The 8 Most Efficient Electric Vehicles
EVs are cleaner alternatives to traditional vehicles in many regards, especially since they have no tailpipe emissions. But not all electric vehicles are created equal, especially when it comes to efficiency. Some EVs can travel further than others using the same amount of energy, which is why the United States' Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) MPGe rating is so convenient.
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According toFueleconomy.gov, these are the most efficient EVs you may buy.
1. 2023 Lucid Air Pure AWD on 19" Wheels (140 MPGe)
The first-place entry on this list is somewhat surprising. Lucid made a splash in the EV world by dethroning Tesla in various performance metrics, including range. In its most efficient Pure AWD guise (equipped with the standard 19-inch wheels), the Lucid Air achieves a 140 MPGe rating.
What’s really impressive is just how efficient Lucid has madethe high-tech Lucid Airsedan, which is a big luxury vehicle with all the amenities you could possibly hope for.
Even though this luxury barge is loaded to the gills with every creature comfort under the sun, it still manages to be more efficient than a Tesla Model S. The Lucid does more with less battery capacity, achieving almost the same range as the Model S with an 88 kWh battery versus the Tesla’s 100 kWh pack.
2. 2023 Tesla Model 3 RWD (132 MPGe)
The Model 3 RWD is a super-efficient electric vehicle that’s way more affordable than the first-place Lucid Air Pure. According to the EPA, the Model 3 RWD will save you approximately $6,500 in fuel costs over the span of five years in comparison to the average new car.
The Model 3 RWD gets 132 MPGe combined, and the vehicle’s total range is a healthy 272 miles. The Model 3 RWD is also the cheapest vehicle in Tesla’s stable, with a starting price of $43,990 at the time of writing.
If you don’t need a performance EV likethe crazy-fast Model S Plaid, the Model 3 RWD is an amazing choice for the sensible buyer. You’ll get the dual-motor Model 3’s good looks, but the price tag is around $10k lower than the Performance model.
3. 2023 Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD (122 MPGe)
The 2023 Model Y Long Range gets you 330 miles of range (wheel size dependent), along with the taller SUV form factor. It’s also the most efficient high-riding vehicle on this list, with a rating of 122 MPGe.
The EPA estimates it’ll cost you $600 to drive the Model Y Long Range AWD for an entire year, which is not bad at all. If that doesn’t sound impressive, let’s put this figure into perspective.
The EPA estimates that a 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser with the 5.7L V8 engine will set you back $3,650 annually for fuel. This is an extreme example because the Tesla is very efficient and the Land Cruiser is abysmal at 14 MPG. Regardless, the savings in running costs are undeniable.
4. 2023 Chevy Bolt EV (120 MPGe)
The Chevy Bolt EV returns an impressive 120 MPGe. The best part is that the Bolt is one of the most affordable electric vehicles available. It starts at $26,500 and you get an excellent 259-mile range. This makes the Chevy Bolt EV one of the best deals in the entire automotive industry; the combination of price, range, and efficiency is hard to beat.
The EPA predicts that the 2023 Chevy Bolt EV will save you $6,250 in fuel over five years when compared to the average new vehicle. Essentially, what this means is that you can place a hefty down payment for your Chevy Bolt EV and recover it in full by the end of the ownership period with fuel savings alone. When you consider vehicles like the Chevy Bolt EV, it really pays to drive an EV.
5. 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric (120 MPGe)
The Kona Electric ties the Chevy Bolt EV with its 120 MPGe. Just like the Chevy Bolt EV, the Kona Electric is a practical electric vehicle that’s also very efficient, and it won’t break the bank. The Chevy Volt EV has the price advantage between these two though, given that the Kona Electric rings in at $33,550.
This is no small amount, but you do get a more attractive vehicle for the extra money. The range is dead-even with the Bolt EV, with the EPA estimating that the Kona Electric will get 258 miles on a full charge.
6. 2023 Tesla Model S (120 MPGe)
The Model S is one ofthe best performance EVs currently for sale, which is why Tesla deserves major props for engineering this car to the point it can hang on a list with the most efficient EVs on the market, even over a decade after launch.
The powerful dual-motor Tesla serves up a whopping 405 miles of range from its 100 kWh battery pack, and the efficiency (120 MPGe) is just as striking.
This combination of performance and efficiency is mind-blowing. The fact that the Tesla can accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in 3.1 seconds while delivering the same MPGe efficiency as a tiny Chevy Volt EV is beyond comprehension.
7. 2023 Kia EV6 Long Range RWD (117 MPGe)
The Kia EV6 is a daring-looking electric vehicle—the perfect car for those looking to break the mold. The fact that it’s also among the most efficient electric vehicles, offering 117 MPGe, is a huge bonus.
It provides 310 miles of range from a full battery, essentially removing any fears related to range anxiety. If you’re in the market for a fun electric vehicle that’s efficient but also looks sporty, the EV6 is perfect.
8. 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV (115 MPGe)
The Chevy Bolt EUV is a practical little crossover that delivers 247 miles of range. It’s not the best-looking EV, but it’s also not an unattractive package.
Its designers were going for the same kind of utilitarian anonymity that could be used to describe the VW ID.4. It’s not particularly distinctive, but it’s a solid choice for people who want efficient transportation without making a fuss. It also offers 115 MPGe, which is nothing to scoff at.
An Affordable EV Can Save You Tons of Money on Fuel
When you add up the potential fuel savings over the years, owning an EV can reward you with a great driving experience, while keeping your wallet feeling good. The total savings depend on your utility rate, but the potential for saving money is definitely there.
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