Australian TV Presenter Calls for Truth in Electric Vehicle Advertising
Australian television presenter Nat Barr has spoken out against misleading advertising by electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, citing a significant disparity between laboratory test results and real-world driving ranges.
Real-World Testing Reveals Inaccurate Claims
The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) recently conducted real-world testing of five EV models, finding that some fell short of their advertised driving ranges.
The 2023 BYD Atto 3, for example, had a real-world range of 369km, 23% less than its laboratory test result of 480km.
Similarly, the 2024 Tesla Model 3’s real-world range was 14% less than its laboratory result.
The AAA’s Real-World Testing Program aims to provide consumers with a more accurate understanding of EV performance.
The organisation has tested 114 fuel-powered cars, vans, and utes since its inception in 2023, finding that over 77% of vehicles exceeded their laboratory-tested fuel consumption.
Concerns Over Range Anxiety
Nat Barr raised concerns about the impact of inaccurate advertising on regional owners, who may experience “range anxiety” due to the limited charging infrastructure outside of urban areas.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli agreed, stating that the lack of accuracy in EV range advertising was a “real danger” for regional motorists.
The AAA’s managing director, Michael Bradley, emphasized the need for transparency in EV advertising, stating that consumers deserve to know how vehicles perform on Australian roads.
EV Sales Stall as Australians Seek Alternative Options
According to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, EV sales have stalled, remaining below 8% of new vehicle sales in 2025.
However, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles have seen a significant increase in sales, with a 183% rise over the past 12 months.