Australia’s peak motoring body has found just how much the range of popular electric vehicles, including models from Tesla and BYD, varies between lab and real-world conditions. In some cases, the difference between real-world testing and advertised lab tests was as high as 23%.
The testing by the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) looked at five EV models and compared the differences in range between the lab test results advertised by manufacturers versus the AAA’s real-world testing.
BYD’s Atto 3 was the biggest offender, with its real-world range recorded at 369km, 23% less than the 480km listed as the NEDC lab range for the Premium model. Tesla Model 3 followed with a 14% gap between its 441km range recorded by the AAA versus the 513km advertised range. The Tesla Model Y fared better, recording an 8% differential between lab and real-world testing.
| Model | Category | Range variation | Lab range (km) | Real-world testing range (km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 | Medium car | -14% | 513 | 441 |
| BYD Atto 3 | Medium SUV | -23% | 480 | 369 |
| Tesla Model Y | Medium SUV | -8% | 533 | 490 |
| Kia EV6 | Medium SUV | -8% | 528 | 484 |
| Smart #3 | Medium SUV | -5% | 455 | 432 |
To reach its findings, the AAA’s test consisted of driving around a 93km circuit throughout Geelong. According to the motoring body, it “uses strict testing protocols based on European regulations to ensure results are repeatable”. This reportedly includes ways of minimising human-based factors, like driving styles and traffic.
What do these results mean?
Importantly, the AAA emphasised that its testing isn’t meant to scare away EV buyers — quite the opposite, in fact. Instead, the AAA’s “Real-World Testing Program” is designed to give buyers reliable information and find out which cars best reflect manufacturers’ claims.
“As more EVs enter our market, our testing will help consumers understand which new market entrants measure up on battery range,” said Michael Bradley, AAA Managing Director. “Our Program will bring confidence to Australian fleets and families looking to buy an EV.”
Adding to the confusion for buyers are the different types of lab tests advertised by EV manufacturers. Using the BYD Atto 3 as an example, its specifications brochure lists two sets of tests: NEDC and WLTP.
NEDC, short for New European Driving Cycle, is an older standard of car testing, while the newer Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) standard aims to better replicate real-world conditions.
Based on NEDC testing, the BYD Atto 3 Premium model has a range of 480km. Its WLTP-tested range is 60km lower at 420km. However, AAA’s tested range is still roughly 12% lower than the WLTP lab range, closer to the 14% discrepancy found in the 2024 Tesla Model 3, which also uses the WLTP standard.
Cars are no strangers to gaps between lab testing and real-world conditions. The AAA recently reported that some vehicles use up to 33% more fuel than advertised. It also backs up research from last year that found hybrid vehicles often use more fuel than expected.
It’s an interesting look at how manufacturers sell cars, and the gap between controlled conditions and the real world. Once the AAA tests more EVs, we’ll have an even better idea of what to expect from the automotive industry.
