MPGe – All You Need To Know [Top 100, Avg & More Insights]

From MPGe meaning, to MPGe vs MPG, and which EV has the highest rating, get all you need to know about EV MPGe including results from a comprehensive study.

Based on an analysis of all EVs on the market today (in the US), the following article delivers unbiased, authoritative insights into MPGe.

Some key data insights:

• The average MPGe is 98.13;
• The highest MPGe is 142, which is achieved by the 2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus;
• Station wagons deliver the highest average MPGe, followed by mid-large cars, then small cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks; and
• Hyundai achieves the highest average MPGe (Tesla is in 13th place).

Continue reading for a more detailed breakdown of these insights (incl. city MPGe, and highway MPGe), see what a good MPGe is, and get access to a useful MPGe calculator. 

Plus, see the top 100 EVs by MPGe.

But first, let’s clarify what exactly MPGe is, why it’s important, and how it’s calculated.

MPGe meaning

MPGe is short for Miles Per Gallon Equivalent. It’s used to compare the fuel efficiency of EVs with gas-powered cars. MPGe is to EVs as MPG (Miles Per Gallon) is to standard cars. More specifically, MPGe refers to the distance an EV can travel on 33.7 kWh of electricity (33.7 kWh is equivalent to 1 gallon of gasoline).

For example, an EV with an MPGe of 133 can travel 133 miles per 33.7 kWh of electricity consumed. And, in principle, this would be equivalent to a gas-powered car that can get 133 miles per gallon.

MPG is the standard fuel efficiency metric for traditional vehicles, which measures the distance a vehicle can travel per gallon of gasoline.

As EVs don’t consume gasoline, an equivalent metric (MPGe) for EVs was introduced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2010.

The higher the MPGe rating the more efficient the EV.

EVs have 3 different MPGe ratings: 

1. MPGe for city driving; 
2. MPGe for highway driving; and 
3. Combined MPGe for both city and highway driving.

3 different ratings are shown because the driving environment has a considerable impact on fuel consumption.

MPGe ratings for EVs can be found on the vehicle’s Fuel Economy and Environment Label (commonly referred to as the Window Sticker).

The image below is an example Fuel Economy and Environment Label, with the MPGe ratings circled.

As you can see in the example label, this EV has a combined city/highway driving MPGe of 99, an MPGe of 103 in the city, and an MPGe of 95 when driving on the highway.

Continue reading to see the average, highest, and lowest MPGe ratings.

Gasoline vehicles, as most have seen, also list MPG ratings for city, highway, and combined driving.

To ensure there’s no confusion between MPGe and MPG, let’s compare both of these. But first, let’s see why MPGe is important.

Why is MPGe important

MPGe is important because it enables energy efficiency comparisons across different vehicles and fuel types.

Not only can it be used to compare EV efficiency with gas-powered cars, but it can be used to compare the efficiency of these against plug-in hybrid vehicles (Series PHEV & Blended PHEV), compressed natural gas vehicles, and even hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

It can also be used to identify the most efficient vehicle in a particular category.

For example, if you’re buying an EV, and you want the most efficient model, then you can simply choose the EV with the highest MPGe.

MPGe is a particularly useful metric for adding context to an EV’s efficiency (as it’s a single metric that can be used for cross-vehicle type comparisons). However, it’s less important when it comes to getting a good sense, or a standalone sense, of an EV’s efficiency.

The kWh/100 miles efficiency metric tends to be easier to comprehend – no need to do any extra mental math.

This kWh per 100 miles metric also helps reduce the problem of the “MPG Illusion” or the “MPGe Illusion”. This is where improvements in efficiencies can appear linear, when in fact they are not. 

But in terms of benchmarking performance against other vehicle and fuel types, then MPGe is a crucial metric.

Next, as mentioned, let’s briefly compare MPGe with MPG to ensure there’s no confusion between each.

MPG vs MPGe

The table below shows the key differences between MPG and MPGe.

Now that we know the difference between MPG and MPGe, let’s briefly take a look at another source of confusion – the difference between MPGe and range.

MPGe vs range

MPGe refers to the distance an EV can travel on the energy equivalent of 1 gallon of gasoline (the energy equivalent being 33.7 kWh). Range, however, refers to the total distance an EV can travel on a full “tank” (i.e. when fully charged).

For example, the 2022 Tesla Model Y has an MPGe of 129 miles, and a range of 244 miles.

In other words, the Tesla Model Y can reach an estimated 244 miles when fully charged, and 129 miles before consuming the equivalent of 1 gallon of gas / 33.7 kWh of electricity.

How is MPGe calculated

MPGe is calculated using the EPA’s predefined value for the electrical energy equivalent of 1 gallon of gasoline (i.e. 33.7 kWh), miles driven, and the total power consumed (in kWh).

Here’s the formula: 

MPGe = (33.7 kWh x miles driven) / total power consumed in kWh

For example, the 2022 Tesla Model Y has an MPGe of 129 and consumes 26.0277 kWh per 100 miles of combined city and highway driving. This EV’s MPGe is calculated as follows:

(33.7 kWh x 100 miles) / 26.0277 kWh = 129 (MPGe)

This MPGe calculation is specifically for EVs as the gas equivalent of 33.7 kWh was used. A similar calculation can be done for CNG, and hydrogen vehicles using the relevant gasoline equivalent.

The EPA has done the heavy lifting, having defined the gas-electricity equivalent (this involved the introduction of standards including: 115,000 BTU of heat is generated from burning 1 gallon of gasoline, which has an electrical energy equivalent of 33.7 kWh), by developing robust testing procedures, and by ensuring each EV has their MPGe calculated and clearly listed.

But actual MPGe ratings in the real world can be different. Driving styles, weather conditions, battery degradation, etc., all impact MPGe results.

The MPGe calculation formula above will help you estimate the current MPGe of any EV. However, if you don’t want to do the math, simply use the MPGe calculator below.

MPGe calculator

Use the MPGe calculator below to see how your (or any) EV’s efficiency compares to other vehicles.

Simply enter the miles driven during a trip, and how much electricity your EV consumed. The result will be your current MPGe.

This calculator has been pre-populated with a 100 mile test trip, and the typical EV power consumption after driving 100 miles (i.e. 36 kWh).

Next, let’s briefly take a look at limitations when using MPGe, and MPG for estimating fuel costs.

MPGe to MPG

Converting MPGe to MPG, or simply using these ratings to estimate fuel costs is not ideal. This is because it’s highly unlikely that vehicles with different fuel types have the same MPGe and MPG ratings, not to mention the fact that the cost for each fuel type is different.

For example, the highest MPGe for an EV is 142, while the highest MPG for a regular gasoline vehicle is 48. No gas-powered vehicle can reach an MPG of 142, so converting like with like (i.e. converting MPGe to MPG) is redundant, and will not lead to realistic results.

But there’s no harm in the thought experiment. If anything, it’ll help clarify limitations.

Let’s use the average cost of electricity, and gas in the US as of June 2022. According to eai.gov, on average, it costs $5.032 per gallon of gasoline, and 15.95 cents per kWh of electricity (the gas equivalent in electricity works out to $5.375 as 33.7 kWh produces the same amount of energy as 1 gallon of gas).

The table below “converts” MPGe to MPG, and shows fuel cost for each.

As you can see, MPGe and MPG are not ideal metrics when estimating running costs. 

It appears that EVs are more expensive per gallon of fuel compared to standard gas-powered vehicles.

However, currently gas-powered vehicles cannot achieve the MPG listed in the table, whereas the MPG equivalent is commonly reached by EVs.

kWh per 100 miles, and gallons per 100 miles enable better cost estimates. These are listed on the Fuel Economy and Environment label, along with MPGe and MPG.

MPGe and MPG are better suited to benchmarking efficiency, rather than estimating fuel costs.

So now that we know what MPGe and MPG are, know their key differences, and limitations, let’s get into the data.

Now for the data insights

EV MPGe data insights

evdins.com has analyzed MPGe data for all EVs available in the US – here are the insights.

Note: data were sourced from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy. The data were analyzed by the evdins.com team, and then summarized to provide convenient, unbiased insights, and benchmarks. 

Also, you can assume the MPGe ratings refer to the combined MPGe rating unless otherwise clarified – city MPGe, and highway MPGe ratings are clearly noted.

Highest MPGe

The highest MPGe is 142, which is achieved by the 2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus.

This is just 1 more than the second highest MPGe.

Boasting an MPGe of 141, the EV with the second highest MPGe is the 2020 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus.

So Tesla takes the top 2 highest MPGe positions, but following closely behind in third place is Hyundai.

The third highest MPGe is 136.

This MPGe is achieved by the 2017, 2018, and 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Electric.

These are the three highest MPGe ratings for combined city and highway driving.

However, as mentioned, MPGe ratings for combined, city, and highway driving differ.

So let’s split these out to see the highest MPGe ratings for each.

Highest city MPGe

The highest city MPGe is 150.1, followed closely behind by the second highest city MPGe of 150. The third highest city MPGe is 148.

The EVs with the highest MPGe when driving in the city are:

1. With a city MPGe of 150.1, the 2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus has the highest city MPGe. This EV also boasts the highest combined MPGe;
2. The 2017, 2018, and 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Electric have the second highest city MPGe, coming in at 150. These models have the third highest combined MPGe; and
3. With a city MPGe of 148, the 2020 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus has the third highest city MPGe.

So what’s the highest MPGe rating for highway driving?

Highest highway MPGe

The highest highway MPGe is 133, with the second highest coming in at 132.2, and the third highest being 132.

The EVs with the highest highway MPGe ratings are:

1. The 2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus has the highest highway MPGe coming in at 133. This EV takes the top position in all three MPGe categories – the highest MPGe for combined, city, and highway driving;
2. With a highway MPGe of 132.2, the 2022 Lucid Air G Touring AWD w/19in wheels has the second highest highway rating; and
3. The 2020 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus has the third highest highway MPGe with 132. This model also boasts the second highest combined MPGe, and third highest city MPGe.

Before moving on, let’s briefly summarize the highest MPGe data for combined, city, and highway driving.

Highest MPGe data summary

The table below shows the highest MPGe ratings for combined, city, and highway driving.

The EV models that achieve these MPGe ratings are listed above, and links are also provided for more details on each model.

Continue reading to see the top 100 EVs with the highest MPGe ratings.

Now that we know the highest MPGe ratings, let’s take a look at the lowest.

Lowest MPGe

The lowest MPGe is 28. The second lowest MPGe comes in at 35, with 37 being the third lowest.

Let’s see which models achieve these low ratings.

The table below lists the lowest MPGe ratings, along with the corresponding EVs.

These are the combined MPGe ratings, so let’s go one step further, and split the ratings out into city, and highway driving.

Lowest city MPGe

The lowest city MPGe rating is 28. The second lowest MPGe for city driving is 35, followed closely by the third lowest, which comes in at 37. The lowest city MPGe ratings are the same as the lowest combined MPGe ratings.

The EVs with the lowest city MPGe ratings are also the same as the EVs with the lowest combined MPGe ratings. However, the order changes slightly. 

The table below shows the lowest MPGe ratings for city driving, along with the specific EV models.

Next, let’s briefly take a look at the lowest highway MPGe ratings.

Lowest highway MPGe

The lowest highway MPGe is 28, with the second, and third lowest MPGe ratings being 33, and 39, respectively.

Now, let’s see the EVs that deliver these low highway driving ratings.

The table below lists the lowest MPGe ratings for highway driving, along with the relevant EVs.

Apart from the 2001, and 2002 Ford Explorers, these EVs also appeared in both the lowest city, and combined MPGe rating tables.

Ok, so now we know the highest, and the lowest MPGe ratings, but what’s a good MPGe?

What is a good MPGe?

An MPGe of 99 and above is a good MPGe. For city driving, an MPGe of 103 or higher is good, while an MPGe of 94 and up is a good highway MPGe.

These MPGe ratings are considered good because they’re above the average for each driving mode.

Specifically, these ratings are the next MPGe rating above the average.

The average MPGe is 98.13 for combined driving, while 102.92 is the average city MPGe, and 93.37 is the average MPGe for highway driving. This is based on all EVs available on the market in the US.

The most common MPGe across each driving mode can be considered good. This is because they land in the above average / “good” range.

The most common combined MPGe is 112, the most common city MPGe is 124, and the most common highway MPGe is 102.

Let’s summarize the data.

The table below shows the average MPGe, what’s considered a good MPGe, along with the most common MPGe ratings across combined, city, and highway driving modes.

This table is based on the MPGe ratings of all EVs available in the US.

Older EV models tend to have lower MPGe ratings compared to newer models.

However, primarily due to the increased amount of EVs produced in recent years, the MPGe ratings above still hold true.

For example, let’s look at the average MPGe ratings for 83 EVs released in 2022.

The average MPGe for EVs released in 2022 is 96.31 – the average city MPGe comes in at 100.6, and the average MPGe for highway driving is 92.02.

This is actually slightly lower than the overall MPGe averages for EVs.

So, breaking the data down into yearly results doesn’t improve the insights. If anything, excluding older EVs results in skewed insights overall.

With this in mind, let’s stick with the complete EV market, and compare MPGe ratings across all different vehicle types.

MPGe comparison of EV types

Comparing MPGe ratings of all vehicle types, station wagons have the highest average MPGe coming in at 107.6, followed closely behind by mid-large size cars, which have an average MPGe of 104.02.

With an average MPGe of 102.25, small cars have the third highest average rating.

SUVs take fourth place with an average MPGe of 89.38, and pickup trucks take fifth spot with 57.64.

However, these positions change when looking at the most common, highest, and lowest MPGe rating for each vehicle type.

The table below compares the MPGe ratings of different vehicle types – the MPGe comparison covers the average, most common, highest, and lowest MPGe ratings for each type of EV.

Vehicle types have been categorized using the EPA listed vehicle size class.

For convenience, the MPGe ratings of similar vehicle types have been grouped together in the table above. Specifically:

• Car MPGe groups the MPGe ratings of midsize and large cars together;
• Small car MPGe includes two seaters, minicompact, subcompact and compact cars;
• SUV MPGe includes the MPGe ratings for all sport utility vehicle sizes;
• Pickup truck MPGe groups all pickup truck sizes together; and
• Station wagon MPGe also groups all sizes together.

So which models have the highest MPGe ratings in each vehicle class?

The table below lists the EVs with the highest MPGe ratings for each vehicle type, in order of high to low.

These are the EVs with the highest combined MPGe rating in each vehicle type category as defined by the EPA.

Comparing all vehicle types, we can see that the mid-large car category has a significantly higher max MPGe rating, despite having the second highest average MPGe rating.

While on the topic of MPGe comparison, let’s see how MPGe ratings compare across manufacturers.

MPGe manufacturer comparison

The manufacturer with the highest average MPGe is Hyundai, followed closely by Scion, and then Lucid. Compared to all other manufacturers, Tesla produces the EV model with the highest MPGe, but only has the 13th highest average MPGe.

This is primarily due to the age, and volume of Tesla EVs. The Scion average is based on just a single EV, but both the Hyundai, and Lucid averages are based on several models.

There are 32 different EV makes (also referred to as manufacturers) that have models available in the US.

Let’s take a look at how the MPGe for each make / manufacturer compares.

The table below lists the average MPGe for each make of EV released in the US. The highest MPGe for each is also listed. The table is arranged from highest average MPGe to lowest.

Now that we’ve looked at the average and highest MPGe by make, let’s take a look at the specific models that have the highest MPGe.

Top 100 EVs by MPGe

The table below lists the top 100 EVs with the highest MPGe ratings.

MPGe ratings are the combined city and highway driving ratings, and have been rounded to the nearest whole number.

As you can see the 2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus (with rear wheel drive) has the highest MPGe out of all EVs released in the US.

To learn more about this EV, including how it compares with all other EVs across a variety of metrics, check out its specs, here. 

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