Joint media release: Real-world vehicle fuel testing program launches

The Hon Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy 
The Hon Catherine King MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government

Under our Powering Australia Plan, the Albanese Government is providing $14 million to the Australian Automobile Association over the next four years to test the real-world fuel usage of a range of popular cars, SUVs and utes sold in Australia.

The program will give Australians better information on how much fuel they can expect a vehicle to use on the road, providing a clearer picture of how much it will cost to run, with the first vehicles to be tested from early next year.

A pilot study by the Australian Automobile Association found that 29 of 30 popular car models used more fuel than they advertised when tested in the real-world, outside of laboratory settings.

Where information about real-world fuel use is inaccurate, it could potentially lock in hundreds of dollars of unexpected costs to the household budget annually. Consumers and businesses deserve accurate information about investments as significant as vehicles.

The program will complement the Green Vehicle Guide (GVG) website, which uses laboratory test data to help consumers compare the relative fuel efficiency of light vehicles sold in Australia.

The GVG, which was revamped earlier this year, provides a wide range of data and tools to give car buyers adequate information to make greener choices.

The Government is also canvassing views on how to secure better supply of affordable low and zero emission vehicles for Australians as part of consultation on our National Electric Vehicle Strategy.

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

“More fuel-efficient vehicles are not only better for the environment, but better for the back pocket at the bowser.

“This forms part of our Government’s commitment to making it easier than ever for Australians to understand and quickly compare the fuel efficiency, running costs and environmental performance of new and used vehicles – allowing them to make informed choices on which vehicle is right for them.

“Our $14 million investment for on-road testing will help improve the information available on how much fuel different vehicles use on the road, which will also give consumers a better idea of how much it will cost to run.”

Quotes attributable to Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen:

“Buying and running a car is a large cost for families and businesses and is a big contributor to household energy bills. Consumers deserve accurate information about their running costs so they aren’t hit in the hip-pocket.”

“This overdue initiative will help drive fuel savings through informed consumer choice, and help ensure emissions footprint claims by carmakers are accurate.”