18 Most Efficient Electric Cars, According to EPA | 2023 Ranking

Efficiency is one of the first criterias that comes to mind when choosing the best electric vehicle to buy. There are numerios efficiency test for EVs, but the most realistic one is, of course, conducted by no other than the United States EPA.

Related Article: EV Range Tests Explained: Comparison Between EPA Ratings, WLTP, NEDC, and CLTC

EPA published a list of electric cars that scored the highest MPGe, which is the MPG equivalent of the EV world. Hyundai IONIQ 6 is the most efficient electric car, according to EPA. Electric sedan’s RWD Long Range version scored a 140 MPGe. The second most efficient model is the 2022’s champion, Tesla Model 3. Popular sedan’s RWD variant got an MPGe score of 132. The third most efficient electric car is also an American-made: Lucid Air. Another Tesla vehicle, Model Y got the fourth place in EPA’s most efficient EVs ranking. Tesla’s all four models made it into the list. There are also three Hyundai, two Kia, and two Chevrolet models.

You can find the full list of electric vehicles praised by EPA as the most efficient models in the United States down below.

Which Electric Car is The Most Efficient? (2023 Ranking)

As of February 2023, Hyundai IONIQ 6 scored the highest MPGe figure, according to United States EPA. This means that rear-wheel-drive Ioniq 6 can travel up to 140 miles with 33.7-kWh of electricty, which is equal to the energy contained in one gallon of gas. You can find further details of these vehicles by clicking their names on the table.

1. Hyundai IONIQ 6

2. Tesla Model 3

Tesla Model 3 RWD version scored the second best MPGe. It is also the highest MPGe among 2022 model electric vehicles. It can travel 3.91 miles per kWh. Model 3’s combined energy consumption is 15.8 kWh per 62 miles (100 km).

This electric sedan is the most efficient of its kind, thanks to Tesla’s state-of-the-art heat pump used for thermal management of the battery pack, and highly-efficient custom design electric motors. Model 3 will increase its efficiency when Tesla update its battery with the new energy-dense 4680 cell and swap the old pack design with much lighter structural battery pack.

Tesla Model 3 RWD is currently priced at $43,990 in the United States.

3. Lucid Air

Lucid Air Grand Touring variant is the second best, according to EPA’s efficiency ratings. It scored a 131 MPGe, which translates to 15.9 kWh per 62 miles/100 km. Luxurious sedan can travel up to 3.88 miles for every kWh it consumes.

Co-founded by a former Tesla executive, Lucid Motors has also spent millions for its customly designed battery pack and electric motors. Despite being one of the most luxurious electric vehicles on the market, Lucid Air can achieve high efficiency ratings thanks to its extremely low drag coefficient: 0.21 cd.

Lucid Air Grand Touring costs $154,000 in US. It is three times expensive than the more efficient Model 3. But Air offers a luxurious interior, smooth driving experience, and much higher performance.

4. Tesla Model Y

Tesla Model Y RWD is the third best in the EPA’s list. It got an MPGe score of 129, which means Model Y can travel 3.82 miles for every kWh it consumes. Mid-size electric SUV comes with the standard battery pack with 2170 cells. AWD version features a structural battery pack, which is filled with larger 4680 cells. Tesla will use LFP batteries inside entry-level models, while higher trim levels will get the structural pack with Tesla’s special battery units.

Tesla Model Y RWD is currently not on sale in United States. European pricing starts at €44,890.

Aptera Solar EV Will Become The Most Efficient EV

Our list of the most efficient electric vehicles will meet its new leader in the coming months. Aptera Solar EV will become the most efficient when it launches into the market. Here ise a video review of this American-made solar electric car: