Real-world data to shine a light on vehicle fuel use and emissions

The Australian Government’s $14 million Real-World Testing of Vehicle Efficiency program is shining a light on the running costs and emissions of popular vehicle models.

The program provides consumers with clearer information on how much fuel their vehicle is likely to use on the road.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King, Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen as well as Managing Director of the Australian Automobile Association (AAA), Michael Bradley, were in Canberra today to discuss the program ahead of the release of data for the first vehicle models tested.

Run by the AAA, the program will test between 150 and 200 vehicle models in total and aims to cover the majority of vehicles sold in Australia by market share.

It will complement the laboratory test data currently available through the Green Vehicle Guide and help shape future improvements to vehicle regulations.

While laboratory testing allows consumers to compare the relative efficiency and emissions of different vehicles on a common basis, it doesn’t always accurately indicate how they’ll perform under on-road conditions.

This is because fuel consumption and emissions can also be affected by traffic, weather and how the vehicle is being used and maintained.

By testing these vehicles in a real-world setting, this program will ensure consumers have access to clearer information on how much fuel a vehicle is likely to use on the road.

It will also give consumers a better understanding of how much a vehicle will cost to run before they purchase it, and the amount of emissions it will produce.

For more information on the program, visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure-transport-vehicles/vehicles/vehicle-safety-environment.

Comments attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“Our vehicles form an important part of our way of life. They connect communities and get us where we want to go. That is why our government is committed to ensuring safe, sustainable, secure and accurately labelled vehicles in the Australian market.

“This program is testing the real-world fuel consumption and emissions of a range of popular light passenger and commercial vehicles, from cars and SUVs to vans and utes.

“By funding this much needed program, we will give consumers more confidence about the fuel efficiency and emissions performance of new vehicles on the road in conditions that are closer to the way they will be used day to day.

“By providing this data, consumers will have a better understanding of a vehicle’s running cost before they buy it – supporting Australians as they choose what vehicle works for them.”

“The vehicle models currently being tested include small and medium SUVs, which account for about a quarter of new car sales in Australia, so I look forward to seeing these first testing results being released in coming weeks.”