{"id":"F2025L01402","name":"Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 81/03 – Energy Consumption Labelling for Light Vehicles) 2025","slug":"vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-81-03-energy-consumption-labelling-for-light-vehicles-2025","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":443043,"registerId":"F2025L01402-fast-fetch-1775957950214","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-12","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 81/03 – Energy Consumption Labelling for Light Vehicles) 2025","content":"---\nmeta-content-style-type: text/css\nmeta-content-type: application/xhtml+xml; charset=utf-8\n---\n\n?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"utf-8\" standalone=\"no\"?>\n\n![Commonwealth coat of arms](image.001.jpeg)\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\nVehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 81/03 – Energy Consumption Labelling for Light Vehicles) 2025\n\nI, CATHERINE KING, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government determine this national road vehicle standard under section 12 of the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018.\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\nDated: 18 November 2025\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n[SIGNED]\n\n \n\nCatherine King\n\n \n\nMinister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government\n\n \n\nContents\n\n[1. LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS](#_Toc210728008)\n\n[2. FUNCTION](#_Toc210728009)\n\n[3. APPLICABILITY](#_Toc210728010)\n\n[4. DEFINITIONS](#_Toc210728011)\n\n[5. REQUIREMENTS](#_Toc210728012)\n\n[6. EXEMPTIONS AND ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURES](#_Toc210728013)\n\n[7. ALTERNATIVE STANDARDS](#_Toc210728014)\n\n[APPENDIX A](#_Toc210728015)\n\n[APPENDIX B](#_Toc210728016)\n\n \n\n \n\n# 1. LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS\n\n1.1.              Name of Standard\n\n1.1.1.              This standard is the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 81/03 – Energy Consumption Labelling for Light Vehicles) 2025.\n\n1.1.2.              This standard may also be cited as Australian Design Rule 81/03 – Energy Consumption Labelling for Light Vehicles, the Australian Design Rule 81/03, or ADR 81/03.\n\n1.2.              Commencement\n\n1.2.1.              This standard commences on the day after it is registered.\n\n# 2. FUNCTION\n\n1.                                       This vehicle standard prescribes the requirements for the measurement of fuel consumption, carbon dioxide emissions, energy consumption and range, and the design and fitment of energy consumption labels to light vehicles.\n\n\n# 3. APPLICABILITY\n\n3.1.              This vehicle standard applies to MA, MB, MC, MD and NA category vehicles with a gross vehicle mass not exceeding 3,500kg from the dates set out in clauses 3.1.1 to 3.1.2 and the table in clause 3.4.\n\n3.1.1              1 July 2026 for new models.\n\n3.1.2              1 July 2028 for all models.\n\n3.2.              This vehicle standard also applies to NB1 category vehicles and MA, MB, MC, MD category vehicles with a gross vehicle mass exceeding 3,500kg, from the dates set out in clauses 3.1.1 to 3.1.2 and the table in clause 3.4, if the vehicle is fitted with a label containing information on the vehicle’s fuel consumption, carbon dioxide emissions, energy consumption and/or battery range.\n\n3.3              For the purposes of clause 3.1.1 above, a “new model” is a vehicle model first produced with a ‘Date of Manufacture’ on or after the agreed date in that clause.\n\n3.4              Applicability Table\n\n- Vehicle Category ADR Category Code UN Category Code* Manufactured on or After Acceptable Prior Rules\n- Moped 2 wheels LA L1 Not Applicable\n- Moped 3 wheels LB L2 Not Applicable\n- Motor cycle LC L3 Not Applicable\n- Motor cycle and sidecar LD L4 Not Applicable\n- Motor tricycle LE L5\n- LEM Not Applicable\n- LEP Not Applicable\n- LEG Not Applicable\n- Passenger car MA M1 See clauses 3.1.1 to 3.1.2 Nil\n- Forward-control passenger vehicle MB M1 See clauses 3.1.1 to 3.1.2 Nil\n- Off-road passenger vehicle MC M1 See clauses 3.1.1 to 3.1.2 Nil\n- Light omnibus MD M2\n- up to 3.5 tonnes ‘GVM’ and up to 12 seats MD1 See clauses 3.1.1 to 3.1.2 Nil\n- up to 3.5 tonnes ‘GVM’ and more than 12 seats MD2 See clauses 3.1.1 to 3.1.2 Nil\n- over 3.5 tonnes and up to 4.5 tonnes ‘GVM’ MD3 See clause 3.2 Nil\n- over 4.5 tonnes and up to 5 tonnes ‘GVM’ MD4 Not Applicable\n- Heavy omnibus ME M3 Not Applicable\n- Light goods vehicle NA N1 See clauses 3.1.1 and 3.1.2 Nil\n- Medium goods vehicle NB N2\n- over 3.5 tonnes up to 4.5 tonnes ‘GVM’ NB1 See clause 3.2 Nil\n- over 4.5 tonnes up to 12 tonnes ‘GVM’ NB2 Not Applicable\n- Heavy goods vehicle NC N3 Not Applicable\n- Very light trailer TA O1 Not Applicable\n- Light trailer TB O2 Not Applicable\n- Medium trailer TC O3 Not Applicable\n- Heavy trailer TD O4 Not Applicable\n\n\n* The category code may also be in the format L1, L2, L3 etc\n\n# 4. DEFINITIONS\n\n4.1.              Supporting Information has the same meaning as in the Road Vehicle Standards Rules 2019.\n\n4.2              For all other vehicle categories, definitions and meanings used in this standard, refer to Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 111/00 – Advanced Emission Control for Light Vehicles) 2024.\n\n4.3.              If the term is not is defined in ADR 111/00, refer to the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule – Definitions and Vehicle Categories) 2005.\n\n# 5. REQUIREMENTS\n\n5.1 All vehicles must have their fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions tested in accordance with ADR 111/00, or one of the alternative standards specified in clause 7.\n\n5.2 If the vehicle is a Pure Electric Vehicle, or an OVC-HEV, or an OVC-FCHV, the vehicle must also have its energy consumption and range tested in accordance with ADR 111/00, or one of the alternative standards specified in clause 7.\n\n5.3 The manufacturer must record the following in their Supporting Information:\n\n5.3.1 the carbon dioxide emissions value declared for the vehicle (in grams per kilometre);\n\n5.3.2 the carbon dioxide emissions measured for the vehicle over the complete test cycle (in grams per kilometre);\n\n5.3.3 the fuel consumption value declared for the vehicle (in litres per 100 kilometres or kilograms per 100 kilometres, as appropriate for the fuel type); and\n\n5.3.4 the fuel consumption measured for the vehicle over the complete test cycle (in litres per 100 kilometres or kilograms per 100 kilometres, as appropriate for the fuel type).\n\n5.3.5 If the vehicle is an OVC-HEV, or an OVC-FCHV, the manufacturer must also record:\n\n5.3.5.1 the carbon dioxide emissions value declared for the vehicle in charge sustaining mode (in grams per kilometre);\n\n5.3.5.2 the carbon dioxide emissions measured for the vehicle over the complete test cycle in charge sustaining mode (in grams per kilometre);\n\n5.3.5.3 the fuel consumption value declared for the vehicle in charge sustaining model (in litres per 100 kilometres or kilograms per 100 kilometres, as appropriate for the fuel type);\n\n5.3.5.4 the fuel consumption measured for the vehicle over the complete test cycle in charge sustaining mode (in litres per 100 kilometres or kilograms per 100 kilometres, as appropriate for the fuel type).\n\n5.3.5.5. the equivalent all electric range declared for the vehicle (in kilometres); and\n\n5.3.5.6 the equivalent all electric range measured for the vehicle over the complete test cycle (in kilometres);\n\n5.3.5.7 the energy consumption value declared for the vehicle (in watt hours per kilometre); and\n\n5.3.5.8 the energy consumption value measured for the vehicle over the complete test cycle (in watt hours per kilometre).\n\n5.3.6 If the vehicle is a Pure Electric Vehicle, the manufacturer must also record:\n\n5.3.6.1. The range declared for the vehicle (in kilometres); and\n\n5.3.6.2 The range measured for the vehicle over the complete test cycle (in kilometres); and\n\n5.3.6.3 The energy consumption value declared for the vehicle (in watt hours per kilometre); and\n\n5.3.6.4 The energy consumption value measured for the vehicle over the complete test cycle (in watt hours per kilometre).\n\n5.3.7 If the vehicle is an MA, MB, MC, NA or NB1 category vehicle, the manufacturer must also record the NEDC equivalent carbon dioxide emissions value calculated for the vehicle in accordance with Appendix B or the alternative procedures specified in clause 6 (in grams per kilometre and rounded to the nearest whole number).\n\n5.4 Vehicles must be fitted with an Energy Consumption Label that meets the applicable requirements of clauses 5.3 to 5.7 and the specifications in Appendix A.\n\n5.5 The label must be fitted on the lower left (passenger side) corner of the windscreen from the inside of the vehicle.\n\n5.6 The energy consumption label fitted to the vehicle must display:\n\n5.6.1 the fuel consumption value declared for the vehicle to comply with clause 5.3.4; and\n\n5.6.2 the tailpipe carbon dioxide emissions value declared for the vehicle to comply with clause 5.3.1\n\n5.7 If the vehicle is a Pure Electric Vehicle, or an OVC-HEV, or an OVC-FCHV, the energy consumption label fitted to the vehicle must also display:\n\n5.7.1 the electric energy consumption declared for the vehicle to comply with clause 5.3.5.7 or 5.3.6.3 (as applicable for the vehicle type); and\n\n5.7.2 the battery range declared for the vehicle to comply with clause 5.3.5.5 or 5.3.6.1 (as applicable for the vehicle type).\n\n6. EXEMPTIONS AND ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURES\n\n6.1 At the choice of the manufacturer, the NEDC equivalent carbon dioxide emissions value required under clause 5.3.7 may be determined by testing the vehicle in accordance with the complete Type I test specified in United Nations (UN) Regulation No. 101 - Uniform provisions concerning the approval of passenger cars powered by an internal combustion engine only, or powered by a hybrid electric power train with regard to the measurement of the emission of carbon dioxide and fuel consumption and/or the measurement of electric energy consumption and electric range, and of categories M1 and N1 vehicles powered by an electric power train only with regard to the measurement of electric energy consumption and electric range, incorporating all amendments up to and including Supplement 12 to the 01 series of amendments or later, in lieu of the procedure specified in Appendix B of this vehicle standard.\n\n6.1.1 Notwithstanding the scope of UN Regulation No. 101, a test report for a vehicle with a reference mass exceeding 2,610kg or a gross vehicle mass over 3,500kg tested in accordance with UN Regulation No. 101 is acceptable as evidence of compliance with clause 5.3.7 of this vehicle standard.\n\n# 7. ALTERNATIVE STANDARDS\n\n7.1 The technical requirements of Annexes B1 to B8 of United Nations Regulation No. 154 - Uniform provisions concerning the approval of light duty passenger and commercial vehicles with regards to criteria emissions, emissions of carbon dioxide and fuel consumption and/or the measurement of electric energy consumption and electric range (WLTP).\n\n7.2 The technical requirements of Annex XXI of Commission Regulation (EC) 2017/1151 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 1 June 2017 supplementing Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council on type-approval of motor vehicles with respect to emissions from light passenger and commercial vehicles (Euro 5 and Euro 6) and on access to vehicle repair and maintenance information, amending Directive 2007/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, Commission Regulation (EC) No 692/2008 and Commission Regulation (EU) No 1230/2012 and repealing Commission Regulation (EC) No 692/2008.\n\n7.3 The technical requirements of Annex XXI of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1706 of 25 July 2025 laying down rules, procedures and testing methodologies for the application of Regulation (EU) 2024/1257 as regards exhaust and evaporative emission type-approval of vehicles of categories M1 and N1 and amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/683.\n\n7.4 Subject to 7.4.1 to 7.4.2, the technical requirements of Title 40 the United States Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 600, Fuel Economy and Greenhous Gas Exhaust Emissions of Motor Vehicles.\n\n7.4.1 The fuel consumption value declared for the vehicle must be determined in accordance with § 600.210-12.\n\n7.4.2 The carbon dioxide emissions value declared for the vehicle must be determined in accordance with § 600.210-12.\n\n7.4.3 The energy consumption value declared for the vehicle must be determined in accordance with § 600.116-12.\n\n7.4.4 The range value declared for the vehicle must be determined in accordance with § 600.116-12.\n\n \n\n# APPENDIX A\n\nENERGY CONSUMPTION LABEL SPECIFICATIONS\n\n1. If the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions value declared for the vehicle is greater than 50 grams per kilometre, the label must be of the form, dimensions and fonts illustrated in Figure 1 of this Appendix A, with Figure 3 providing an illustration of the label for printing purposes.\n\n2. If the CO2emissions value declared for the vehicle is less than or equal to 50 grams per kilometre, the label must be of the form, dimensions and fonts illustrated in Figure 2 of this Appendix A, with Figure 4 providing an illustration of the label for printing purposes\n\n2.1. Subject to 2.1.1, fuel consumption values displayed on the label must be expressed in Litres per 100 kilometres (L/100km) and rounded to one decimal place.\n\n2.1.1 If the vehicle is powered or charged by an engine or fuel cell that operates on hydrogen, fuel consumption values displayed on the label must be expressed in kilograms per 100 kilometres (kg/100km) and rounded to one decimal place.\n\n3. Tailpipe carbon dioxide emissions values displayed on the label must be expressed in grams per kilometre (g/km) and rounded to the nearest whole number.\n\n4. Electric energy consumption values displayed on the label must be expressed in watt hours per kilometre and rounded to the nearest whole number.\n\n5. Battery range values displayed on the label must be expressed in watt hours per kilometre and rounded to the nearest whole number.\n\n6. The label must be self-adhesive, durable and removable, and of a type suitable for application to the windscreen of the vehicle.\n\n7. The information on the label must be in the English language, legible and visible from outside the vehicle when the label is applied to the windscreen.\n\n8. All text and numerals on the label must be black, except:\n\n8.1 the “ENERGY CONSUMPTION” heading, which must be white lettering reversed out of the solid black background surrounding the heading and statement; and\n\n8.2 the statement “You can compare vehicles and estimate your fuel costs and emissions online at greenvehicleguide.gov.au”, which must be white lettering reversed out of the solid green background surrounding the statement.\n\n9. The colours used on the label are black, red, yellow and green, with the red to be Pantone Warm Red, the yellow to be Pantone 116 and the green to be Pantone 360CVC.\n\n10. The following background areas of the label must be white: \n\n10.1 The background area between the solid red background surrounding the fuel consumption, electric energy consumption and battery range and values and the inner border containing these values; and\n\n10.2 If the CO2 emissions value declared for the vehicle is 50 grams per kilometre or less, the background area between the solid green background surrounding the tailpipe CO2 emissions value and the inner border containing this value.\n\n10.3 If the CO2 emissions value declared for the vehicle is greater than 50 grams per kilometre or less, the background area between the solid red background surrounding the tailpipe CO2 emissions value and the inner border containing this value.\n\n11. The background area between the inner borders and the edge of the label must be yellow.\n\n12. A description of the vehicle must be placed on the yellow background between the energy consumption heading and the white data boxes.\n\n13. The wording of the vehicle description on the label must have normal spacing of letter, line and word, and be centred horizontally and vertically in the area specified in clause 12.\n\n14. The vehicle description specified in clause 13 must include the:\n\n14.1 vehicle make, model and variant description by which the vehicle is advertised and sold; \n\n14.2 transmission type of the vehicle; and\n\n14.3 fuel type of the vehicle, where:\n\n14.3.1 for Pure ICE vehicles, the terms “Petrol”, “Diesel”, “LPG”, “CNG” or “Hydrogen Combustion” must be used as appropriate, for the fuel type;\n\n14.3.2 for NOVC-HEVs, the terms “Petrol Hybrid”, “Diesel Hybrid”, “LPG Hybrid” or “Hydrogen Combustion Hybrid” must be used, as appropriate, for the fuel type;\n\n14.3.3 for Pure Electric Vehicles, the term ‘Electric’ must be used for the fuel type;\n\n14.3.4 for OVC-HEVs, the terms “Petrol Plug-in Hybrid”, “Diesel Plug-in Hybrid”, “LPG Plug-in Hybrid” or “Hydrogen Combustion Plug-in Hybrid” must be used, as appropriate, for the fuel type;\n\n14.3.5 for Fuel Cell Vehicles, the term ‘Hydrogen Fuel Cell’ must be used for the fuel type;\n\n14.3.6 for NOVC-HFCVs, the term ‘Hydrogen Fuel Cell Hybrid’ must be used for the fuel type; and\n\n14.3.7 for OVC-FCHVs, the term ‘Hydrogen Fuel Cell Plug-in Hybrid’ must be used for the fuel type.\n\n15. The fuel consumption value declared for the vehicle must be centred in the red area on the label indicated by the letters “XX.X” in Figure 1 or Figure 2, as appropriate for the vehicle type.\n\n15.1 for Pure Electric Vehicles, the value must be displayed as “0”.\n\n15.2 for all other vehicles the value must be as specified for the vehicle type in clause 5.3.4 of this vehicle standard;\n\n16. The tailpipe CO2 emissions value in must be centred in the red area of the label indicated by the letters “XXX” in Figure 1 for vehicles with a CO2 value greater than 50 grams per kilometre; or the green area of the label indicated by the letters “XX” in Figure 2 for vehicles with a CO2 value less than 50 grams per kilometre.\n\n16.1 for all vehicles powered or charged exclusively by electricity and/or hydrogen, the value must be displayed as “0”.\n\n16.2 for all other vehicles, the value must be as specified for the vehicle type in clause 5.3.1 of this vehicle standard;\n\n17. The electric energy consumption value must be centred in the red area on the label indicated by the letters “XXX” in Figure 1 or Figure 2, as appropriate for the vehicle type.\n\n17.1 for OVC-HEVs and OVC-FCHVs, the value must be as specified for the vehicle type in clause 5.3.5.7 of this vehicle standard; and\n\n17.2 for Pure Electric Vehicles the value must be as specified for the vehicle type in clause 5.3.6.3 of this vehicle standard; and\n\n17.3 for all other vehicles, the value is to be displayed as “NA”;\n\n18. The battery range in kilometres must be centred in the red area of the label indicated by the letter “XXX” in Figure 1 or Figure 2, as appropriate for the vehicle type.\n\n18.1 for OVC-HEVs and OVC-FCHVs, the value must be as specified for the vehicle type in clause 5.3.5.5 of this vehicle standard; and\n\n18.2 for Pure Electric Vehicles the value must be as specified for the vehicle type in clause 5.3.6.1 of this vehicle standard; and\n\n18.3 for all other vehicles, the value is to be displayed as “NA”;\n\n19. The dimensions of the red and green areas featuring the fuel consumption, tailpipe CO2 emissions, electric energy consumption and battery range values may be varied by up to 1mm to allow for printing tolerances.\n\n20. Figures 5 and 6 provides a sample label to illustrate placement of the vehicle description and fuel consumption, tailpipe CO2 emissions, electric energy consumption and battery range values for all vehicles subject to this vehicle standard.\n\n![Diagram showing the dimensions, colours and fonts required for the energy consumption label for vehicles with CO2 emissions over 50 grams per kilometre. The top part is black with white text, the middle edges are yellow. The centre has four white sections with four red boxes and black text in the centre of each section. The section at the end is green with white text.](image.002.jpeg)\n\nFigure 1: Illustration of Energy Consumption Label with fonts and dimensions\n\n![Diagram showing the dimensions, colours and fonts required for the energy consumption label for vehicles with CO2 emissions less than or equal to 50 grams per kilometre. The top part is black with white text, the middle edges are yellow. The centre has four white sections. The white sections on the left and lower right have a red box in the centre of the section with black text. The top right section a green box in the centre with black text. The section at the end is green with white text.](image.003.jpeg)\n\nFigure 2: Illustration of Energy Consumption Label for vehicles with CO2 emissions less than or equal to 50 grams per kilometre with fonts and dimensions\n\n![Diagram illustrating a blank energy consumption label for vehicles with CO2 emissions over 50 grams per kilometre. The top part is black with white text, the middle edges are yellow. The centre has four white sections with four red boxes and black text in the centre of each section. The section at the end is green with white text.](image.004.jpeg)\n\nFigure 3: Illustration of Energy Consumption Label\n\n![Diagram illustrating a blank energy consumption label for vehicles with CO2 emissions less than or equal to 50 grams per kilometre. The top part is black with white text, the middle edges are yellow. The centre has four white sections. The white sections on the left and lower right have a red box in the centre of the section with black text. The top right section a green box in the centre with black text. The section at the end is green with white text.](image.005.jpeg)\n\nFigure 4: Illustration of Energy Consumption Label for vehicles with CO2 emissions less than or equal to 50 grams per kilometre\n\n![Diagram showing an example of a completed energy consumption label for a petrol non-plug-in hybrid vehicle with CO2 emissions greater than 50 grams per kilometre. This vehicle when tested consumed 4.5 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres and emitted 104 grams of CO2 per kilometre. As this vehicle is not powered by electricity, it has NA for the electric energy consumption and battery range figure. ](image.006.jpeg)\n\nFigure 5: Sample Energy Consumption Label (for illustrative purposes only)\n\n![Diagram showing an example of a completed energy consumption label for a plug-in hybrid vehicle with CO2 emissions less than or equal to 50 grams per kilometre. This vehicle when tested consumed 2.0 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres, emitted 46 grams of CO2 per kilometre, consumed 189 watt hours of electricity per kilometre and had a battery range of 53 kilometres. ](image.007.jpeg)\n\nFigure 6: Sample Energy Consumption Label for vehicles with CO2 emissions less than or equal to 50 grams per kilometre (for illustrative purposes only)\n\n \n\n# APPENDIX B\n\nCalculation of NEDC equivalent carbon dioxide value for vehicles tested to the WLTP or US EPA test cycle\n\n1.              Introduction\n\n\nThis appendix specifies an approved method for calculating an NEDC equivalent carbon dioxide emissions and fuel consumption value for the purposes of clause 5.3.7 of this vehicle standard.\n\n1.              Definitions\n\n\n4-phase WLTP means a vehicle with a carbon dioxide emissions value determined over the complete cycle of the WLTP as adopted in Annex XXI of EU Regulation 2017/1151 or EU Regulation 2025/1706 or Level 1A or Level 2 of UN Regulation No.154.\n\n3-phase WLTP means a vehicle with a carbon dioxide emissions value determined over the complete cycle of the WLTP as adopted in Level 1B of UN Regulation No.154.\n\nUS 2-cycle test procedure means a vehicle with a carbon dioxide emissions value determined over the ‘Federal Test Procedure’ and the ‘Highway Fuel Economy Test’ specified in Title 40 of the United States Code of Federal Regulations, Part 600 – Fuel Economy and Greenhouse Gas Exhaust Emissions of Motor Vehicles.\n\n3. Calculation of an NEDC equivalent carbon dioxide emissions value for Pure ICE vehicles and NOVC-HEVs\n\n3.1 Pure ICE vehicles and NOVC-HEVs with a carbon dioxide emissions value determined in accordance with the ‘4-phase WLTP’, ‘3-phase WLTP’ or the ‘US 2-cycle’ test procedure, may use the following equation to calculate the vehicle’s NEDC equivalent carbon dioxide emissions value for the purposes of this vehicle standard:\n\n![](image.008.png)\n\nWhere:\n\n![](image.009.png) is the NEDC equivalent carbon dioxide emissions value in grams per kilometre (g/km)\n\n![](image.010.png) is the carbon dioxide emissions value (in g/km) determined over the original test procedure\n\nParameters a and b are defined in Table B1 depending on the procedure used for determining the reported carbon dioxide emissions value determined over the original test procedure, vehicle category, and fuel type.\n\nTable B1: Parameters a and b for the conversion of carbon dioxide emission values of Pure ICE vehicles and NOVC-HEVs.\n\n- Original test procedure ADR vehicle category Fuel type a b\n- Vehicles tested in accordance with the 4 phase WLTP MA, MB, MC Petrol 0.9294 -13.2248\n- NA, NB1 Petrol 0.9294 -13.2248\n- MA, MB, MC Diesel 0.8075 1.8475\n- NA, NB1 Diesel 0.7633 1.0199\n- Vehicles tested in accordance with the 3 phase WLTP MA, MB, MC Petrol 0.7946 11.8702\n- NA, NB1 Petrol 0.7946 11.8702\n- MA, MB, MC Diesel 0.7773 10.0080\n- NA, NB1 Diesel 0.7347 8.7332\n- Vehicles tested in accordance with the US 2-cycle test procedure MA, MB, MC Petrol 0.9849 0.9819\n- NA, NB1 Petrol 0.9849 0.9819\n- MA, MB, MC Diesel 1.0478 -3.0061\n- NA, NB1 Diesel 1.0419 -3.2551\n\n\n \n\n4. Calculation of an NEDC equivalent carbon dioxide emissions value for OVC-HEVs\n\n4.1 If the vehicle is an OVC-HEV, the following procedure may be used to determine the vehicle’s NEDC equivalent carbon dioxide emissions value:\n\n4.1.1 The declared charge sustaining CO2 emissions value from the original test procedure may be converted to a NEDC equivalent charge sustaining CO2 emissions value ![](image.011.png) using the following equation:\n\n![](image.012.png)\n\nWhere:\n\n![](image.013.png) is the carbon dioxide emissions value (in g/km) determined over the original test procedure\n\nParameters a and b are defined in Table B1 depending on the procedure used for determining the reported carbon dioxide emissions value determined over the original test procedure, vehicle category, and fuel type of the internal combustion engine.\n\n4.1.2 The NEDC equivalent carbon dioxide emissions value (![](image.014.png)for the vehicle shall then be calculated using the following equation\n\n![](image.015.png)\n\nWhere:\n\n![](image.016.png) is the NEDC equivalent charge-sustaining CO2 emissions value in g/km determined in accordance with clause 4.2.1\n\nEAER is the equivalent all-electric range determined in accordance with the original test procedure in km\n\n4.2 At the choice of the manufacturer, an OVC-HEV tested in accordance with the ‘4-phase WLTP’, with a utility factor weighted carbon dioxide emissions value calculated using:\n\na. the dn utility factor curve specified in Annex B8-Appendix 5 of the 00 or 01 series of UN Regulation No. 154, or EU Regulation 2017/1151; or\n\nb. the dnea utility factor curve specified in Annex B8-Appendix 5 of Level 1A or Level 2 of UN Regulation No. 154, or EU Regulation 2023/443;\n\nthe vehicle’s NEDC equivalent carbon dioxide emissions value may be calculated using the following equation:\n\n![](image.008.png)\n\nWhere:\n\n![](image.009.png) is the NEDC equivalent carbon dioxide emissions value in g/km\n\n![](image.010.png) is the carbon dioxide emissions value declared in accordance with the original test procedure\n\nParameters a and b are defined in Table B2 depending on the procedure used for determining the reported declared carbon dioxide emissions value, the vehicle category, and the fuel type of the internal combustion engine.\n\nTable B2: Parameters a and b for the conversion of carbon dioxide emission values of off-vehicle charging hybrid electric vehicles (OVC-HEVs).\n\n- Original test procedure ADR vehicle category Fuel type a b\n- OVC-HEVs tested in accordance with the 4 phase WLTP, with a utility factor weighted CO2 value calculated using:the dn (Euro 6d) utility factor curve specified in Annex B8-Appendix 5 of the 00 or 01 series of UN Regulation No. 154 (Level 1A or Level 2), or EU Regulation 2017/1151 as amended by EU Regulation 2018/1832; orthe dnea (Euro 6e-EA) utility factor curve specified in Annex B8-Appendix 5 of UN Regulation No. 154 (Level 1A or Level 2), or EU Regulation 2017/1151 as amended by EU Regulation 2023/443. MA, MB, MC Petrol 0.6879 13.9135\n- NA, NB1 Petrol 0.6879 13.9135\n- MA, MB, MC Diesel 0.7084 14.5883\n- NA, NB1 Diesel 0.7084 14.5883\n\n\n1.                        Supporting information requirements\n\n\n5.1 For each vehicle type reporting a carbon dioxide or fuel consumption value determined in accordance with this Appendix, the following information must be recorded in the manufacturer’s Supporting Information:\n\n5.1.1 the vehicle’s NEDC equivalent carbon dioxide emissions value (in g/km) determined in accordance with clause 3.1, 4.1 or 4.2;\n\n5.1.2 The vehicle’s carbon dioxide emissions value (in g/km) determined in accordance with the original test procedure; and\n\n5.1.3 the vehicle’s ADR vehicle category; and\n\n5.1.4 the fuel-type for the vehicle’s internal combustion engine (“petrol” or “diesel”); and\n\n5.1.5 the vehicle’s powertrain type (“Pure ICE vehicle”, “NOVC-HEV” or “OVC-HEV”).\n\n5.2. If the vehicle is an OVC-HEV with an NEDC equivalent CO2 value determined in accordance with clause 4.1 of this Appendix, the following information must also be recorded in the manufacturer’s Supporting Information:\n\n5.2.1 The vehicle’s charge sustaining carbon dioxide emissions value in g/km, determined in accordance with the original test procedure;\n\n5.2.2. the vehicle’s NEDC equivalent charge sustaining carbon dioxide emissions value emissions (in g/km), calculated in accordance with clause 3.1;\n\n5.2.3 the vehicle’s equivalent all electric range in km, determined in accordance with the original test procedure.\n\n \n","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"Unauthenticated. Configure AI_GATEWAY_API_KEY or use a provider module. Learn more: https://ai-sdk.dev/unauthenticated-ai-gateway","source":"analysis-cron"},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":7,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This 2025 instrument updates and modernises an energy‑consumption labelling ADR by adding explicit provisions for electric vehicles, plug‑in and fuel cell hybrids, detailed label design, and formal methods to convert international test results into an Australian reporting format (NEDC equivalent). Those additions broaden the technical coverage but stay within the original functional scope of prescribing how energy/fuel consumption and CO2 information is measured, recorded and displayed for light vehicles. In other words, it expands and clarifies technical detail and permitted compliance routes rather than materially changing the instrument’s fundamental purpose of standardising consumer information and test reporting."},"complexity_factors":["Extensive cross‑references to other vehicle standards and regulations (ADR 111/00; UN Regulation Nos. 101 and 154; multiple EU Regulations; US CFR Part 600) increasing external dependencies","Multiple vehicle categories and staged applicability dates (clauses 3.1–3.4) with special rules for some heavier categories (clause 3.2)","Detailed, prescriptive label specifications (Appendix A) including colours, fonts, placement, rounding and language rules","Numerical conversion methodology in Appendix B with formulae and two parameter tables (Tables B1 and B2) — adds mathematical complexity and conditional logic","Several alternative compliance pathways (clauses 6 and 7) allowing procedural choice by manufacturers","Supporting Information obligations with many distinct required data elements and conditional entries depending on powertrain type (clause 5.3 and Appendix B clause 5.1)","Nested conditional requirements for different vehicle powertrains (Pure ICE, NOVC‑HEV, OVC‑HEV, Pure EV, FCHV, OVC‑FCHV) throughout clauses 5 and Appendix B","Prescriptive rounding, unit and display rules (Appendix A clauses 2.1–5 and 15–18) that add operational detail and potential for minor compliance errors"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this instrument does (mechanics)\n\n- Sets mandatory laboratory testing and labelling requirements for energy and fuel consumption information that must accompany many light vehicles sold in Australia. (See clauses 2 and 5.)\n- Requires manufacturers to test vehicles for fuel consumption and tailpipe CO2 emissions using the referenced test procedure (ADR 111/00) or one of several internationally recognised alternative procedures (clauses 5.1, 6 and 7).\n- Requires additional testing and reporting for electric vehicles and certain plug‑in or fuel‑cell hybrids (energy consumption in Wh/km and battery range in km). (Clauses 5.2, 5.3.5–5.3.6 and 5.7.)\n- Forces manufacturers to record a set list of values in their Supporting Information (official records) — declared and measured fuel consumption, CO2, energy consumption, range and, for many vehicles, a converted “NEDC equivalent” CO2 value (clause 5.3 and Appendix B).\n- Mandates a specific on‑vehicle Energy Consumption Label (design, placement, language, units, rounding rules and colours) to be affixed to the inside lower‑left corner of the windscreen. The label layout varies depending on whether declared CO2 is above or at/below 50 g/km. (Clauses 5.4–5.7 and Appendix A.)\n\n**Who this affects\n\n- Vehicle manufacturers and importers who place new light vehicles on the Australian market (all MA, MB, MC, MD and NA category vehicles up to 3,500 kg GVM). (Clause 3.1 and table at clause 3.4.)\n- From 1 July 2026 the rules apply to \"new models\"; from 1 July 2028 they apply to all models (clauses 3.1.1–3.1.2 and 3.3).\n- The standard also captures some other vehicle categories (NB1 and heavier MA/MB/MC/MD) only if a label is fitted (clause 3.2), so those producers may be functionally outside the rule unless they opt to label.\n- Testing laboratories and compliance staff (because of the recordkeeping and acceptance of alternative test reports; clauses 5.1, 6 and 7).\n\n**Why it matters (purpose claim and practical test)\n\n- Officially: the instrument is intended to give consumers comparable, standardised information about fuel/energy use, CO2 emissions and electric range so buyers can compare vehicles and estimate operating costs (clauses 2 and 5; Appendix A statement pointing users to greenvehicleguide.gov.au).\n\nTest of that claim against practical effects and trade‑offs:\n- Who pays: manufacturers bear the direct costs — testing to the nominated protocols, preparing Supporting Information, and producing/pasting the specific adhesive label (clauses 5.1, 5.3, 5.4–5.6 and Appendix A). Those costs may be passed on to buyers in vehicle price or distribution choices.\n- Who decides: the Minister made the standard under the Road Vehicle Standards Act (front page). Within the standard, manufacturers can choose among approved test procedures or conversion methods (clauses 6 and 7 and Appendix B), so manufacturers have discretion which compliant pathway to use.\n- Behaviour the rule induces: manufacturers must run specific test cycles or convert foreign test results to the required Australian reporting format (Appendix B). They must keep specified data in Supporting Information and attach standardised labels at point of sale.\n- Compliance burden: detailed recordkeeping (clause 5.3 and Appendix B clause 5.1), prescriptive label design and placement (Appendix A), and numerical rounding/unit rules increase administrative and production complexity compared with a simple disclosure requirement.\n- Competition and substitution effects: the instrument allows multiple, recognised international testing regimes (WLTP, UN R101, EU and US EPA procedures in clause 7). That enables manufacturers to rely on existing test data from other jurisdictions, lowering duplication costs. At the same time, permitting alternative procedures creates scope for manufacturers to select the test or conversion method that produces the most favourable declared numbers (mechanism: choice in clauses 6–7 and Appendix B), which can affect the comparability the label seeks to achieve.\n- Measurement and comparability risk: the standard requires a converted NEDC equivalent for many vehicles (clause 5.3.7 and Appendix B). Conversions use formulae and parameter tables (Appendix B, Tables B1–B2). Those conversions introduce modelling error and rely on parameters that differ by vehicle class and fuel type, so the displayed NEDC equivalents are not direct measurements but calculated proxies.\n- Implementation and enforcement risk: the instrument is prescriptive about label appearance and placement (Appendix A). Enforcing label fidelity and accuracy depends on inspectors having access to the manufacturer Supporting Information and test reports; the standard does not itself set enforcement procedures or penalties (these sit in the parent Road Vehicle Standards framework).\n- Effects on small manufacturers/importers: smaller producers face fixed costs for testing and producing labels, and will be more sensitive to the burden of multiple permitted reporting values and recordkeeping requirements.\n\n**Key mechanics and notable specifics (practical takeaways)\n\n- Timing: new models from 1 July 2026; all models from 1 July 2028 (clauses 3.1.1–3.1.2). \n- Tests permitted: ADR 111/00 by default (clauses 5.1–5.2); manufacturers may instead use UN Regulation No.101 Type I test (clause 6) or WLTP, EC and US EPA procedures listed in clause 7.\n- Required on‑label items: declared fuel consumption, declared tailpipe CO2, and, for electric/plug‑in/fuel‑cell vehicles, declared energy consumption and declared battery range (clauses 5.6–5.7 and Appendix A). Units and rounding are specified (Appendix A clauses 2.1, 3–5).\n- Label design: mandatory colours, fonts, language (English), location (inside lower‑left windscreen) and adhesive/visibility requirements (Appendix A clauses 5–11, 6–7).\n- Supporting Information: manufacturers must record declared and measured values and, where applicable, conversion inputs and NEDC equivalent values (clause 5.3 and Appendix B clause 5.1).\n\n**Concrete incentives and possible side effects to watch for**\n\n- Manufacturers can rely on foreign test approvals (clause 7), reducing duplication but allowing choice among methods that may yield different numeric outcomes. That can create selection incentives (pick the method producing better label figures).\n- The NEDC equivalent calculation (Appendix B) standardises older-style reporting for consumers, but the conversion depends on coefficients by vehicle class and fuel type; small shifts in those coefficients materially change the displayed value for borderline models.\n- For heavier vehicles, the rule only applies if a label is fitted (clause 3.2). That creates a formal opt‑out path: a manufacturer could avoid the labelling obligation by not providing a label, although other statutory obligations may still apply under broader rules.\n\n**Where to look in the instrument**\n- Applicability and dates: clauses 3.1–3.4\n- Testing and reporting obligations: clause 5 and Appendix B\n- Exemptions/alternative test procedure: clause 6\n- Accepted alternative standards: clause 7\n- Label design, placement, units and fonts: Appendix A\n\n(References above are to clauses and appendices in the Vehicle Standard (ADR 81/03 – Energy Consumption Labelling for Light Vehicles) 2025.)"},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The legislation appears tightly scoped to its original purpose of establishing energy consumption labelling requirements for light vehicles. While it incorporates extensive technical detail (mathematical conversions, label specifications, multiple international standards), this depth serves the core objective rather than expanding beyond it. The phased implementation and vehicle category distinctions are typical of vehicle standards and represent necessary granularity rather than scope creep."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple vehicle categories (MA, MB, MC, MD, NA, NB1) with different applicability dates and thresholds","Extensive cross-referencing to ADR 111/00 and UN Regulations (No. 101, No. 154) for definitions and test procedures","Nested conditional logic for label content based on vehicle powertrain type (Pure ICE, NOVC-HEV, OVC-HEV, Pure Electric, Fuel Cell variants)","Mathematical conversion formulas in Appendix B with procedure-specific coefficients (Tables B1 and B2)","Dual-track compliance dates (new models vs all models) creating overlapping obligations","Alternative standards clause allowing four different international regulatory frameworks (UN Reg 154, EU 2017/1151, EU 2025/1706, US 40 CFR Part 600) with specific annex/subsection references","Detailed graphic design specifications in Appendix A including Pantone colour codes, dimensional tolerances, and font requirements","Exception for vehicles over 2,610kg reference mass or 3,500kg GVM under UN Reg 101 despite that regulation's normal scope limitations"],"plain_english_summary":"This law requires manufacturers and importers to test and display standardised windscreen labels for new cars and light vehicles sold in Australia, showing fuel consumption, CO₂ emissions, electric energy use and battery range. It applies to passenger cars, SUVs, utes, vans and light buses and gives buyers clear, comparable running‑cost and emissions info. New models comply from 1 July 2026 and all models by 1 July 2028."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-81-03-energy-consumption-labelling-for-light-vehicles-2025","history":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-81-03-energy-consumption-labelling-for-light-vehicles-2025/history","analysis":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-81-03-energy-consumption-labelling-for-light-vehicles-2025/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-81-03-energy-consumption-labelling-for-light-vehicles-2025/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-81-03-energy-consumption-labelling-for-light-vehicles-2025/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-81-03-energy-consumption-labelling-for-light-vehicles-2025/documents"}}