Everything you need to know about electric car efficiency
Electric cars have gained popularity because of their reduced environmental impact compared to petrol and diesel cars. Efficiency concerning petrol and diesel cars relates to the distance covered with the fuel in their tanks. In an EV, efficiency refers to the distance travelled on a full charge.
To calculate an electric car's efficiency, use the following: EV range (miles) ÷ kWh battery size = miles per kWh.
The battery's efficiency is determined by the miles per kWh ratio. An average vehicle typically achieves an efficiency of 3 miles/kWh, while the most efficient EVs reach around 5 miles/kWh.
It might seem that an electric car with a longer range is the most efficient, but that's not always the case. A larger car tends to have a bigger, heavier battery, whereas a smaller battery in a smaller car can be more efficient due to using less energy per mile travelled.
In this post, we will outline the most exciting efficient cars on the market at the moment and what we expect to see in the future. All of the cars listed are available at The Electric Car Scheme, which could save you up to 60% on any electric car with salary sacrifice. We will consider what it takes to make an electric car efficient.
The most efficient electric cars on the market right now
Tesla Model 3 - 5.5 miles/kWh
At present, the Tesla Model 3 stands as the most efficient electric car on the market. It operates using a high-performance electric motor that ensures rapid acceleration and an exceptional range. The Long Range Model 3 can cover a distance of up to 391 miles on a single charge.
| Range (miles) | Battery size (kWh) | Efficiency (miles/kWh) |
|---|---|---|
| 319 miles | 57.5 kWh | 5.5 miles/kWh |
We've used the range and battery size of the RWD Tesla Model 3 Saloon. To understand efficiency, we've used the following calculation: EV range (miles) ÷ kWh battery size = miles per kWh.
The Tesla Model 3 is available to salary sacrifice at The Electric Car Scheme in Long Range (LR AWD) or RWD. Purchasing an electric vehicle isn’t always the most practical option and salary sacrifice can be attractive for businesses and individuals.
If you decide to contribute part of your salary for the Tesla Model 3 Saloon RWD, your monthly payment will be £442. By doing this, you save £279 on employee tax savings and £14 on employee national insurance savings each month. Over three years, you could save £9,178 compared to the standard lease cost!
You can learn more about the Tesla Model 3 in our blog: 2024 Tesla Model 3 facelift - the best electric car to salary sacrifice?
Renault Megane E-Tech - 4.6 miles/kWh
The Renault Megane E-Tech features a 60kWh battery and achieves a 280-mile range on a single charge. According to online reviews, this vehicle maintains an actual road efficiency ranging between 3.1 and 3.6, positioning it competitively among other family electric cars in terms of range and power.
| Range (miles) | Battery size (kWh) | Efficiency (miles/kWh) |
|---|---|---|
| 280 miles | 60 kWh | 4.6 |
We've used the range and battery size of the Renault Megane E-Tech Hatchback EV60 Equilibre. To understand efficiency, we've used the following calculation: EV range (miles) ÷ kWh battery size = miles per kWh.
The Renault Megane E-Tech is also available for salary sacrifice, enabling a £7,117 saving over three years compared to the standard lease cost. Paying £350 per month could lead to £219 in employee tax savings and £11 in employee national insurance savings with The Electric Car Scheme.
Hyundai Kona Electric - 4.6 miles/kWh
The Hyundai Kona Electric has garnered popularity since its initial launch. It boasts impressive efficiency and a robust range. This vehicle comes equipped with either a 39kWh or 64kWh battery, each providing distinct ranges (190 miles compared to 301 miles). The more economical 39kWh model demonstrates the highest efficiency, achieving 4.8 miles per kWh.
| Range (miles) | Battery size (kWh) | Efficiency (miles/kWh) |
|---|---|---|
| 190 miles | 39 kWh | 4.8 miles/kWh |
With The Electric Car Scheme, leasing the Hyundai Kona Electric allows you to save 36% compared to leasing the car independently. The 39kWh model is available for £314 per month, saving £195 on employee income tax and £10 on employee national insurance. You can use our quote tool to experiment with different models of the Kona to see what you can get for your money.
Fiat 500 Electric - 4.7 miles/kWh
The compact and lightweight Fiat 500 attributes its efficiency to its ability to cover 199 miles on a single charge with a 42kWh battery. Maintaining this efficiency requires a gentle driving approach for the Fiat 500. It might be quite tempting to zip around in this ideal city car, but doing so can rapidly deplete your battery capacity.
| Range (miles) | Battery (kWh) | Efficiency (miles/kWh) |
|---|---|---|
| 199 miles | 42 kWh | 4.7 miles/kWh |
We've used the range and battery size of the Fiat 500 Electric Hatchback 87kW 42kWh model. To understand efficiency, we've used the following calculation: EV range (miles) ÷ kWh battery size = miles per kWh.
The Fiat 500 is available for £438 per month with The Electric Car Scheme; you can save £282 in employee income tax savings and £14 in employee national insurance savings.
Kia e-Niro Electric Estate - 4.4 miles/kWh
The Kia e-Niro made a significant breakthrough by being the initial electric car to offer a 250+ mile range between charges. Featuring a 64.8 kWh battery, the Kia e-Niro achieves a 285-mile range, showcasing an efficiency of 4.4 miles/kWh. This model is offered in three variations: a traditional hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, and the pure electric version.
| Range (miles) | Battery size (kWh) | Efficiency (miles/kWh) |
|---|---|---|
| 285 miles | 64 kWh | 4.4 miles/kWh |
We've used the range and battery size of the Kia e-Niro Electric Estate 64kWh. To understand efficiency, we've used the following calculation: EV range (miles) ÷ kWh battery size = miles per kWh.
If you decide to contribute part of your salary for the Tesla Model 3 Saloon RWD, your monthly payment will be £353. By doing this, you save £218 on employee tax savings and £11 on employee national insurance savings each month. Over three years, you could save £6,904 compared to the standard lease cost.
How efficient are electric cars compared to petrol or diesel?
Electric cars are more efficient compared to petrol and diesel cars. According to Greenpeace, 12-13% of the energy present in fuel is effectively utilized for propelling the wheels or serving other productive purposes, while the remainder is dissipated as heat and noise. Electric engines, on the other hand, boast an efficiency of around 77%, resulting in over double the mileage obtained from an equivalent amount of energy.
Making the switch to an electric car is more cost-effective than petrol and diesel cars and you could save up to £1,919 per year depending on your annual mileage.
| Annual mileage | Petrol/Diesel cost estimate per year | Electric cost estimate per year | Savings in an EV |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10,000 miles | £1,817 | £857 | £960 |
| 20,000 miles | £3,634 | £1,714 | £1,919 |
The figures above have been taken from Select Car Leasing from their Fuel Cost Calculator.
Tips on how to optimise your electric car’s efficiency
To optimise your electric car’s efficiency, you should make sure you’re doing the following:
Reduce the weight of your car
Aerodynamic drag due to wind resistance can reduce the distance an EV can cover on a single charge. Increased vehicle weight demands more energy for movement - reducing the vehicle’s weight can enhance overall efficiency and performance.
Turn off unnecessary features
Battery energy is required for heating and cooling a car. If possible, try to minimise unnecessary features. Many cars offer a pre-conditioning feature that enables you to heat or cool your car while it's plugged in which is a good way of preserving energy.
Keep an eye on your tyres
The range of your electric car can be influenced by the tyre pressure and the size of the alloy wheels you've selected. Low tyre pressure reduces range by increasing tyre resistance to the road. Therefore, to keep your car moving requires more energy.
We already have an entire blog dedicated to optimising your electric car’s range - which gives more ideas on how you can avoid battery degradation and increase your range daily - you can check it out here.
Introducing electric car salary sacrifice schemes is part of the government’s initiative to create a greener future for the UK. Schemes like ours, at The Electric Car Scheme, are in place to help drivers make the switch to an electric car easier and more cost-effective - and ultimately help reach the UK’s net zero target.
With The Electric Car Scheme, the company leases the car on an employee's behalf (technically making it a company car), and in return, the employee agrees to pay it through their gross pay (pay before tax) allowing them to save 30-60% on an electric car!
Experiment with our quote tool to select the EV of your dreams or learn more about how salary sacrifice schemes work.
Our lease pricing is based on data collected from The Electric Car Scheme quote tool. All final pricing is inclusive of VAT. All prices above are based on the following lease terms; 10,000 miles pa, 36 months, and are inclusive of Maintenance and Breakdown Cover. The Electric Car Scheme’s terms and conditions apply. All deals are subject to credit approval and availability. All deals are subject to excess mileage and damage charges. Prices are calculated based on the following tax saving assumptions; England & Wales, 40% tax rate. The above prices were calculated using a flat payment profile. The Electric Car Scheme Limited provides services for the administration of your salary sacrifice employee benefits. The Electric Car Scheme Holdings Limited is a member of the BVRLA (10608), is authorised and regulated by the FCA under FRN 968270, is an Appointed Representative of Marshall Management Services Ltd under FRN 667174, and is a credit broker and not a lender or insurance provider.
