A new study by the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) has revealed significant differences between the official range figures of electric vehicles (EVs) and their actual performance in real-world driving, with some models delivering considerably less than advertised.
The government-funded four-year testing program assessed five EV models from various brands on a standardized driving route. All five recorded shorter driving ranges than their official claims, though the scale of the shortfall varied greatly between models.
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The largest gap was observed in the BYD Atto 3, which reached 229 miles (369 km) before recharging—23% less than its stated 298 miles (480 km). Tesla’s Model 3 followed, achieving 274 miles (441 km), or 14% below its claimed 319 miles (513 km).
The Smart #3 emerged as the closest to its official range, covering 268 miles (432 km), just 5% under the stated figure. Kia’s EV6 and Tesla’s Model Y also performed relatively well, coming in about 8% below their official ranges.
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The results highlight the inconsistency in how much EV ranges deviate from manufacturer claims, indicating that prospective buyers cannot assume a uniform overstatement across different brands. The AAA emphasized that independent testing of this nature can help consumers make more informed choices when investing in an EV.