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Comparing EV Efficiency: Why kWh/100mi matters

When shopping for an electric vehicle, most buyers focus on range and charging speed. However, efficiency is arguably the most critical metric for long-term ownership costs. Just as MPG determines your monthly gas budget, an EV's efficiency rating—measured in kWh/100mi (kilowatt-hours per 100 miles)—dictates how much you'll pay to drive.

Efficiency measures how much energy a vehicle consumes to travel a specific distance. A lower kWh/100mi number is better. For example, a highly efficient sedan like the Tesla Model 3 might consume around 26 kWh to travel 100 miles. In contrast, a massive electric truck like the GMC Hummer EV can consume over 60 kWh for the same distance.

The Cost Impact

This difference isn't just academic; it directly hits your wallet. If you pay a typical residential rate of $0.16 per kWh:

• Model 3 (26 kWh/100mi): Costs ~$4.16 to drive 100 miles.
• Hummer EV (60+ kWh/100mi): Costs ~$9.60 to drive 100 miles.

Over 100,000 miles, that efficiency gap adds up to over $5,000 in extra charging costs for the less efficient vehicle.

Why Efficiency Varies

Several factors influence these numbers:

• Aerodynamics: Sleek sedans cut through air with less resistance than boxy SUVs or trucks.
• Weight: Heavy battery packs required for long range in large vehicles increase rolling resistance.
• Motor Design: Modern permanent magnet motors are significantly more efficient than older induction designs.

Use our database above to compare not just the "cool factor" of these EVs, but their real-world efficiency. Choosing a more efficient model reduces strain on the grid, charges faster (in terms of miles added per hour), and keeps more money in your pocket.