Overview

• AAA’s latest tests found five EVs delivered 5–23% less range than manufacturers’ lab ratings and that 77% of 114 petrol vehicles consumed more fuel than advertised during a standardized 93 km Geelong loop.
• The government provided A$14 million in 2022 for a four-year program to test up to 200 vehicles, with findings publicly released since August 6 and the initiative set to continue through 2026 pending renewed support.
• The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries argued that real-world testing undermines Australia’s lab-based ADR 81/02 ratings and causes consumer confusion.
• The Electric Vehicle Council maintained that even with shortfalls, EVs still exceed the typical Australian daily drive of 33 km and that the data should bolster buyer confidence.
• AAA repeatability trials in 2023 showed test variability of under 3%, underpinning its claim that real-world metrics reliably reflect actual driving conditions.