Lucid Air electric sedan in champagne gold color parked on a country road at sunset. The luxury EV features a sleek aerodynamic design, black glass roof, and distinctive LED headlights. Green grass and trees visible in background against orange sky.

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 in relation to fuel consumption. In an EV, efficiency refers to the distance travelled on a full charge.

To calculate an electric car's efficiency, you can use the following formula: 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. EV efficiency can vary depending on car size, driving style, location, battery capacity, tyre condition and more.

This post will outline the top 10 most exciting and efficient electric cars on the market at the moment as well as some tips on how to improve the efficiency of your EV.

Nio Onvo L60

First on the list, and perhaps the least well-known, is the Nio Onvo L60, set to launch in the UK in early 2025. This launch is especially noteworthy because the UK, unlike the EU, isn’t imposing a 31% import tariff on Chinese EVs.

The Onvo L60 offers two battery options: 60.6kWh and 85kWh, each available in single-motor and dual-motor configurations. The most efficient model is the single-motor version with the 60.6kWh battery, delivering an impressive 345 miles on a single charge - equivalent to 5.6 miles per kWh.

Make and Model	Range	Battery Size	Efficiency	Estimated Winter Range
Nio Onvo L60	345 miles	60.6kWh	5.6 miles/kWh	242-276 miles

We've used the range and battery size of the Nio Onvo L60. To understand efficiency in all of the tables included in this blog, we've used the following calculation: EV range (miles) ÷ kWh battery size = miles per kWh

Tesla Model 3

The Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive Tesla Model 3 takes efficiency and range to the next level with a WLTP range of 436 miles, surpassing even the Lucid Air Pure. Powered by a 79.7kWh battery, it matches the Lucid Air Pure in efficiency at 5 miles per kWh, consuming just 21kWh per 100 miles. This marks a significant improvement over the original Model 3, which had a 75kWh battery and a range of 318 miles. It's a leap forward in both performance and practicality.

Make and Model	Range	Battery Size	Efficiency	Estimated Winter Range
Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive Tesla Model 3	436 miles	79.7kWh	5.4 miles/kWh	350 miles

We've used the range and battery size of the Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive Tesla Model 3. To understand efficiency in all of the tables included in this blog, we've used the following calculation: EV range (miles) ÷ kWh battery size = miles per kWh

Lucid Air

The Lucid Air offers a whopping 520-mile range and is one of the longest-range EVs in the world. Unfortunately, the Lucid Air is not yet available in the UK, but it is believed it will be launched to customers within the next two years.

The Lucid Air Pure has received updates to the model line, designed to make it more efficient. The Air Pure delivers 420 miles of EPA-estimated range from an 84kWh battery. It has 5.0 miles of range per kilowatt hour (kWh) of energy. It has also earned the highest MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) rating ever given to an EV with 146 MPGe from the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency).

Make and Model	Range	Battery Size	Efficiency	Estimated Winter Range
Lucid Air Pure	420 miles	84kWh	5 miles/kWh	287-328 miles

Fiat 500 Electric

Light blue Fiat 500e electric car photographed at three-quarter angle in a parking lot. The compact car features distinctive round headlights, turbine-style black wheels, and a modern grille design. Trees and blue sky visible in background.

It may shock some that the Fiat 500 electric is so high on this list, but this compact and lightweight electric car attributes its efficiency to its ability to cover 118 miles on a single charge with a 24kWh battery. Although, if you’re looking for something with a slightly longer range, you don’t need to look far because you can choose the long-range option which offers 203 miles on a single charge using the 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.

Make and Model	Range	Battery Size	Efficiency	Estimated Winter Range
Fiat 500e	118 miles	24kWh	4.9 miles/kWh	83-94 miles

Vauxhall Corsa Electric

Orange Vauxhall Corsa-e electric hatchback photographed at an angle on a road. The car features a black contrast roof, sporty alloy wheels, and a distinctive front grille design. Autumn foliage visible in the background.

The Corsa Electric offers two battery and motor combinations to suit different needs: a 50kWh battery with a range of 222 miles and a 51kWh “Long Range” battery with an extended range of 246 miles.

The Long Range version is the most efficient and even includes a heat pump for more efficient temperature regulation, adding an extra touch of practicality. However, as with all the cars mentioned in this blog, it’s important to note that the Corsa Electric’s range may be lower than the official figures under real-world driving conditions.

Make and Model	Range	Battery Size	Efficiency	Estimated Winter Range
Vauxhall Corsa Long Range	245 miles	51kWh	4.8 miles/kWh	172-197 miles

Tesla Model Y

The 2024 Tesla Model Y Standard Range is equipped with a 60kWh battery, offering an impressive driving range of up to 282 miles on a full charge. However, for those who prioritise extended-range capabilities, Tesla also offers the Long Range variant. This upgraded model features a larger 81kWh battery pack, which provides a significantly increased WTLP range of up to 312 miles. Whether you value affordability and efficiency or seek to maximise driving distance on a single charge, the Model Y lineup ensures there's an option tailored to your needs.

Make and Model	Range	Battery Size	Efficiency	Estimated Winter Range
Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD	375 miles	77.4kWh	4.41 miles/kWh	197-226 miles

2025 Kia EV3

Light mint green Kia EV5 SUV photographed in motion on a curved road. The electric vehicle features distinctive angular headlights and black body cladding. Motion-blurred autumn trees visible in the background.

The upcoming 2025 Kia EV3 has two battery options and different ranges: the 58.3kWh battery which has a WLTP range of 270 miles and the 81.4kWh battery which has a WLTP range of 375 miles. The latter is the most efficient achieving 4.6 miles per kWh!

The EV3's range can vary depending on driving style, weather conditions, and other factors. For example, a heat pump isn't standard on the EV3, which can make it harder to match the WLTP figures in real-world conditions.

The EV3 can charge from 10–80% in about 31 minutes. It also has vehicle-to-load (V2L), vehicle-to-grid (V2G), and vehicle-to-home (V2H) capabilities

Make and Model	Range	Battery Size	Efficiency	Estimated Winter Range
2025 Kia EV3	375 miles	77.4kWh	4.41 miles/kWh	263-300 miles

Hyundai Ioniq 6

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 boasts an impressive range of 342 miles, powered by a 77.4kWh battery. Its streamlined design enhances efficiency compared to the Ioniq 5, featuring a curved roofline, wheel gap reducers, and an active air flap.

With a combined city and motorway rating of 140 MPGe, it is five times more efficient than the 2024 EV model average of 28 MPGe, according to EPA estimates. The EPA has recognised the Ioniq 6 as the most efficient electric vehicle for two years in a row in the US.

Make and Model	Range	Battery Size	Efficiency	Estimated Winter Range
Hyundai Ioniq 6 SE	342 miles	77.4kWh	4.41 miles/kWh	239-274 miles

Mercedes-Benz EQS

The Mercedes-Benz EQS seamlessly combines luxury and comfort, setting a high standard for electric vehicles in its class. The 2024 model boasts an impressive 118kWh battery, delivering a remarkable range of up to 511 miles on a single charge, making it one of the most efficient options in the luxury EV market.

This exceptional range is matched by the EQS's striking size, measuring over 5.2 meters in length, which adds to its road presence and spacious interior. However, its considerable dimensions make it less ideal for navigating tight city streets, positioning it as a better choice for long-distance journeys or open-road driving where its performance and elegance truly shine.

Make and Model	Range	Battery Size	Efficiency	Estimated Winter Range
Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+	511 miles	118kWh	4.3 miles/kWh	358-409 miles

Lexus RZ

Lexus has unveiled the RZ 300e, a front-wheel-drive variant of its luxury electric SUV, offering a range of 297 miles. Despite sharing the same 71.4kWh lithium-ion battery as its all-wheel-drive counterpart, the 300e is more efficient, thanks to its single-motor setup. While its range falls short of some rivals, the RZ 300e stands out for its spacious interior and exceptional comfort, making it an excellent choice for those prioritizing luxury and practicality.

Make and Model	Range	Battery Size	Efficiency	Estimated Winter Range
Lexus RZ 300e	297 miles	71.4kWh	4.15 miles/kWh	190-217 miles

How Efficient Are Electric Cars Compared To Petrol Or Diesel?

Electric vehicles are cleaner, quieter and more efficient than petrol and diesel cars. This is because electric motors are more efficient than combustion engines, converting up to 95% of the energy they draw into power at the wheels, compared to roughly 20-30% for petrol or diesel engines.

By switching to an electric car, you could save up to £1,955 annually on running costs compared to petrol and diesel vehicles, with the exact savings depending on how many miles you drive.

Annual mileage	Petrol/Diesel cost estimate per year	Electric cost estimate per year	Savings in an EV
10,000 miles	£1,599	£622	£978
20,000 miles	£3,198	£1,243	£1,955

The figures above have been taken from Select Car Leasing from their Fuel Cost Calculator.

How To Optimise Your Electric Car’s Efficiency

To optimise your electric car’s efficiency, you should make sure you’re doing the following:

Maximise Regenerative Braking

Regenerative braking is your EV's built-in efficiency booster, converting braking energy back into usable electricity. While some drivers disable this feature, leaving it on can recapture up to 70% of your braking energy. For best results, use gradual deceleration rather than sudden stops – this maximises the amount of energy your car can recover and store back in the battery.

Reduce the weight of your car

Aerodynamic drag caused by wind resistance can reduce the distance an EV can cover on a single charge. Increased vehicle weight demands more energy for movement, so 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 EVs 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.

Finding Your Speed Sweet Spot

Your EV's efficiency drops dramatically at higher speeds due to aerodynamic drag. Most electric vehicles are most efficient between 45-60 mph, with efficiency declining sharply above this range. As an example, driving at 75 mph typically uses about 25% more energy than cruising at 60 mph. For maximum range, try to maintain speeds around 60 mph on motorways whenever practical.

Pre-condition Your EV: Start Your Journey Right

Warm up or cool down your car while it's still plugged in to save valuable battery power. By preconditioning your vehicle's cabin and battery using grid power, you avoid draining your battery for climate control at the start of your journey. Most EVs let you schedule this through their apps – just set it 30 minutes before departure for optimal efficiency.

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!