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
I did what is seen to the right to my Polestar 2. Yes it actually was my fault. And as bad as it looks thankfully its all cosmetic and no one got hurt.
After the accident, I was able to get an estimate at one of two body shops recommended by my insurance company, and you see it here, just about $6,500. However, they called several days later declining the job because they couldn’t get information needed to actually do the repair. I was able to confirmed with them later that this was strictly about the proper handling of the high voltage battery.
Second, not having a choice of body shops is a prescription for abuse. The original estimate, above, just about $6500. On the right is the certified shop’s estimate. This is not a joke, over $21,000! More than three times the original! A disclaimer is needed here as it is often the case that more damage is found once the work begins, but I don’t ever recall seeing a job jump by a factor of three!
Beginning with the 2020 XC-90 redesign and the newer key fob style, plus Polestar EV models, a sensor location is provided for the key fob. It is found in the second cup holder in the center or tunnel console. An illustration of a key with lines radiating from it can be seen at the bottom of the cup holder.
Note that you will find the mark inside the small center console of the Polestar 2 (right), which is also the location of the second cup holder! Place the key fob in the cup holder. The vehicle will recognize the fob even if the fob’s internal battery is dead. The alarm will be turned off and the car can be started as normal, by turning the Start / Stop switch to the Start position while depressing the brake. Note that the Polestar 2 is started, or powered up, by stepping on the brake.
In the Volvo XC-40, the company’s first all electric model, and subsequently the C40 and EX40 EVs, the mark will be found inside the center console on the bottom and to the front (right). It too features the mark of a key with lines radiating from it. Place the key fob on the mark. The vehicle will recognize the fob even if the fob’s internal battery is dead. The alarm will be turned off and the car can be started as normal.
So, in both the Polestar 3 and 4, the key card is placed on the spot used to charge your smart phone (right), which is at the front of the center console. The key fob for the Polestar 3 can be recharged on this spot, the card reader, as well.
In older, second generation keyless start Volvo models, an ignition slot comes into play. The slot will be found either alongside or below the Start/Stop ignition button. Insert the key fob into the ignition slot. This will turn off the alarm and allow the vehicle to be started as normal by pressing the Start / Stop button while depressing the brake.
The vehicle will recognize the key fob even if the fob’s internal battery is dead.
In first generation keyless start models, the ignition switch is turned in normal conditions, similar to key start vehicles. There is a dummy key that needs to be removed. Press the the button found on the side of the dummy key, which frees it to be pulled away. The key fob can then be inserted in its place and the vehicle can be started (right).
Note: If you have made an attempt to start the vehicle without success, there may be residual pressure in the brake system and a new warning light may appear (left) or text 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.
As we noted, beginning with the 2016 Volvo XC-90 redesign as well as all Polestar models, a new style key fob is used (right). To retrieve the mechanical key or key blade, look for a slide lever on the top of the key ring end of the fob. This will free the front cover, which needs to be removed.
To do this, push the cover slightly down and away from the key ring end. It can then be pulled up and out, exposing the mechanical key. The key blade can then be lifted out.
With the previous generation key fobs, the is pulled away from the fob rather easily. Slide the spring loaded catch on the back of Remote Key (remote control or ‘clicker’) to the side. Pull the key blade straight out of the remote key. On some models, the lock cylinder (keyhole) at the back of the door handle will be visible. If so, use the key blade to unlock the door. See below if the key hole is hidden.
With the first generation Remote Key, a similar spring loaded catch will be found on the top of the fob, on the key ring end. As with the fob above, slide the catch to the side and pull the mechanical key away. Again, the lock cylinder (keyhole) at the back of the door handle may or may not be visible. See below if the key hole is hidden.
In the Volvo XC-90 and other redesigns going forward since 2016, as well as the Polestar 2, the key hole is also hidden, but easily found and nothing needs to be removed. Simply pull the door handle out as far as possible and the key hole is exposed, as shown in the image.
The Polestar 1 features a door handle that is flush to the car’s body. Push the front of the handle inward and pull away the back, as seen to the right. The key hole is now exposed. As above, insert the mechanical key and turn it clockwise to unlock. Remove the key blade and release the handle. Pull the handle once again and you are in the car.
A mechanical key is not available to unlock the Polestar 3 or Polestar 4. The smart phone app or the vehicle’s key card will be needed. With the Polestar 3, the card is touched to the front of the driver’s door handle (right). With the Polestar 4, the card is touched to the middle of the door pillar just behind the driver’s door (far right).
Press the key blade about a half inch straight up in the hole on the underside of the keyhole cover (right), found at the back of the driver’s door handle. This action will force off the cover. If you are in the dark, you may need to feel for the hole. Yes, you must remove a piece of the car, but it is ok and necessary. Use the mechanical key in the now-exposed lock to unlock the driver’s door.
2024 New York International Auto Show Reflections
Who Showed, Who Didn’t
The 2024 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) was notable as much for who still didn’t show up as for what we found on the show floor.
Since the pandemic shut down the show for two years, Mercedes-Benz and BMW have yet to reappear. And while Mazda and Mitsubishi made appearances in ’22 and ’23, there were a no show this year. And from Fiat Chrysler — or Stellantis — only Jeep showed up with its outdoor test climb.
The value of industry trade shows was questioned in the wake of the pandemic. They are expensive to put on, requiring the movement of large numbers of people and vehicles and booth materials. There’s no
evidence of Mercedes and BMW suffering from ignoring this and other trade shows.
Further evidence of a cut back in show attendance were the tiny booths set up by both Volvo and Audi. Barely room for a few car. For the second year in row, Hyundai took advantage of available floor space to make its own test track. The EV track (right) remained on the first level.
EVs in the Limelight
Acura brought its first EV, the ZDX (right), but kept it locked tight. Seems a bit short sighted if you’re hoping to generate interest.
——————————————————————-
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.
Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.
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