EV Efficiency
Most commonly any talk about EVs is about range. And while that’s certainly important, we want to shift the focus to fuel efficiency. And yes, there is such a thing! Click here for charging speed information.
The industry talks about kilowatts used per 100 miles, which is just so far from anyone’s experience and difficult to truly understand, unless maybe you’re an electrical engineer.
We use miles per gallon when talking about internal combustion engine or ICE cars, so how about miles per kilowatt?
We offer this as part of our continuing efforts to simplify the latest in automotive technology as much as possible. And yes, we in turn are choosing to ignore miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe). It is a tortured stat meant to compare EVs to vehicles run on liquid fuels. It will be extinct soon enough.
The chart below is a translation primarily but not exclusively of work from ev-database.org, and I’ve linked their chart here. It’s in kilometers and the twisty kW per 100. I did a video as well that is also posted below, but here can be updated easily as improvements are made and new models are introduced. Note that our chart focuses on EVs available in North America while ev-database goes world wide and that the it can be expanded to show all entries.
| Manufacturer | Model | Battery (kWh) | Range (mi) | Miles per kW (m/kW) | Fleet Ave. m/kW |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renault | |||||
| R5 | 52 kWh | 249 | 4.8 | 4.8 | |
| Lucid | |||||
| Air Pure / Touring | 88 | 336-348 | 3.8-4.0 | 3.8 | |
| Air Dream | 112 | 405-419 | 3.6-3.7 | ||
| Tesla | |||||
| Model 3 | 58 | 252 | 4.3 | 3.7 | |
| “ | 75 | 286-301 | 3.8-4.0 | ||
| Model S | 95 | 348-357 | 3.7-3.8 | ||
| Model Y | 58 | 218 | 3.8 | ||
| “ | 75 | 258-270 | 3.4-3.6 | ||
| Model X | 95 | 283-295 | 3.0-3.1 | ||
| Hyundai | |||||
| Ioniq 6 | 54 | 227 | 4.2 | 3.7 | |
| “ | 74 | 273-308 | 3.7-4.2 | ||
| Kona | 48 | 186 | 3.9 | ||
| “ | 65 | 248 | 3.8 | ||
| Ioniq 5 | 54 | 183 | 3.4 | ||
| “ | 74 | 239-242 | 3.2-3.3 | ||
| Lexus | |||||
| RZ300e | 71 | 266 | 3.7 | 3.6 | |
| RZ450e | 63 | 200 | 3.5 | ||
| Volkswagen | |||||
| ID.7 | 86 | 323 | 3.8 | 3.5 | |
| ID.7 | 77 | 292 | 3.8 | ||
| ID.4 | 52 | 177 | 3.4 | ||
| ID.4 | 77 | 249-255 | 3.2-3.3 | ||
| Honda | |||||
| Prologue | 85 | 273-296 | 3.2-3.5 | 3.4 | |
| BMW | |||||
| i4 | 81 | 280-320 | 3.5-4.0 | 3.4 | |
| “ | 67 | 267 | 4.0 | ||
| i5 | 81 | 264-295 | 3.3-3.6 | ||
| iX | 65 | 230-236 | 3.5 | ||
| “ | 71-74 | 224-239 | 3.2 | ||
| i7 | 102 | 314-323 | 3.1-3.2 | ||
| iX | 105 | 301-314 | 2.9-3.0 | ||
| Polestar | |||||
| 4 | 94 | 348-372 | 3.7-4.0 | 3.4 | |
| 2 | 78 | 255-273 | 3.3-3.5 | ||
| 3 | 107 | 292-305 | 2.7-2.9 | ||
| Chevrolet | |||||
| Bolt | 65 | 259 | 4.0 | 3.4 | |
| Bolt EUV | 65 | 247 | 3.8 | ||
| Silverado | 200 | 450 | 2.3 | ||
| Kia | |||||
| Niro | 65 | 239 | 3.7 | 3.3 | |
| e-Soul | 39 | 143 | 3.7 | ||
| “ | 64 | 230 | 3.6 | ||
| EV6 | 74 | 224-255 | 3.0-3.5 | ||
| “ | 54 | 190 | -3.5 | ||
| EV9 | 100 | 280-286 | 2.8-2.9 | ||
| Nissan | |||||
| Leaf | 39 | 146 | 3.7 | 3.3 | |
| Leaf e+ | 59 | 211 | 3.6 | ||
| Ariya | 63 | 208 | 3.3 | ||
| “ | 87 | 252-280 | 2.9-3.2 | ||
| Porsche | |||||
| Taycan models | 84 | 236-286 | 2.8-3.4 | 3.3 | |
| “ | 71 | 230-236 | 3.2-3.3 | ||
| Macan | 100 | 310-381 | 3.1-3.8 | ||
| Genesis | |||||
| G80 | 83 | 274 | 3.3 | 3.2 | |
| GV60 | 74 | 227-242 | 3.1-3.3 | ||
| GV70 | 74 | 218 | 2.9 | ||
| Volvo | |||||
| EX30 | 49 | 174 | 3.6 | 3.2 | |
| “ | 64 | 224-230 | 3.5-3.6 | ||
| C40 | 66 | 221 | 3.4 | ||
| “ | 79 | 249-261 | 3.2-3.3 | ||
| XC40 | 66 | 214 | 3.2 | ||
| “ | 79 | 242-252 | 3.1-3.2 | ||
| EX90 | 107 | 280-289 | 2.6-2.7 | ||
| Lotus | |||||
| Eletre | 112 | 354 | 3.2 | 3.2 | |
| Audi | |||||
| Q4 e-tron | 52 | 239-264 | 3.4-3.5 | 3.1 | |
| “ | 77 | 177-183 | 3.1-3.4 | ||
| e-tron GT | 85 | 252-261 | 3.0-3.1 | ||
| Q8 e-tron | 89 | 261-277 | 2.9-3.1 | ||
| “ | 106 | 283-326 | 2.7-3.1 | ||
| Fisker | |||||
| Ocean | 105 | 326 | 3.1 | 3.1 | |
| “ | 75 | 236 | 3.1 | ||
| Acura | |||||
| ZDX | 102 | 288-325 | 2.8-3.2 | 3.0 | |
| Mercedes | |||||
| EQS Sedans | 108 | 336-395 | 3.1-3.7 | 2.9 | |
| EQS SUVs | 108 | 301-311 | 2.8-2.9 | ||
| G-Wagon | 116 | 250 | 2.2 | ||
| Ford | |||||
| Mach-e | 91 | 264-298 | 2.9-3.3 | 2.9 | |
| “ | 70 | 233 | 3.3 | ||
| Lightning | 98 | 230 | 2.4 | ||
| “ | 131 | 320 | 2.4 | ||
| Vinfast | |||||
| VF 8 | 88 | 264 | 3.0 | 2.8 | |
| VF 9 | 123 | 323 | 2.6 | ||
| Rolls Royce | |||||
| Spectra | 102 | 260 | 2.6 | 2.6 |
The Rankings
So, I’ve ranked manufacturers by efficiency, based on the fleet average miles per kW. This is exactly what we’re used to using in ICE vehicles — fleet average miles per gallon. The miles/kW figures are derived simply by taking a vehicles range and dividing by the battery’s kWh size. Note that the numbers are rather small, which may be what drives the use of kilowatts per 100 miles, but they are still very telling.
Few models reach or exceed an efficiency of 4 miles per kilowatt. Further, those numbers are nearly all associated with smaller models and often with smaller batteries! For instance, the industry leader is Tesla’s Model 3 with the 58 kWh battery! A smaller battery weighs less and is thus more efficient, while lacking some range. The higher range Model 3 features a 75 kW battery.
*In fact a May, 2024 update finds a Renault R5, available only in Europe, a small car with a small battery, comes in at 4.8 m/kW! It now leads the list!
Overall, Lucid, Tesla and Hyundai lead with the most efficient fleets. Oddly, Kia in particular and Genesis as well fall short of their Hyundai cousins. Kia’s smaller vehicles should have it neck and neck with Hyundai, who’s offerings tend to be smaller as well.
Bigger batteries, while offering more range generally, are not a guarantee. Note that Vinfast’s VF 9 models holds a whopping 123 kWh battery, but only 323 miles in range and lands at the bottom of our list at 2.6 miles per kilowatt. This is a full 40% less efficient than the 58 kWh Tesla Model 3.
Speaking of big batteries, battery power trains are already heavier than their ICE counterparts. For example the Ford F150 Lightning weighs in at 2500 lbs more than the gas powered version. The battery alone in the upcoming Hummer is said to weigh 2900 lbs.
The hyphenated ranges and efficiencies are identical models most often with single vs dual motors. Single motor variants are always more efficient. In some cases there are adjustments that up the horse power as well, which then cuts into efficiency.
Note who’s missing from this list: Toyota/Lexus (since added)! Honda/Acura (since added). Mazda. Subaru (missed this one)! Stellantis (at work in Europe). Even those we’ve added remain well behind a changing landscape…
So we’ll keep an eye on that landscape. Expect to see battery chemistries get more efficient and to see weight reductions, also adding efficiency.
We also expect to see faster and faster charge rates — which is also an upcoming topic.
Updates:
- 8/21/23, Acura introduces a ZDX EV, but comes in near the bottom. Big battery, low average efficiency.
- 12/21/23, Rolls Royce Spectra added. Also a big battery and landed at the very bottom of the list…
- 1/21/24, Two Lexus models added. Just above the middle on the list.
- 2/3/24, Porsche Macan added, which moved the brand average from 3.2 to 3.3 m/kW.
- 5/21/24, Renault R5, available only in Europe, a small car with a small battery, comes in at 4.8 m/kW!
- 5/21/24, Honda intros the Prologue with an 85 kWh battery and nearly 300 miles of range.
- 5/22/25, the Mercedes adds the G-Wagon and drops fleet efficiency from 3.1 to 2.9.
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Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.
These posts are for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.
The author has 25 years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s College, ME: MS, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY
This is a One Pedal Driving Dashboard Indicator 
This and the images that follow below are Hybrid EV Mode Indicator 
The same basic image as above with a line drawn through it indicates that EV mode is not available, again because the proper conditions are not met. It may also mean that a destination may have been chosen in navigation that exceeds the hybrid battery range.
The text only symbol, eDRIVE, is found in hybrid systems that switch between using the internal combustion engine, the high voltage battery, or a combination of both automatically when conditions warrant. It will be displayed when the vehicle is under battery power alone.
This text only symbol, eBoost, will be displayed when a hybrid vehicle is under extreme acceleration, such as in passing situations. It indicates that the high voltage battery is in full use to support or Boost the acceleration.
This symbol, also in black and white features a drawing of an internal combustion (IC) engine with an embedded circular arrow. It indicates that the hybrid vehicle is operating on the IC engine alone.
This image indicates that use of the high voltage battery is on hold. The vehicle will operate using the IC engine predominantly in order to maintain the charge level in the high voltage battery. It too is in black and white.
These two are related as they both indicate that hybrid operation is in automatic mode. The second adds a slightly misshapen triangle underneath which indicates that the navigation system is active and that navigation data is being taken into consideration.
This set of indicators come from Honda Motors Corp. found in their Hybrid vehicles: Auto Mode, Charge Mode, and EV mode. In Auto Mode, the vehicle selects which propulsion source is most appropriate, the electric motor, the gasoline engine, or a combination of the two and automatically switches to it. In Charge Mode, the engine starts and the High Voltage battery charges. In EV mode, the vehicle is propelled exclusively by the electric motor, so long as the battery has sufficient charge. And to the extent of battery charge, these modes can be chosen at will by the driver.
These final three images are associated with what is termed a Mild Hybrid System, which uses a smaller, 48-volt battery to assist the driveline. The first image is displayed when the battery is supplying power. The second indicates that the battery is supporting high acceleration. The third image indicates that power from the mild hybrid system is unavailable.
This is a Transport Mode Indicator 
The dozens of images on this page are all Drive Mode Indicators 
Drive modes are chosen by the driver and either enhance power and performance, enhance fuel economy or maintain a balance between them. If you see one of these, just know that the drive mode can be changed with the press of a button or tap of a screen. The last three are Track Mode Indicators and should only be used on a closed track.
Similarly, these are Race Mode Indicators. They are part of a Performance Traction Management (PTM) system that offers Competitive Drive Modes. When activated, the Electronic Stability Control OFF light will also be seen as the system will be turned off. As above, these modes should only be used on a closed track.
Similarly, the Drift Mode indicator is also seen in 
This is an N Launch Control indicator. The symbol is seen when N Launch is chosen. N Launch provides maximum acceleration when the vehicle is at a complete stop, which truthfully sounds like what any vehicle has when the accelerator is floored. However, N Launch is a special case from Hyundai in their Ionic 5 and 6 model EVs. When N Launch is selected, in use the brake and accelerator pedals are fully depressed. The car is “launched” when the brake pedal is released. N Launch is cancelled when the accelerator is released.,
Electric vehicles have their own set of mode choices, in nearly the number of variations as vehicles powered by internal combustion engines. Again, its all about the driver’s choice!
Toyota’s hydrogen powered Mirai has this Br – or Brake – Mode option, which is found on the shifter. It is intended for driving in conditions that require strong deceleration force, such as down-hill driving, etc. The indicator will be seen when the mode is selected, which draws braking power from the traction battery.
Another mode is Valet. This one leaves only the door locks and ignition active or available for use by a valet to park an owner’s vehicle. Forgetting to disengage this mode will lock out the trunk and glove box, and may be temporarily confusing.
These are all Sport Mode Indicators. plain ‘S’ is used both as a Sport Mode Indicator and a SynchroRev Match Mode (S-MODE) indicator. The SynchroRev Match mode is found only in a vehicle equipped with a manual transmission. It automatically adjusts the engine speed to match the selecting gear ratio while changing gears. Similarly, the two Sport Mode Indicators that follow will downshift an automatic transmission when engaged and enables performance shift features when spirited driving is detected, maintaining lower transmission gears to increase available engine braking and improve acceleration response.
One manufacturer uses multiple mode options that can be set by the vehicle’s driver. The first uses a distorted letter V to indicate that V-MODE is chosen. The option exists only as part of a V-Series vehicle. Z MODE offers exactly the same options, but in another model. It indicates that a specific driving mode has been chosen as set by a specific driver. The image of a head and shoulders alone or alongside a steering wheel are MY MODE indicators from the same manufacturer. Again, drive options are chosen by the driver.
Yet another manufacturer uses the symbol on the left to indicate N mode, which is seen as a stylized letter N. It actually controls the vehicle’s SPORT modes, and thus makes little sense. There is no explanation for what the N actually stands for and it is activated by pressing a flag button on the steering wheel. N mode manages the driving dynamics by automatically adjusting the steering effort, and the engine and transmission control logic for enhanced driver performance.
These are Tour or Normal Mode Indicators. It is used for normal city and highway driving to provide a smooth, soft ride in a high-performance vehicle. 
It provides a balanced setting between comfort and handling and is the standard mode. Be sure not to confuse it with the image to the right, which is essentially the same image but seen in yellow/amber. It is a Lane Keeping Indicator. 
These are all Weather Mode Indicators: two forms of Rain and Snow Mode, Wet Mode and Dry Mode. Other than Dry Mode, the modes help to keep the wheels from spinning in slippery conditions.
These are all 
For some EVs, these are the equivalent of the Check Engine Light. They indicate a possible problem in one or more of the following; the traction motor and inverter system, the charge port or charger, the lithium ion battery, the cooling system, or the shift control system. Pretty much any system that allows the vehicle to move might be at issue and a diagnosis by a qualified service shop will be required. HEV indicates a Hydrogen fuel cell and the FC indicates essentially the same.
This next image is listed as a Service Indicator. However, since there are no filters to change or other routine maintenance required, this is likely an indication of a system problem, which must be addressed by a qualified service center. The image, in 
Note that the very similar looking image to the right is an Electronic Power Control or Engine Speed Limitation indicator. It is seen in internal combustion engine vehicles. So if you’re not in an EV 
These are Critical and Non-critical Fault Indicator