Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 81/03 – Energy Consumption Labelling for Light Vehicles) 2025

I, 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.

Dated: 18 November 2025

[SIGNED]

Catherine King

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government

Contents

1. LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS

2. FUNCTION

3. APPLICABILITY

4. DEFINITIONS

5. REQUIREMENTS

6. EXEMPTIONS AND ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURES

7. ALTERNATIVE STANDARDS

APPENDIX A

APPENDIX B

1. LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS

1.1.              Name of Standard

1.1.1.              This standard is the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 81/03 – Energy Consumption Labelling for Light Vehicles) 2025.

1.1.2.              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.

1.2.              Commencement

1.2.1.              This standard commences on the day after it is registered.

2. FUNCTION

1.                                       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.

3. APPLICABILITY

3.1.              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.

3.1.1              1 July 2026 for new models.

3.1.2              1 July 2028 for all models.

3.2.              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.

3.3              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.

3.4              Applicability Table

* The category code may also be in the format L1, L2, L3 etc

4. DEFINITIONS

4.1.              Supporting Information has the same meaning as in the Road Vehicle Standards Rules 2019.

4.2              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.

4.3.              If the term is not is defined in ADR 111/00, refer to the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule – Definitions and Vehicle Categories) 2005.

5. REQUIREMENTS

5.1 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.

5.2 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.

5.3 The manufacturer must record the following in their Supporting Information:

5.3.1 the carbon dioxide emissions value declared for the vehicle (in grams per kilometre);

5.3.2 the carbon dioxide emissions measured for the vehicle over the complete test cycle (in grams per kilometre);

5.3.3 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

5.3.4 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).

5.3.5 If the vehicle is an OVC-HEV, or an OVC-FCHV, the manufacturer must also record:

5.3.5.1 the carbon dioxide emissions value declared for the vehicle in charge sustaining mode (in grams per kilometre);

5.3.5.2 the carbon dioxide emissions measured for the vehicle over the complete test cycle in charge sustaining mode (in grams per kilometre);

5.3.5.3 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);

5.3.5.4 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).

5.3.5.5. the equivalent all electric range declared for the vehicle (in kilometres); and

5.3.5.6 the equivalent all electric range measured for the vehicle over the complete test cycle (in kilometres);

5.3.5.7 the energy consumption value declared for the vehicle (in watt hours per kilometre); and

5.3.5.8 the energy consumption value measured for the vehicle over the complete test cycle (in watt hours per kilometre).

5.3.6 If the vehicle is a Pure Electric Vehicle, the manufacturer must also record:

5.3.6.1. The range declared for the vehicle (in kilometres); and

5.3.6.2 The range measured for the vehicle over the complete test cycle (in kilometres); and

5.3.6.3 The energy consumption value declared for the vehicle (in watt hours per kilometre); and

5.3.6.4 The energy consumption value measured for the vehicle over the complete test cycle (in watt hours per kilometre).

5.3.7 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).

5.4 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.

5.5 The label must be fitted on the lower left (passenger side) corner of the windscreen from the inside of the vehicle.

5.6 The energy consumption label fitted to the vehicle must display:

5.6.1 the fuel consumption value declared for the vehicle to comply with clause 5.3.4; and

5.6.2 the tailpipe carbon dioxide emissions value declared for the vehicle to comply with clause 5.3.1

5.7 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:

5.7.1 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

5.7.2 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).

6. EXEMPTIONS AND ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURES

6.1 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.

6.1.1 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.

7. ALTERNATIVE STANDARDS

7.1 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).

7.2 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.

7.3 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.

7.4 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.

7.4.1 The fuel consumption value declared for the vehicle must be determined in accordance with § 600.210-12.

7.4.2 The carbon dioxide emissions value declared for the vehicle must be determined in accordance with § 600.210-12.

7.4.3 The energy consumption value declared for the vehicle must be determined in accordance with § 600.116-12.

7.4.4 The range value declared for the vehicle must be determined in accordance with § 600.116-12.

APPENDIX A

ENERGY CONSUMPTION LABEL SPECIFICATIONS

1. 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.

2. 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

2.1. 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.

2.1.1 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.

3. 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.

4. Electric energy consumption values displayed on the label must be expressed in watt hours per kilometre and rounded to the nearest whole number.

5. Battery range values displayed on the label must be expressed in watt hours per kilometre and rounded to the nearest whole number.

6. The label must be self-adhesive, durable and removable, and of a type suitable for application to the windscreen of the vehicle.

7. 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.

8. All text and numerals on the label must be black, except:

8.1 the “ENERGY CONSUMPTION” heading, which must be white lettering reversed out of the solid black background surrounding the heading and statement; and

8.2 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.

9. 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.

10. The following background areas of the label must be white: 

10.1 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

10.2 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.

10.3 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.

11. The background area between the inner borders and the edge of the label must be yellow.

12. A description of the vehicle must be placed on the yellow background between the energy consumption heading and the white data boxes.

13. 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.

14. The vehicle description specified in clause 13 must include the:

14.1 vehicle make, model and variant description by which the vehicle is advertised and sold; 

14.2 transmission type of the vehicle; and

14.3 fuel type of the vehicle, where:

14.3.1 for Pure ICE vehicles, the terms “Petrol”, “Diesel”, “LPG”, “CNG” or “Hydrogen Combustion” must be used as appropriate, for the fuel type;

14.3.2 for NOVC-HEVs, the terms “Petrol Hybrid”, “Diesel Hybrid”, “LPG Hybrid” or “Hydrogen Combustion Hybrid” must be used, as appropriate, for the fuel type;

14.3.3 for Pure Electric Vehicles, the term ‘Electric’ must be used for the fuel type;

14.3.4 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;

14.3.5 for Fuel Cell Vehicles, the term ‘Hydrogen Fuel Cell’ must be used for the fuel type;

14.3.6 for NOVC-HFCVs, the term ‘Hydrogen Fuel Cell Hybrid’ must be used for the fuel type; and

14.3.7 for OVC-FCHVs, the term ‘Hydrogen Fuel Cell Plug-in Hybrid’ must be used for the fuel type.

15. 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.

15.1 for Pure Electric Vehicles, the value must be displayed as “0”.

15.2 for all other vehicles the value must be as specified for the vehicle type in clause 5.3.4 of this vehicle standard;

16. 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.

16.1 for all vehicles powered or charged exclusively by electricity and/or hydrogen, the value must be displayed as “0”.

16.2 for all other vehicles, the value must be as specified for the vehicle type in clause 5.3.1 of this vehicle standard;

17. 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.

17.1 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

17.2 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

17.3 for all other vehicles, the value is to be displayed as “NA”;

18. 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.

18.1 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

18.2 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

18.3 for all other vehicles, the value is to be displayed as “NA”;

19. 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.

20. 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.

Figure 1: Illustration of Energy Consumption Label with fonts and dimensions

Figure 2: Illustration of Energy Consumption Label for vehicles with CO2 emissions less than or equal to 50 grams per kilometre with fonts and dimensions

Figure 3: Illustration of Energy Consumption Label

Figure 4: Illustration of Energy Consumption Label for vehicles with CO2 emissions less than or equal to 50 grams per kilometre

Figure 5: Sample Energy Consumption Label (for illustrative purposes only)

Figure 6: Sample Energy Consumption Label for vehicles with CO2 emissions less than or equal to 50 grams per kilometre (for illustrative purposes only)

APPENDIX B

Calculation of NEDC equivalent carbon dioxide value for vehicles tested to the WLTP or US EPA test cycle

1.              Introduction

This 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.

1.              Definitions

4-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.

3-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.

US 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.

3. Calculation of an NEDC equivalent carbon dioxide emissions value for Pure ICE vehicles and NOVC-HEVs

3.1 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:

Where:

 is the NEDC equivalent carbon dioxide emissions value in grams per kilometre (g/km)

 is the carbon dioxide emissions value (in g/km) determined over the original test procedure

Parameters 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.

Table B1: Parameters a and b for the conversion of carbon dioxide emission values of Pure ICE vehicles and NOVC-HEVs.

4. Calculation of an NEDC equivalent carbon dioxide emissions value for OVC-HEVs

4.1 If the vehicle is an OVC-HEV, the following procedure may be used to determine the vehicle’s NEDC equivalent carbon dioxide emissions value:

4.1.1 The declared charge sustaining CO2 emissions value from the original test procedure may be converted to a NEDC equivalent charge sustaining CO2 emissions value using the following equation:

Where:

 is the carbon dioxide emissions value (in g/km) determined over the original test procedure

Parameters 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.

4.1.2 The NEDC equivalent carbon dioxide emissions value (for the vehicle shall then be calculated using the following equation

Where:

 is the NEDC equivalent charge-sustaining CO2 emissions value in g/km determined in accordance with clause 4.2.1

EAER is the equivalent all-electric range determined in accordance with the original test procedure in km

4.2 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:

a. 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

b. 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;

the vehicle’s NEDC equivalent carbon dioxide emissions value may be calculated using the following equation:

Where:

 is the NEDC equivalent carbon dioxide emissions value in g/km

 is the carbon dioxide emissions value declared in accordance with the original test procedure

Parameters 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.

Table B2: Parameters a and b for the conversion of carbon dioxide emission values of off-vehicle charging hybrid electric vehicles (OVC-HEVs).

1.                        Supporting information requirements

5.1 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:

5.1.1 the vehicle’s NEDC equivalent carbon dioxide emissions value (in g/km) determined in accordance with clause 3.1, 4.1 or 4.2;

5.1.2 The vehicle’s carbon dioxide emissions value (in g/km) determined in accordance with the original test procedure; and

5.1.3 the vehicle’s ADR vehicle category; and

5.1.4 the fuel-type for the vehicle’s internal combustion engine (“petrol” or “diesel”); and

5.1.5 the vehicle’s powertrain type (“Pure ICE vehicle”, “NOVC-HEV” or “OVC-HEV”).

5.2. 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:

5.2.1 The vehicle’s charge sustaining carbon dioxide emissions value in g/km, determined in accordance with the original test procedure;

5.2.2. the vehicle’s NEDC equivalent charge sustaining carbon dioxide emissions value emissions (in g/km), calculated in accordance with clause 3.1;

5.2.3 the vehicle’s equivalent all electric range in km, determined in accordance with the original test procedure.