Understanding Electric Car Fuel Economy: Efficiency And Range Explained

Electric car fuel economy is measured differently than that of conventional vehicles because all-electric vehicles and PHEVs rely in whole or part on electric power. Miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent (MPGe) and kilowatt-hours (kWh) per 100 miles are common metrics. All-electric vehicles and PHEVs have the benefit of flexible charging because the electric grid is near most locations where people park.

Electric vehicles fuel economy is measured differently than conventional vehicles

The fuel economy of electric vehicles (EVs) is measured differently than that of conventional vehicles. Miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent (MPGe) and kilowatt-hours (kWh) per 100 miles are common metrics. All-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) rely on electric power, which means their fuel economy is measured differently than that of conventional vehicles. The fuel economy of medium- and heavy-duty all-electric vehicles and PHEVs is highly dependent on the load carried and the duty cycle. However, in the right applications, all-electric vehicles maintain a strong fuel-to-cost advantage over their conventional counterparts. All-electric vehicles and PHEVs have the benefit of flexible charging because the electric grid is near most locations where people park. To safely deliver energy from the electric grid to a vehicle’s battery, an EV charging station, sometimes referred to as electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), is needed. Drivers can charge overnight at a residence, including multifamily housing, as well as the workplace or a public charging station when available. All forms of electric vehicles (EVs) can help improve fuel economy, lower fuel costs, and reduce emissions. Using electricity as a power source for transportation improves public health and the environment, and provides safety benefits, and contributes to a resilient transportation system. The transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. A successful transition to clean transportation will require various vehicle and fuel solutions and must consider life cycle emissions. Electric and hybrid vehicles can have significant emissions benefits over conventional vehicles. All-electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) produce no tailpipe emissions when operating in all-electric mode.

Miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent (MPGe) is a common metric

MPGe is a standardised measurement that allows for easy comparison between different EVs. It is calculated based on the energy consumption of the vehicle, taking into account the electricity used to power the vehicle over a specific distance. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) provides official ratings for MPGe, ensuring that consumers have access to accurate and reliable information about the fuel economy of EVs.

For example, light-duty all-electric vehicles and PHEVs can achieve impressive MPGe ratings, exceeding 130 MPGe in some cases. This means that these vehicles can travel over 130 miles on the equivalent of a single gallon of gasoline. The specific MPGe rating will vary depending on the model and year of the vehicle, as well as driving conditions and driving habits.

MPGe is an important consideration for consumers when evaluating the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of EVs. It provides a clear understanding of how far a vehicle can travel on a single charge or tank of electricity, allowing drivers to make informed decisions about their transportation needs. Additionally, MPGe can help highlight the advantages of EVs over conventional vehicles, as they often have lower fuel costs and reduced emissions.

Light-duty all-electric vehicles can exceed 130 MPGe

Light-duty all-electric vehicles can exceed 130 miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent (MPGe). This is a common metric used to measure the fuel economy of all-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) rates these vehicles based on manufacturer testing and selects a sample of results to confirm through their own tests.

The fuel economy of medium- and heavy-duty all-electric vehicles and PHEVs is highly dependent on the load carried and the duty cycle. However, in the right applications, all-electric vehicles maintain a strong fuel-to-cost advantage over their conventional counterparts. This is because all-electric vehicles and PHEVs have the benefit of flexible charging, as the electric grid is near most locations where people park.

The transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. A successful transition to clean transportation will require various vehicle and fuel solutions and must consider life cycle emissions. Electric and hybrid vehicles can have significant emissions benefits over conventional vehicles. All-electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, and PHEVs produce no tailpipe emissions when operating in all-electric mode.

The fuel economy of all-electric vehicles and PHEVs is measured differently than that of conventional vehicles. Miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent (MPGe) and kilowatt-hours (kWh) per 100 miles are common metrics. Depending on how they are driven, today's light-duty all-electric vehicles (or PHEVs in electric mode) can exceed 130 MPGe and can drive 100 miles consuming only 25–40 kWh.

For example, the 2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid has an EPA combined city-and-highway fuel economy estimate of 50 miles per gallon (MPG). In comparison, the conventional 2024 Corolla (four cylinder, automatic) has an EPA combined city-and-highway fuel economy estimate of 35 MPG.

Fuel economy of medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles depends on load and duty cycle

The fuel economy of medium- and heavy-duty all-electric vehicles and PHEVs is highly dependent on the load carried and the duty cycle. All-electric vehicles and PHEVs have the benefit of flexible charging because the electric grid is near most locations where people park. To safely deliver energy from the electric grid to a vehicle’s battery, an EV charging station, sometimes referred to as electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), is needed. Drivers can charge overnight at a residence, including multifamily housing, as well as the workplace or a public charging station when available.

Depending on how they are driven, today's light-duty all-electric vehicles (or PHEVs in electric mode) can exceed 130 MPGe and can drive 100 miles consuming only 25–40 kWh. HEVs typically achieve better fuel economy and have lower fuel costs than similar conventional vehicles. For example, FuelEconomy.gov lists the 2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid at an EPA combined city-and-highway fuel economy estimate of 50 miles per gallon (MPG), while the estimate for the conventional 2024 Corolla (four cylinder, automatic) is 35 MPG.

All forms of electric vehicles (EVs) can help improve fuel economy, lower fuel costs, and reduce emissions. Using electricity as a power source for transportation improves public health and the environment, and provides safety benefits, and contributes to a resilient transportation system. The transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. A successful transition to clean transportation will require various vehicle and fuel solutions and must consider life cycle emissions. Electric and hybrid vehicles can have significant emissions benefits over conventional vehicles. All-electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) produce no tailpipe emissions when operating in all-electric mode.

Manufacturers usually conduct the tests using pre-production prototypes. Manufacturers report the results to EPA. The EPA then reviews the results and selects about 15%–20% of them to confirm through their own tests at the National Vehicles and Fuel Emissions Lab.

All-electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions

The transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. A successful transition to clean transportation will require various vehicle and fuel solutions and must consider life cycle emissions. All-electric vehicles and PHEVs have the benefit of flexible charging because the electric grid is near most locations where people park. To safely deliver energy from the electric grid to a vehicle’s battery, an EV charging station, sometimes referred to as electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), is needed. Drivers can charge overnight at a residence, including multifamily housing, as well as the workplace or a public charging station when available.

The fuel economy of medium- and heavy-duty all-electric vehicles and PHEVs is highly dependent on the load carried and the duty cycle, but in the right applications, all-electric vehicles maintain a strong fuel-to-cost advantage over their conventional counterparts. All-electric vehicles and PHEVs rely in whole or part on electric power, their fuel economy is measured differently than that of conventional vehicles. Miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent (MPGe) and kilowatt-hours (kWh) per 100 miles are common metrics. Depending on how they are driven, today's light-duty all-electric vehicles (or PHEVs in electric mode) can exceed 130 MPGe and can drive 100 miles consuming only 25–40 kWh. HEVs typically achieve better fuel economy and have lower fuel costs than similar conventional vehicles.

EPA rating data are taken from manufacturer testing of their own vehicles using a series of tests specified by federal law. Manufacturers usually conduct the tests using pre-production prototypes. Manufacturers report the results to EPA. The EPA then reviews the results and selects about 15%–20% of them to confirm through their own tests at the National Vehicles and Fuel Emissions Lab.

Frequently asked questions