery range and charging concerns as their top barrier to adoption. The new testing program, launched with $14 million in federal funding, seeks to address these fears.
“Our testing helps consumers understand which new EVs actually deliver on promised battery range,” said AAA Managing Director Michael Bradley. “As more EVs enter the Australian market, our program will bring confidence to fleets and families making purchase decisions.”
Bradley added that the test results reaffirm the need for independent evaluations.
“Consumers cannot always rely solely on a manufacturer’s laboratory figures to understand how a car performs on real roads,” he said.
EV Sales Climb Despite Uncertainty
According to the Electric Vehicle Council’s 2024 “State of Electric Vehicles” report, EV sales in Australia have now passed 100,000 units, with electric car purchases increasing by 13 percent over the past year. The number of EV and plug-in hybrid models available has also surged by 50 percent.
This market momentum was largely driven by federal and state incentives introduced in 2022, including vehicle stamp duty exemptions and registration discounts. However, these policies may be on borrowed time.
On August 5, the Productivity Commission released an interim report arguing that current EV subsidies now overlap with the recently implemented New Vehicle Efficiency Standard. The report calls for a phase-out of Fringe Benefits Tax exemptions and other state-based perks for EVs.
“With the national efficiency standard now in place, exemptions and discounts should be wound back,” the report said, suggesting the government could better allocate funds by removing overlapping support measures.
Current Grids Have Limits With How EVs They Can Support
While EV adoption is climbing, experts warn Australia’s infrastructure may not keep pace.
A University of Melbourne study published in 2024 as part of the Australian EV Integration project, found that increased EV use could strain local power networks—particularly in areas with limited capacity.
The study used real smart meter data and British EV usage models to assess urban networks in Victoria’s Preston and rural grids in Hazelbrook.
It found urban networks can host around 40 percent EV penetration before facing challenges, while rural areas hit critical levels at just 20 percent. Voltage drops and asset congestion were flagged as key issues, particularly for rural low-voltage transformers.
“Without timely upgrades and planning, rising EV ownership could undermine grid reliability,” the researchers warned, urging state and federal authorities to prioritise investment in distribution networks and energy planning.
