A new environmental rating system is needed for vehicles because its current model is flawed and irrelevant in Australia, according to research by the University of South Australia.

 

Rocco Zito from the University’s Division of Information Technology, Engineering and the Environment, says lab testing methods fail to reflect actual driving conditions.

 

He says cars tested are driven at a consistent speed for an extended time, but there is more variation in city driving speeds, creating more emissions.

 

"A lot of the testing that we've done here actually shows variation of up to 30 per cent from the real world," he said.

 

Dr Zito has tracked drivers in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide to create a formula for better testing methods.

 

"I'm very confident [it] actually does reflect real-world driving," he said.

 

He says the current green driving guide is only relevant as a comparative tool against other cars and a better model is possible.

 

The researchers and a motoring organisation are testing 30 cars in a pilot project they hope will pave the way for a new environmental rating system.