Miles per kWh: What does it mean for you?

Let’s unravel this EV lingo to make your car hunting a breeze. We'll help you grasp this pivotal measure, put MPG into perspective, and give tips to boost your EV's efficiency. By the time you're done with this article, you'll be one step closer to finding your next electric champion. Let's shift gears and dive in!

What is Miles per kWh, and why is it important?

What's miles per kWh? It's how far an electric car can go on one kWh of electricity. It's like mpg in a gas car.

Knowing your car's miles per kWh is key. It tells you how far you can go on a charge. Plus, it helps you budget for power costs.

But a lot of things can change your miles per kWh. The weather, your driving style, and your car’s age all play a part. If you drive fast, you'll use more kWh. Cold weather can also lower your miles per kWh.

So, what is a good miles-per-kWh rating? It varies. But, most electric cars have a 3-4 miles per kWh rating. The higher the number, the more efficient the car.

To figure out your car's miles per kWh, divide the miles driven by the kWh used. It's that simple!

So that's your miles per kWh guide. All clear? You're now set to make the most out of your electric car or make a better decision when choosing an EV.

Understanding MPG and MPGe and their relation with Miles per kWh

Well, most electric vehicles provide a 3 to 4 miles per kWh ratio. That's decent. But let's delve deeper.

Miles per gallon equivalent or MPGe is a measure to compare the efficiency of different vehicle types used in the United States by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) . The higher the MPGe, the better is the vehicle's energy use.

There is a difference between MPG and MPGe. MPG is for traditional cars and MPGe shows the same for electric cars.

But how is the mpg equivalent for electric vehicles calculated?

MPGe=(33.7×battery capacity in kWh​/electricity used to travel 100 miles in kWh)

Here's a breakdown of the formula:

• 33.7 kWh is the amount of energy equivalent to one gallon of gasoline.
• Battery capacity in kWh is the total energy capacity of the vehicle's battery.
• Electricity used to travel 100 miles in kWh is the amount of electrical energy the vehicle uses to travel 100 miles.

Practical tips to improve EV efficiency on the road

Here are the top 7 tips to prolonging your car's range:

1. Stay under 70 mph: Higher speeds demand more energy to overcome air resistance, so driving at or below 70 mph can significantly improve efficiency.
2. Use regenerative braking: Take advantage of your EV's regenerative braking system by easing off the accelerator and allowing the car to slow down naturally. This process converts kinetic energy back into electrical energy, recharging the battery slightly.
3. Maintain optimal tire pressure: Keeping your tires inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressure reduces rolling resistance and improves battery efficiency.
4. Limit the use of heating and air conditioning: Heating and cooling systems consume a significant amount of power. Use them sparingly and consider pre-conditioning your car while it's still plugged in. If your car has a heat pump, this tip is still valid.
5. Reduce excess weight: Carry only the necessary items in your car. Extra weight demands more energy from the battery to move the car, reducing overall efficiency.
6. Use eco mode if available: Many EVs come with an eco mode that optimises the vehicle's systems for maximum efficiency. This mode can limit the power output to the motor and reduce the energy consumption of climate control systems.
7. Plan your route wisely: To avoid feeling range anxiety, you may want to plan your route so that you can top up if you need to!
   

The most efficient electric cars in 2024

According to Carwow, the top 5 most efficient EVs this year are:

1. Tesla Model 3 (5.08 miles per kWh)
2. Renault Megane E-Tech (4.87 miles per kWh)
3. Hyundai Kona Electric (4.8 miles per kWh)
4. Volkswagen ID.3 (4.8 miles per kWh)
5. Fiat 500e (4.57 miles per kWh)

You can check out our glossary for more quick answer to common driving terms, or find a subscription car for you!