Hybrid vehicles have evolved significantly over the past few decades, offering motorists a potential solution to fuel consumption concerns. However, not all hybrids deliver the fuel savings that drivers expect. The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) recently conducted real-world testing to assess the fuel efficiency of various hybrid and petrol models, shedding light on the disparities in actual fuel consumption compared to official claims.
The AAA’s Real-World Testing Program compared the fuel savings of hybrid models against their petrol-only counterparts, providing valuable insights into the performance of these electrified vehicles. In addition to scrutinizing fuel consumption figures, the AAA also evaluated the official claims listed on the government’s Green Vehicle Guide, offering a comprehensive analysis of hybrid efficiency in practical driving scenarios.
The latest testing included a range of hybrid models such as Toyota’s RAV4, Corolla, Camry, and Kluger, alongside the GWM Haval Jolion and Honda CR-V. The results revealed that certain Toyota hybrids, including the Corolla, Camry, and Kluger, demonstrated significant fuel savings of over 30% compared to their petrol equivalents, with the RAV4 Hybrid achieving a 29.4% reduction in fuel consumption.
Interestingly, only the RAV4 and Corolla hybrids outperformed their lab test fuel savings in real-world conditions, while the Camry and Kluger hybrids exhibited a more modest disparity in fuel consumption between their petrol and hybrid variants. Notably, Toyota phased out petrol-only versions of these models due to the overwhelming demand for hybrid powertrains, emphasizing the market shift towards electrified vehicles.
The Honda CR-V hybrid showcased a 23.5% fuel saving over its petrol sibling in real-world testing, closely aligning with the lab test results. In contrast, the GWM Haval Jolion hybrid demonstrated a significant deviation between its real-world and lab test fuel efficiency figures, highlighting the complexities of hybrid performance in practical driving scenarios.
Conversely, the Subaru Forester’s mild-hybrid system failed to deliver the expected fuel savings, consuming more fuel than its petrol-only counterpart in the AAA’s real-world tests. However, a new-generation Forester equipped with a hybrid system is anticipated to offer improved fuel efficiency, emphasizing the continuous evolution of hybrid technology in the automotive industry.
On the other hand, the Suzuki Swift with a 12-volt mild-hybrid system showcased a commendable 17.5% reduction in fuel consumption compared to its petrol variant, outperforming some full-hybrid models. The AAA’s findings underscore the importance of conducting real-world tests to provide consumers with accurate insights into a vehicle’s actual fuel efficiency.
AAA’s managing director, Michael Bradley, emphasized the discrepancies between lab test results and real-world performance, urging consumers to conduct thorough research before making purchasing decisions. The AAA’s rigorous testing protocols, conducted on a specific route near Geelong, ensure that Australian drivers have access to reliable data on vehicle performance and running costs.
While the AAA’s recent testing focused on hybrid and petrol models, future evaluations will include electric vehicles (EVs), offering valuable insights into the efficiency of alternative powertrains in practical driving conditions. As the automotive industry continues to embrace electrification, comprehensive testing programs play a crucial role in informing consumers and shaping the future of sustainable mobility.
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