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
The latest models from all three manufacturers — with two exceptions — have a much simplified process. Staring with vehicle updates in the 2013 model year, simply press the Start / Stop ignition button with the Smart Key while depressing the brake to start the vehicle. We originally named this the back up start Method 6. If this does not work in your model, continue on below for a method that will.
The exceptions noted are first, an EV button (far left) in Kia EVs. It is pushed just like the Start / Stop button. The second exception is the 2021 Genesis G80, which is now a Seventh Method. This method has moved to the 2022 GV60 EV as well, and may yet be placed in other models. If the vehicle does not recognize the key fob or Smart Key, slip the Smart Key into the space behind the shifter dial and cup holders and in front of the leather of the console. See the second image to the left. Then, step on the brake and push the Start / Stop ignition button to start the vehicle as normal.
We must also add an Eighth Method, which is digital. In the new GV60, G70, GV70, G80 and G90, a registered smart phone or a pre-registered card key can be placed on the vehicle’s wireless charging pad. It is found in front of the center console storage area (left). Once in place, the vehicle can be started as normal.
The Kia Forte, Sportage, and Sorento and Hyundai Sonata (prior to 2014) use Method 1. Insert the Smart Key in the Smart Key holder, which is a slot inside the center console, then press the Start / Stop ignition button while depressing the brake. To remove the Key, press it, then pull. Check out the video below.
The Kia Magentis also uses a slot in the center console in Method 2. Insert the Key and then press the Start / Stop ignition button while depressing the brake. To remove, press the Smart Key inward past the detent and then pull it outward.
The Hyundai Genesis, built before 2014, uses Method 3, which is a slot located behind a door above the shifter. Insert the Key and then press the Start / Stop ignition button while depressing the brake. To remove the Key, press it and then pull it out.
The Kia Optima (prior to 2014) and Soul and Hyundai Equus use Method 4, which is a slot in the glove box. The slot is a little higher in the Equus. Insert the Key and then press the Start / Stop ignition button while depressing the brake. To remove the Key, press it and then pull it out.
The Kia Borrego uses the Method 5 slot, which is in the dash just below the Start /Stop ignition button. It should be readily visible. Insert the Smart Key and then press the Start / Stop button while depressing the brake. To remove the Key, release it by pressing and then pull it out.
message to Step on the Brake. Press the brake pedal very, very hard when trying to start the vehicle again to be sure that the release switch behind the pedal is engaged. Or wait a few minutes and try again.