- EV real-world testing in Australia reveals all models fall short of advertised range.
- The MG4 performed worst among the group tested, missing its claimed range by a significant 31 percent.
- This follows a pattern from previous tests, showing a systemic overpromise issue.
- The testing program was established to restore trust after past industry scandals.
- The results fuel consumer skepticism and a rising market for plug-in hybrid vehicles.
A sobering reality check is hitting the electric vehicle market down under, revealing a persistent gap between glossy marketing promises and the concrete experience of everyday drivers. In Geelong, Victoria, the Australian Automobile Association has been putting new EVs through their paces on a rigorous 93-kilometer real-world circuit. The results, released this week, confirm a troubling pattern: not a single tested model achieved its laboratory-advertised range on a single charge. This independent testing, funded with $14 million from the federal government following the 2015 Volkswagen emissions scandal, exposes the ongoing challenge of accurately representing EV performance to consumers.
The disappointing numbers from the test track
The latest round of testing examined four models, with outcomes ranging from mildly disappointing to severely deficient. The Tesla Model Y 2025 emerged as the relative champion, recording a real-world range of 450 kilometers, just 3 percent below its laboratory figure of 466 km. However, other brands fared far worse. The Kia EV3 2025 achieved 537 km, an 11 percent shortfall, and the Smart #1 2024 reached 367 km, which is 13 percent lower than claimed. The poorest performer was the MG4 2023, which managed only 281 km in real-world conditions – a staggering 31 percent below its advertised 405 km range.
These findings are not an anomaly. Previous AAA tests in August showed similar discrepancies. In that round, the Tesla Model 3 reached 441 km, 14 percent less than its lab figure, while the BYD ATTO 3 recorded a 23 percent drop. Michael Bradley, AAA Managing Director, emphasized the importance of this transparency for buyers. “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,” he said.
A systemic issue of overpromise
The core issue lies in the disconnect between controlled laboratory testing cycles and the unpredictable variables of actual road use. Manufacturers’ range figures are derived from standardized indoor tests meant for comparison, not prediction. This problem mirrors longstanding criticisms of fuel economy estimates for gasoline vehicles, but the consequences for EVs, which face “range anxiety”, are more acute. The AAA program, using strict protocols based on European regulations, aims to provide a repeatable and realistic benchmark, reducing the influence of driving style or traffic conditions.
This testing regime was born from a crisis of trust. The 2015 Volkswagen “dieselgate” scandal, where software cheated on emissions tests, shattered consumer confidence and demonstrated the need for independent verification. The AAA has now tested 140 vehicles, finding most consume more energy or fuel than promised. This context makes the EV range shortfalls part of a larger, troubling pattern in automotive marketing.
Plug-in hybrid sales climb in Australia
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle sales surged 83.3 percent in November. Tony Weber, chief executive of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, noted these vehicles “give drivers the benefits of electric travel for daily use while removing range concerns.” This trend indicates that despite the push for full electrification, many consumers remain skeptical of relying solely on battery power for all scenarios, a skepticism validated by the AAA’s real-world results.
The Australian testing provides a crucial, data-driven counterpoint to the relentless promotion of the electric vehicle revolution. It underscores that EVs, far from being perfected, are still struggling to deliver on one of their most fundamental promises: reliable distance. When a vehicle misses its range claim by over 120 kilometers, as the MG4 did, it represents more than a minor inconvenience. It translates to stranded motorists, disrupted trips, and a betrayal of the trust required for a major technological transition.
This is not merely an Australian problem. It reflects a global issue of performance misrepresentation. The narrative of seamless, superior EV performance is cracking under the weight of real-world evidence. From disappointing ranges and dangerous lithium battery fires to the hidden environmental costs of mining and grid strain, the EV story is increasingly one of overlooked trade-offs and unfulfilled hype. As sales figures climb, the imperative for brutal honesty climbs faster. Consumers investing in this expensive technology deserve nothing less than the unvarnished truth, free from the fog of laboratory idealism and green marketing. The road ahead for electric vehicles is clearly shorter than advertised.
Sources for this article include:
TheEpochTimes.com
TheGuardian.com
News.com.au
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