Independent road tests conducted in Australia reveal that electric vehicles (EVs) are consistently failing to meet their claimed ranges on a single charge. The findings indicate that all models analyzed fell short of their advertised distances, with one small car producing the poorest performance to date by falling over 120 km short of its stated range.
The results, released by the **Australian Automobile Association** on March 15, 2023, highlight significant discrepancies between manufacturers’ claims and real-world performance. The tests were part of the association’s **$14 million Real-World Testing Program**, which aims to provide consumers with accurate information about vehicle capabilities.
Electric Vehicle Performance Gaps
Among the tested vehicles, **Tesla’s Model Y SUV** emerged with the best result, missing its claimed range of 466 km by just 16 km. In contrast, the **MG4 electric hatchback** produced the most notable shortfall, achieving only 281 km, which is 31% less than its advertised range of 405 km. The **Kia EV3** and **Smart #1** also underperformed, falling short by 67 km and 53 km, respectively.
The testing took place on a 93 km track around **Geelong, Victoria**, encompassing a mix of urban and rural roads as well as motorways. This rigorous evaluation builds on a previous round of tests, which found that all five electric models analyzed failed to meet their promised ranges. The association had earlier reported that 76% of 131 internal combustion and hybrid vehicles tested also consumed more fuel than advertised.
Michael Bradley, managing director of the Australian Automobile Association, emphasized the importance of these findings, stating, “These results give consumers an independent indication of real-world battery range, which means they now know which cars perform as advertised and which do not.”
Consumer Confidence and Government Support
The results of the testing program are particularly significant for consumers considering a switch to electric vehicles. With more accurate information about real-world driving ranges, potential buyers can make informed decisions and feel more secure about the reliability of their chosen vehicle.
The **Australian government** has funded the testing program, which was launched in 2023 with a goal of testing 200 vehicles. So far, 140 vehicles have been assessed, revealing that most consume more energy or fuel than initially promised. This initiative was partly a response to the 2015 **Volkswagen** scandal, in which the automaker was found to have used software to manipulate emissions during laboratory tests.
As the electric vehicle market continues to grow, these independent evaluations play a crucial role in promoting transparency and trust. With ongoing advancements in technology, it is essential for consumers to have access to reliable information that reflects the true performance of their vehicles on the road.
