Real-World EV Range Test: Tesla Model Y and Kia EV3 Fall Short

The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) has released results from its latest real-world electric vehicle (EV) range tests, revealing that four new models, including the 2025 Kia EV3 and the 2025 Tesla Model Y, failed to meet their official manufacturer-claimed driving ranges.

Conducted under the Commonwealth-funded Real-World Testing Program, the assessments found discrepancies ranging from 3% to 31% when comparing laboratory figures to actual on-road performance under typical Australian conditions.

Significant Discrepancies Revealed

The 2023 MG4 recorded the most significant shortfall among the tested vehicles. With an advertised range of 405 kilometres, the car delivered only 281 kilometres in the real-world test, a deficit of 31%.

While all four tested models underperformed their lab ratings, the results showed varying degrees of accuracy:

• The 2024 Smart #1 registered a 13% variation, achieving 367 km against a 420 km claim.
• The new 2025 Kia EV3 recorded an 11% shortfall, driving 537 km compared to its 604 km laboratory rating.
• The 2025 Tesla Model Y performed closest to its advertised figure, showing a minimal 3% discrepancy, managing 450 km versus the claimed 466 km.

Enhancing Consumer Confidence

The AAA initiated the testing program to provide consumers with objective, independent data to mitigate range anxiety, a factor cited by 60% of potential buyers as a primary obstacle to EV adoption.

AAA Managing Director Michael Bradley noted that these results are crucial for market transparency. “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,” Mr. Bradley stated. He concluded that providing better information empowers consumers to “make the switch to EVs with confidence.”

The AAA noted that this pattern is not exclusive to EVs; prior testing demonstrated that three-quarters of traditional combustion and hybrid vehicles similarly consume more fuel on-road than indicated by laboratory test standards.