The Actual Range of This EV Falls Short by 23%, but That's Not the Biggest Issue | Carscoops

      Testing by the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) has revealed that some electric vehicle brands are significantly more truthful about their range claims than others.

      An independent evaluation has drawn attention to the inconsistency of official range statistics. In the test conducted by AAA, one out of five electric vehicles (EVs) fell short by 69 miles on a single charge compared to what was advertised. Conversely, another brand's electric vehicle only exceeded its claim by 5 percent, equating to 14 miles.

      Although today's EVs offer greater distances, quicker charging, and an increased number of charging stations than those from a decade ago, potential buyers still express range anxiety as a barrier to choosing electric alternatives. The findings of a new study examining the actual range of currently available EVs indicate that these concerns are not unfounded.

      The Australian Automobile Association selected five EVs from various brands for a government-funded four-year study aimed at providing car buyers with accurate information. After testing each vehicle on a real-world driving route, they found that one model delivered 23 percent less range than promised by its manufacturer.

      The BYD Atto 3 achieved only 229 miles (369 km) on a charge, which is 69 miles (111 km) under the Chinese automaker's claimed figure of 298 miles (480 km). Meanwhile, Tesla's Model 3 did not mislead as much but still failed to meet its official range estimate significantly; it recorded 274 miles (441 km), 14 percent below Tesla's promotional figure of 319 miles (513 km).

      The primary insight from this study is not that all EV range claims are greatly inaccurate; all five vehicles performed below their advertised mileages, with the BYD being particularly misleading. However, one vehicle came close to matching its official range, falling only 5 percent short. This disparity across different brands and even among models within the same brand complicates the decision-making process for consumers.

      If consumers were aware that every vehicle over-promised by a consistent 20 percent, it would simplify purchasing decisions. This inconsistency highlights the importance of independent tests for buyers considering spending significant amounts on a new vehicle.

      The standout performer in AAA's testing was the Smart #3, which achieved a true range of 268 miles (432 km)—just 14 miles (23 km) shy of its advertised figure. The Kia EV6 and Tesla Model Y also ranked well, each delivering 8 percent less range than their claims.