Overview

• The AAA’s Real-World Testing Program evaluated five electric models on a 93 km Geelong circuit and found real-world ranges fell 5–23% below laboratory claims.
• BYD Atto 3 recorded the largest discrepancy with a 369 km real-world range—23% under its advertised 480 km—and consumed 21% more energy per kilometer than lab figures.
• Tesla Model 3 and Model Y logged real-world ranges 14% and 8% lower than their lab estimates, with the Model 3 using 6% more electricity than mandated tests.
• Kia EV6 mirrored the Model Y’s 8% shortfall while the Smart #3 came closest to advertised figures, showing only a 5% variance in range and energy use.
• Results intensify calls for transparent testing protocols and inform Australia’s transition to the more rigorous WLTP standard set to take effect in December.