What Is The Average Efficiency Of An Ev?

What is EV Efficiency?

EV efficiency refers to how efficiently an electric vehicle uses energy from its battery to move. It is commonly measured in MPGe, or miles per gallon gasoline equivalent. MPGe was introduced as a way of comparing an EV’s efficiency to that of its gas-powered counterparts (https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/advice/what-is-mpge).

MPGe measures the distance an EV can travel per unit of energy consumed. For example, an EV with 100 MPGe can travel 100 miles on the amount of electricity equivalent to the energy in 1 gallon of gasoline. In contrast, mileage for gasoline vehicles is measured in miles per gallon (MPG) of fuel consumed.

EVs are generally much more efficient than gasoline vehicles. The most efficient EVs today can achieve over 100 MPGe, whereas the most efficient gasoline cars top out around 40 MPG. This efficiency advantage is due to the higher efficiency of electric motors versus internal combustion engines.

Factors Affecting EV Efficiency

There are several key factors that impact the efficiency and range of an electric vehicle (EV). These include weight, aerodynamics, terrain, accessories, and driver behavior.

The weight of the EV is important because heavier vehicles require more energy to accelerate and move. Aerodynamics also play a role, as more aerodynamic vehicles can reduce wind resistance and drag. Driving in hilly or mountainous terrain requires more energy usage and drains EV batteries faster than driving on flat roads. Accessories like air conditioning, heating, sound systems, and lights also sap energy from the EV battery and reduce efficiency. And driver behavior factors like speed, acceleration, braking technique, and use of regenerative braking systems can positively or negatively impact an EV’s efficiency.

According to research, aggressive driving behaviors like speeding, rapid acceleration, and hard braking can reduce an EV’s range by 20% or more. In contrast, smoothly accelerating and coasting to stops helps maximize efficiency. Overall, a heavy EV with poor aerodynamics traveling over hills and mountains, with maximum use of accessories, driven aggressively, will have the worst efficiency. A lightweight, aerodynamic EV driven smoothly over flat terrain, with minimal accessory use, will achieve the best efficiency.

EV Efficiency by Vehicle Type

Electric vehicle efficiency can vary significantly depending on the vehicle type. Sedans tend to be the most efficient EV models due to their aerodynamic shape and low ride height. SUVs and trucks have larger and boxier shapes that cause more drag and reduce efficiency. However, newer EV SUVs and trucks have made major improvements in aerodynamics to boost their efficiency.

According to fueleconomy.gov, the most efficient EV sedans can achieve over 4 miles per kWh. For example, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq Electric is rated at 4.1 mi/kWh. The Tesla Model 3 Long Range gets 3.7 mi/kWh. However, large SUVs and trucks average around 2 mi/kWh. The 2022 Rivian R1T pickup gets 2.2 mi/kWh and the 2022 GMC Hummer EV pickup is rated at just 1.7 mi/kWh.

Overall, an average mid-size EV sedan will typically get 25-30% better efficiency compared to an EV SUV of a similar battery size. Aerodynamics, weight, rolling resistance, and drive systems all contribute to the efficiency differences. However, EV SUVs can still achieve good “miles per gallon equivalent” figures despite slightly lower electric efficiency. For example, the 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 AWD SUV is rated at 91 MPGe combined.

EV Efficiency Over Time

Electric vehicle efficiency has improved significantly over the past decade. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the average electric vehicle traveled 4.1 miles per kWh in 2020, up from 2.5 miles per kWh in 2015¹. This 60% improvement is due to advances in battery technology, motors, and vehicle weight reduction.

Lithium-ion battery energy density has increased substantially, allowing EVs to store more energy in smaller, lighter battery packs². High efficiency electric motors have also become more powerful. The combination of better batteries and motors has extended EV range. For example, the Tesla Model S max range has gone from 265 miles in 2015 to 405 miles in 2022 models.

Automakers have focused on reducing vehicle weight by using lighter materials such as aluminum and high-strength steel. This further improves efficiency, as the motor doesn’t have to work as hard to move the vehicle. According to the EPA, the average electric vehicle weighed 4,200 pounds in 2016 and dropped to 4,100 pounds by 2020.

Continued research and development in battery tech, motors, aerodynamics, and light-weighting will further boost EV efficiency in the coming years. Experts predict electric vehicles will reach over 6 miles per kWh by 2025.

EV Efficiency Testing Methods

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established standardized test procedures to measure the efficiency and range of electric vehicles. These laboratory tests allow for an apples-to-apples comparison between different EV models. The EPA uses several different drive cycles or test cycles to simulate different real-world driving scenarios.

One such test is the EPA’s five-cycle test, which combines four city test cycles (to simulate stop-and-go traffic) and one highway test cycle. The EPA uses a dynamometer to run these tests. The EV’s efficiency is measured in kilowatt-hours used per 100 miles driven (kWh/100 mi). The lower the kWh/100 mi, the more efficient the EV. Based on the energy consumption from these tests, the EPA calculates the total estimated driving range for the EV. For example, an EV that averages 30 kWh/100 mi over the five cycles and has a 60 kWh battery could be rated at 200 miles of range by the EPA (60/30 = 200) (EPA).

However, many factors affect real-world efficiency and range compared to the laboratory tests. Real-world driving tends to be less efficient due to faster speeds, climate control use, and more aggressive driving. Most experts estimate EVs achieve 70-80% of their EPA rated range in real-world driving. So an EV rated at 200 miles by the EPA might only achieve 140-160 miles in typical real-world highway driving. Still, the EPA tests provide a standardized way to compare the projected efficiency and range between different EVs.

EV Efficiency vs Gas Mileage

When comparing the efficiency of electric vehicles (EVs) to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, the standard metric used is miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe). This allows consumers to easily compare the efficiency of EVs, which use electricity, to gasoline-powered vehicles that use MPG (miles per gallon) ratings.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average MPGe rating for EVs sold in 2022 was 117 MPGe. In comparison, the average combined city/highway fuel economy for new gasoline-powered vehicles sold in 2022 was 29 MPG.

This means that on average, EVs are around 4 times more energy efficient than comparable gasoline-powered vehicles. So for every 1 kWh of electricity an EV uses, it can travel around 3 times farther than a gasoline-powered car could travel on 1 gallon of gas.

For example, the 2022 Tesla Model 3 has an MPGe rating of 142 city/123 highway/132 combined. Whereas the 2022 Toyota Camry with a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine has a fuel economy of 28 city/39 highway/32 combined MPG. In this case, the Tesla Model 3 is over 4 times more energy efficient than the Toyota Camry.

The higher efficiency of EVs is due to the innate advantages of electric motors over internal combustion engines. Electric motors convert over 90% of electrical energy into mechanical movement, whereas gasoline engines only convert around 12-30% of the energy stored in gasoline into useful motion.

Maximizing EV Efficiency

There are several ways drivers can maximize the efficiency and range of their electric vehicles through proper driving habits, maintenance, and accessories.

One of the most important tips is to drive smoothly and avoid sudden accelerations or hard braking. Aggressive driving can reduce an EV’s range by up to 40%. Maintaining a steady speed and anticipating stops allows the EV to recapture energy through regenerative braking (source).

Speed also affects efficiency. Most EVs are optimized for efficiency between 30-50 mph. Driving at highway speeds over 65 mph increases aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance, reducing efficiency (source).

Proper tire inflation is critical, as under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance. Rotating tires can also optimize tread wear for lower resistance. Using low-rolling resistance tires specially designed for EVs can further maximize efficiency.

Accessories like trailers, roof racks, and bike racks also affect aerodynamics and reduce efficiency. Removing unnecessary cargo weight helps as well. Aftermarket products like air deflectors and wheel skirts can optimize airflow.

Future EV Efficiency Improvements

There are several key technologies that are poised to significantly improve EV efficiency in the coming years:

One major advancement is the development of solid-state batteries. These replace the liquid electrolyte used in lithium-ion batteries with a solid electrolyte, which can increase energy density and decrease charging time. Major automakers like Toyota and BMW are investing heavily in solid-state batteries for future EV models.

Using lighter weight materials is another strategy for boosting efficiency. Lighter EVs require less energy to accelerate and move, extending range. Manufacturers are increasingly using aluminum, carbon fiber, and high-strength steel to reduce vehicle weight without sacrificing safety or performance.

Integrating solar panels into EV surfaces like the roof and hood could provide supplementary power to the battery and increase driving range by up to 30%, according to some estimates. Some companies are developing solar coating films and panels that can harvest additional energy from sunlight while driving.

Combined, these innovations in solid-state batteries, lightweight materials, and solar integration could significantly boost the efficiency of EVs in the not-too-distant future.

EV Efficiency Metrics by Brand

When comparing electric vehicle efficiency between brands, there are a few key metrics to look at. The most common efficiency measurement is miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe), which allows EVs to be compared directly to gas-powered vehicles. According to the EV Database, some of the most efficient EVs by brand include:

Tesla – The Tesla Model 3 Long Range is one of the most efficient EVs with an MPGe rating of 142 combined city/highway driving. Other efficient Tesla models include the Model Y Performance (121 MPGe) and Model S Long Range (112 MPGe).

Nissan – The 2023 Nissan Leaf Plus tops Nissan’s EV lineup with an impressive MPGe of 118 combined. Other efficient Nissan EVs include the 2023 Leaf S (110 MPGe) and 2023 Leaf SV (108 MPGe).

Chevrolet – The most efficient Chevy EV is the 2023 Bolt EV which achieves an EPA-rated 118 MPGe in combined driving conditions. The slightly larger Bolt EUV has an MPGe of 115 combined.

Other factors like battery size, motor power, and weight also impact EV efficiency. In general, Tesla EVs tend to be the most efficient thanks to their aerodynamic design, low rolling resistance tires, and advanced drivetrains. However, EVs from other automakers like Nissan and Chevrolet also achieve excellent real-world efficiency at lower price points.

Average EV Efficiency

The efficiency of electric vehicles is measured in MPGe, or miles per gallon equivalent. This metric allows for a direct comparison to traditional gas vehicles measured in MPG. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducts standardized tests to determine the MPGe of each EV model sold in the US. The agency tests for city and highway driving to calculate combined MPGe ratings.

According to 2021 EPA data, the average MPGe for EVs available that year was 117 combined city/highway. This is over double the average MPG for gas vehicles, which is around 25 MPG combined. However, MPGe can vary greatly depending on the EV model. Smaller EVs like the 2021 Mini Cooper Electric have a combined MPGe of 110, while larger luxury EVs like the 2021 Lucid Air range up to 131 MPGe. Tesla vehicles, known for their market-leading efficiency, average around 120 MPGe.

Overall, most industry experts cite the average EV MPGe to be between 100-120. This makes EVs about 3-4 times more efficient than gas vehicles. Improvements in battery technology will likely continue to push EV efficiency even higher in the future. But for now, an average MPGe of 110-115 for a new EV is reasonable to expect. This level of efficiency equates to 30-35 kWh required per 100 miles of driving.