New test basis
ADR 81/03 aligns the label with newer fuel, emissions, energy-use and battery-range testing requirements based on WLTP. Newly approved models supplied for the first time from 1 July 2026 use the new requirements.
Australian buyer guide · 2026 change
Australia's new fuel consumption labels: WLTP, range and PHEV claims explained
Short answer: from 1 July 2026, newly approved vehicle models begin moving to an updated Australian fuel and energy label based on newer test requirements. The change should make the label more useful, but it still does not promise your exact fuel use, electricity use or driving range.
Effective for newly approved models: 1 July 2026All new light vehicles: 1 July 2028Last checked: 17 July 2026
What changed in 2026?
Gradual transition
The change does not replace every windscreen label overnight. Existing models can remain under the earlier framework during the transition; the updated requirements extend to all new light vehicles from 1 July 2028.
More than petrol and diesel
The label framework covers fuel consumption and CO₂, and can also show electricity consumption and battery range for electrified vehicles.
Still a laboratory result
A consistent test helps comparison, but load, accessories, tyres, temperature, speed, terrain, towing and charging behaviour can all change the real result.
Buyer rule: compare figures that use the same test cycle and vehicle grade. Do not treat an older NEDC claim and a newer WLTP result as if they were measured in the same way.
How to read the numbers
| Label number | What it helps compare | What to check before relying on it |
|---|---|---|
| Combined fuel use (L/100km) | Laboratory fuel consumption across a defined mixed cycle. | Confirm the test cycle. For a PHEV, check whether the battery starts charged and find the charge-depleted fuel use if available. |
| CO₂ (g/km) | Tailpipe emissions under the defined test. | It does not include upstream electricity or fuel production and is not a direct running-cost figure. |
| Energy use (kWh/100km) | How much electricity the vehicle uses in the test. | Multiply by your electricity tariff for an indicative charging cost, allowing for charging losses. |
| Electric range (km) | Test-cycle distance using the traction battery. | Highway speed, towing, payload, temperature and climate control can reduce real range. |
| Test cycle | Whether two published figures are genuinely comparable. | Compare WLTP with WLTP. Treat NEDC-to-WLTP comparisons as approximate, not a ranking. |
Why PHEV ute fuel claims need extra context
A plug-in hybrid ute can return a very low official combined fuel figure because the test includes energy supplied by a charged battery. That can be representative for an owner who plugs in regularly and completes many short trips. It can be a poor guide for someone who rarely charges, drives long highway distances or tows frequently.
Ask for two fuel-use views
Look for the official weighted combined claim and, where published, the fuel use after the usable battery charge has been depleted. The second number is often more relevant for long-distance travel.
Count electricity too
A low L/100km result does not mean the trip used no energy. Include kWh consumed, your home or public charging tariff and charging losses when comparing running costs.
Match the vehicle grade
Wheel size, tyres, body style, kerb weight and equipment can differ by grade. Do not automatically apply one grade's label to another grade.
Add your workload
Canopies, tools, passengers and trailers increase energy demand. A laboratory label cannot represent every ute body, payload and towing combination.
A five-step showroom check
- Photograph the exact vehicle's label, including the model and grade identifiers.
- Write down the test cycle before comparing it with another brochure or website.
- For a PHEV, record fuel and electricity rather than quoting only L/100km.
- Ask what happens with a depleted battery and on sustained highway or towing trips.
- Build a personal scenario using your annual kilometres, charging frequency, electricity price, fuel price and typical payload.
Sources and limits
This guide explains the label rather than predicting an individual vehicle's result. Always check the exact Australian vehicle label, current manufacturer documentation and applicable ADR information.