Car brands EXPOSED for HUGE MPG gaps in Real-World testing

The Electric Viking
7 Apr 202405:43

TLDRThe video script discusses the discrepancies between the fuel efficiency claims made by manufacturers and the real-world performance of both electric and internal combustion engine vehicles. It highlights that while electric cars may not always meet their advertised range, the issue is more nuanced and not limited to EVs. The script also points out that many traditional cars significantly overstate their fuel efficiency in lab settings compared to real-world driving conditions. It references a study by the Australian Automotive Association that shows a gap between promised and actual fuel efficiency, with some vehicles like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 using much more fuel than claimed. The video emphasizes the need for a balanced view of vehicle efficiency, acknowledging that the disparity between lab and real-world results is a widespread issue.

Takeaways

  • 🔋 Electric cars have varying ranges depending on driving conditions, with city and highway driving affecting the range differently.
  • 🚗 Manufacturers are sometimes accused of exaggerating the range of electric vehicles, but the situation is more nuanced than outright deception.
  • 🌍 The focus on electric vehicle (EV) range often overshadows the fact that many manufacturers have misrepresented fuel efficiency figures for traditional cars over the past decade.
  • 🏆 The Australian Automotive Association's real-world testing program has exposed discrepancies between lab tests and real-world fuel efficiency.
  • 🚙 Out of 133 vehicles tested, 7 were within 10% of lab results, while some used up to 20% more fuel than claimed.
  • 🥇 The worst performing vehicle in the study was the BMW X3, using 20% more fuel than predicted by lab tests.
  • 🏎️ Some vehicles, like the Hyundai i30 and Kia Sportage, exceeded their lab test fuel efficiency results by just under 5%.
  • 🌬️ Cars generally emit more pollution than reported, but certain models like the Hyundai Staria and Kia Sportage emit less than their quoted figures.
  • 🇨🇳 The Chinese-manufactured MG3 emitted 85% more emissions than its quoted figures, which is significantly higher than the norm.
  • 🛣️ The real-world fuel efficiency of internal combustion engine vehicles often falls short of manufacturer claims, especially with prolonged use and in city driving conditions.

Q & A

  • What is a common claim about electric cars regarding their range?

    -A common claim is that electric cars do not get the range that manufacturers state, suggesting that the companies may be exaggerating the actual distance an electric car can travel.

  • Why is the perceived range of electric cars complicated?

    -The range of electric cars is complicated because they perform differently under various driving conditions. They are excellent for city and highway driving but may see a drop in range under certain circumstances, which does not necessarily mean manufacturers are lying but highlights the variability in performance.

  • What issue with fuel economy is being ignored due to focus on electric vehicles?

    -The issue being ignored is that many manufacturers have been accused of lying about the miles per gallon (MPG) of their conventional cars over the past decade, with real-world testing often showing lower fuel efficiency than advertised.

  • Which car company is mentioned as a recent example of exaggerating fuel efficiency?

    -B (referring to a specific car company) is mentioned as a recent example, claiming their plug-in hybrid vehicle can travel 2,000 km with a small gasoline tank, which may not be achievable in real-world conditions.

  • What did the Australian Automotive Association's real-world testing program reveal?

    -The program revealed a gap between the promised fuel efficiency in controlled lab environments and the actual performance on the road. Some vehicles used up to 20% more fuel than their lab tests predicted, while a few others exceeded their lab test results.

  • Which vehicle was the worst performer in the Australian Automotive Association's study?

    -The BMW X3 was the worst performer, using 20% more fuel than its lab tests predicted.

  • How do some vehicles perform better than their advertised fuel efficiency?

    -Some vehicles, like the Hyundai i30, Hyundai Staria, Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, and Mitsubishi Outlander, exceeded their lab test results by just under 5%, showing better real-world fuel efficiency than advertised.

  • What was discovered about emissions in the real-world testing?

    -The real-world emissions testing revealed that some vehicles, like the Chinese-manufactured mg3, produced 85% more emissions than their quoted figures, indicating that some cars emit more pollution than advertised.

  • How do human factors influence fuel consumption and CO2 results?

    -Human factors such as driving style and changing traffic flows can significantly influence fuel consumption and CO2 results. The Australian government-funded tests adhered to strict EU legislation to minimize these influences and ensure repeatability.

  • What is the overall takeaway from the script regarding fuel efficiency and emissions?

    -The overall takeaway is that often, both gasoline and diesel vehicles do not achieve their claimed fuel efficiency or emissions standards in real-world driving conditions. It highlights the need for a more realistic understanding of fuel efficiency and emissions, particularly in day-to-day driving scenarios.

Outlines

00:00

🔋 Electric Cars and Range Anxiety

This paragraph discusses the common claim that electric cars do not achieve the range advertised by manufacturers. It highlights that while this can sometimes be true, the situation is more nuanced. Electric cars perform excellently in certain driving conditions like city and highway driving, but their range can drop in others. The speaker argues that the focus on electric vehicles (EVs) ignores the fact that many manufacturers have misrepresented the miles per gallon (MPG) of their traditional cars over the past decade. The paragraph mentions an example of a car company claiming a high range for their plug-in hybrid vehicle, but real-world testing shows that it is unlikely to achieve such numbers. The Australian Automotive Association's real-world testing program is cited, revealing a gap between lab-tested fuel efficiency and real-world performance, with some vehicles using significantly more fuel than advertised. The paragraph concludes by acknowledging that while some vehicles exceed their lab test results, others, particularly those owned by the Chinese government, produce more emissions than claimed.

05:00

🚗 Real-world Efficiency vs. Manufacturer Claims

The second paragraph delves into the discrepancy between the fuel efficiency claims made by manufacturers and the actual performance of vehicles in real-world conditions. The speaker questions how often gasoline or diesel vehicles truly achieve their claimed miles per gallon, suggesting that this rarely happens except in specific scenarios. The paragraph points out the psychological tendency of individuals to focus on instances where their vehicles meet or exceed efficiency claims while ignoring the times they do not. This selective perception can lead to a distorted view of a car's overall efficiency. The speaker emphasizes that internal combustion engine vehicles often fail to achieve the fuel efficiency results claimed by manufacturers, especially over time as the vehicle ages and its efficiency decreases.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Electric Cars

Electric cars, also known as EVs (Electric Vehicles), are vehicles that run on electric motors powered by rechargeable batteries. They are highlighted in the script as being great for certain types of driving like city and highway driving, but their range can vary significantly depending on conditions. The video discusses the common claim that electric cars do not achieve the range manufacturers claim, and while this can be true, it is also noted that the issue is more complex than simply accusing manufacturers of exaggeration.

💡Range

Range refers to the distance that a vehicle can travel on a single charge or fill-up of fuel. In the context of the video, it is used to discuss the discrepancy between the advertised range of electric cars and the actual range they can achieve under various driving conditions. The video suggests that while the range of electric cars might be less than what manufacturers claim, it is not necessarily because of dishonesty, but rather due to the varying nature of driving conditions.

💡Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency refers to the energy efficiency of a vehicle, typically measured in miles per gallon (MPG) for gasoline or diesel vehicles. The video script discusses the discrepancy between the advertised fuel efficiency of vehicles and the real-world performance, noting that many vehicles do not achieve the MPG claimed by manufacturers. This is a point of contention for consumers and environmentalists alike, as it affects both cost and emissions.

💡Plug-in Hybrid

A plug-in hybrid vehicle is a type of hybrid electric vehicle that can be recharged from an external source of electricity, unlike traditional hybrids that are only recharged through regenerative braking and engine operation. The script discusses a claim by a car manufacturer that their new plug-in hybrid vehicle can travel 2,000 km with a small gasoline tank, but it questions the realism of this claim in practical, everyday driving conditions.

💡Emissions

Emissions refer to the release of pollutants into the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and other harmful substances. In the context of the video, it discusses how certain vehicles, particularly a Chinese-manufactured model, emit a higher percentage of pollutants than their quoted figures, indicating a discrepancy between advertised and actual environmental impact.

💡Australian Automotive Association

The Australian Automotive Association (AAA) is an organization that advocates for the interests of motorists in Australia. In the video, the AAA is noted for conducting real-world testing programs that assess the fuel efficiency and emissions of vehicles, providing data that can differ significantly from manufacturers' claims. The AAA's findings are used in the script to discuss the gap between lab-tested and real-world performance of vehicles.

💡Diesel Gate Scandal

The Diesel Gate scandal refers to a major controversy involving Volkswagen, where the company was found to have installed software in their diesel vehicles to cheat on emissions tests, making it appear as though the cars met emissions standards when they did not. The script mentions that the AAA's real-world emissions results, which were funded by the Australian government, were established in response to the Diesel Gate scandal to ensure more accurate and transparent reporting of fuel consumption and emissions.

💡Internal Combustion Engine

An internal combustion engine (ICE) is a type of engine that generates power by burning fuel within the engine itself, creating high pressure to move pistons and provide mechanical power. The script discusses ICE vehicles in comparison to electric vehicles, noting that a significant percentage of these vehicles do not achieve the claimed fuel efficiency, especially in day-to-day driving conditions.

💡Fuel Consumption

Fuel consumption refers to the amount of fuel used by a vehicle over a certain distance or period of time. It is a critical factor in assessing the efficiency and environmental impact of a vehicle. The video script discusses the difference between the advertised fuel consumption rates and the real-world experience of drivers, emphasizing that there is often a gap between the two.

💡CO2 Results

CO2 results refer to the measurement of carbon dioxide emissions produced by a vehicle's engine. These results are important for understanding the environmental impact of a vehicle and are often regulated to ensure compliance with emission standards. The script discusses the AAA's real-world CO2 results, which aim to provide accurate and repeatable data on vehicles' emissions, in line with European Union legislation.

💡Human Factors

Human factors, in the context of vehicle testing, refer to the influence of individual driving behaviors, habits, and traffic conditions on the performance of a vehicle. These factors can significantly affect fuel consumption and emissions, making it challenging to achieve the results promised in controlled lab environments. The video script highlights the efforts to minimize the impact of human factors in the AAA's testing program to ensure more accurate and repeatable results.

Highlights

Electric cars' range is often a topic of debate, with claims that manufacturers exaggerate the actual distance they can travel.

The issue is more complicated than simply accusing manufacturers of lying, as electric cars perform differently in various driving conditions.

Electric vehicles (EVs) excel in city driving and highway driving, but their range can drop significantly in other situations.

The focus on EVs' range overshadows the fact that many manufacturers have been dishonest about the miles per gallon (MPG) of their vehicles.

The Australian Automotive Association's real-world testing program has exposed discrepancies between lab tests and on-road performance.

Some vehicles, such as the BMW X3 and Audi Q5, use more fuel in real-world conditions than their lab tests suggest.

On the other hand, certain vehicles like the Hyundai i30 and Kia Sportage have exceeded their lab test fuel efficiency results.

There is a notable gap between the fuel efficiency promised in controlled lab environments and the reality faced on the open road.

Some cars, including the K Carnival, Hyundai Staria, and Kia Sportage, have lower emissions than their quoted figures.

The Chinese-manufactured mg3 emits 85% more emissions than its quoted figures.

The Australian government funded the real-world emissions results, which were conducted in line with European Union legislation.

The tests aimed to ensure that fuel consumption and CO2 results are repeatable and minimize human factors' influence.

Gasoline and diesel vehicles often fail to achieve their claimed fuel efficiency results, especially in day-to-day driving.

The efficiency of internal combustion engine vehicles tends to decrease over time, with increased emissions and black smoke from the exhaust.

People may overstate the efficiency of their vehicles due to a psychological investment in the product they've purchased.

The discrepancy between claimed and actual fuel efficiency is often overlooked for conventional vehicles but scrutinized for EVs.

The conversation around vehicle efficiency should be more balanced, considering both the lab and real-world performances.

Manufacturers' claims should be taken with a grain of salt, as they may not reflect the true efficiency of vehicles in everyday use.