Independent evaluations reveal discrepancies in claimed electric range for Tesla and Kia vehicles
The Australian Automobile Association's (AAA) Real-World Testing Program has published the results of its range and energy consumption tests on five electric vehicles (EVs), including the 2024 Tesla Model 3, 2024 Tesla Model Y, 2022 Kia EV6, 2023 BYD Atto 3, and 2024 Smart #3.
Under real-world driving conditions, the Tesla Model 3, Model Y, and Kia EV6 all underperformed when compared to their mandated lab results. The Tesla Model 3 achieved a real-world range of 441 km (274 mi) versus a lab claim of 513 km (318.8 mi), showing a 14% decrease. The Tesla Model Y recorded 490 km (304.5 mi) in real conditions compared to a 533 km (331.2 mi) lab range, an 8% decrease. The Kia EV6 showed a 484 km (300.7 mi) real-world range against a manufacturer claim of 528 km (328.1 mi), also approximately 8% less than the claimed figure.
These tests were conducted on a 93 km circuit near Geelong, Victoria, under strict, repeatable protocols to minimize variables like driving style and traffic.
The study confirms that while all tested EVs fell short of their official laboratory range claims, the Tesla Model Y and Kia EV6 are closer to their advertised ranges than the Tesla Model 3 under Australian real-world conditions. This reflects the typical disparity between controlled lab tests (like WLTP) and varied real driving environments.
In a surprising turn of events, the Tesla Model 3 had some of the worst results when it came to range. The Model Y didn't live up to its 533 km (331.2 mi) lab range either, suffering an eight percent reduction to top out at 490 km (304.5 mi). The Kia EV6 also underperformed by eight percent, travelling 484 km (300.7 mi) in AAA's tests as opposed to the 528 km (328.1 mi) expected.
The Atto 3 displayed the widest discrepancy of the five cars tested, with its real-world range of 369 km (229.3 mi) landing 23 percent lower than its lab range of 480 km (298.3 mi).
These results provide valuable independent data for Australian consumers considering EVs, showing that real driving ranges are slightly less but still substantial enough for most daily uses. The AAA's Real-World Testing Program aims to bridge the gap between lab results and real-world experiences, empowering consumers to make informed decisions when purchasing an EV.
| Vehicle | Claimed Lab Range (km) | Real-World Range (km) | % Difference | |--------------|------------------------|----------------------|-----------------| | Tesla Model 3| 513 | 441 | -14% | | Tesla Model Y| 533 | 490 | -8% | | Kia EV6 | 528 | 484 | -8% | | BYD Atto 3 | 480 | 369 | -23% | | Smart #3 | 455 | 432 | -5% |
[1] Australian Automobile Association's Real-World Testing Program: https://www.aaa.asn.au/research/real-world-testing-program/ [2] Tesla Model 3, Model Y, and Kia EV6 range underperformance: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-03-15/tesla-model-3-model-y-kia-ev6-range-underperformance/101036486 [3] Real-world driving conditions reduce EV ranges: https://www.caradvice.com.au/847949/real-world-driving-conditions-reduce-ev-ranges-aaa-study/
- It's interesting to note that, according to the Australian Automobile Association's Real-World Testing Program, while all tested electric vehicles fell short of their official laboratory range claims, the Tesla Model Y, Tesla Model 3, and Kia EV6 demonstrated closer real-world ranges to their advertised figures compared to other models.
- The Tesla Model 3, despite boasting advanced AI and tech in its interior, showed some of the worst results in terms of real-world range, with a 14% decrease compared to its lab claims.
- The AAA's Real-World Testing Program, which aims to bridge the gap between lab results and real-world experiences, revealed that electric-vehicles like the Tesla Model Y, Model 3, and Kia EV6 perform better in lab testing conditions than in real-world driving scenarios influenced by factors like driving style and traffic.
