Real-world data to shine a light on vehicle fuel use and emissions
Media Release from the Hon Catherine King MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government
MEDIA RELEASE | 18 October 2023
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.