Independent assessments indicated that numerous well-known electric vehicles (EVs) failed to achieve their claimed driving ranges under actual driving conditions, which included the Tesla Model Y, Model 3, and Kia EV6. One model demonstrated a notable 23 percent decrease in range. The Australian Automobile Association’s (AAA) Real-World Testing Program published findings from its evaluations of range and energy consumption for five EVs, marking the program’s inaugural assessment of completely electric vehicles. All five EVs performed below their laboratory results, comprising the 2024 Tesla Model 3, 2024 Tesla Model Y, and 2022 Kia EV6, which are widely favored in the U.S.

The Tesla Model 3 exhibited one of the poorest results, managing just 441km (274mi) when compared to the laboratory figure of 513km (318.8mi), a decline of 14 percent. The Model Y also underdelivered, with an eight percent reduction, achieving 490km (304.5mi) instead of the 533km (331.2mi) lab range. The Kia EV6 fell short by eight percent, covering 484km (300.7mi) in contrast to the anticipated 528km (328.1mi).

The AAA further evaluated the 2023 BYD Atto 3 and 2024 Smart #3, with the latter nearing its proclaimed range. The real-world range of the Smart #3 was five percent beneath its 455km (282.7mi) laboratory result, whereas the Atto 3 exhibited the greatest variance, showing a real-world range 23 percent under its lab range. Both vehicles are unavailable in the U.S., although the Atto 3 ranks as the fifth best-selling EV in Australia.

Regarding energy consumption, the Tesla Model Y fared slightly better than its laboratory figures, consuming one percent less energy. However, the other four vehicles surpassed their lab energy usage. The Kia EV6 utilized one percent more energy, the Tesla Model 3 consumed six percent more, the Smart #3 used four percent more, and the Atto 3’s energy consumption was 21 percent greater than anticipated.

Mashable has reached out to Tesla, Kia, BYD, and Smart for their responses. The AAA conducted the vehicle tests on a 93km (57.8mi) circuit in Geelong, Victoria, between March and May, under diverse conditions and temperatures ranging from 17 to 25C (62 to 77F). The Real-World Testing Program employs rigorous protocols based on European regulations to guarantee repeatable outcomes and diminish human impact.

Backed by the Australian government, the AAA’s Real-World Testing Program was initiated following the 2015 Dieselgate emissions controversy and launched in 2023. The objective is to evaluate 200 vehicles over a four-year span. Out of the 114 internal combustion engine and hybrid vehicles tested to date, one in five exceeded noxious emissions standards, and 75 percent surpassed fuel consumption when compared to laboratory evaluations.