Guide
What Is MPGe? Electric Car Efficiency Explained
MPGe ("miles per gallon equivalent") lets you compare an electric car with a gas car on one scale. Here's what it means, how to convert it, and what current EVs actually achieve.
The definition
The EPA treats 33.7 kWh of electricity as equal to the energy in one gallon of gasoline. An EV rated 120 MPGe travels 120 miles on 33.7 kWh, or uses about 28 kWh per 100 miles. The kWh figure includes charging losses, so it's what you pay for at the meter.
kWh per 100 miles = 3,370.5 ÷ MPGe · miles per kWh = MPGe ÷ 33.7
Why MPGe isn't the whole story
MPGe compares energy, not money. A kWh and a gallon cost very different amounts, so the better number for your wallet is kWh per 100 miles × your electricity price. At 18¢/kWh, an EV using 28 kWh per 100 miles costs about $5.04 per 100 miles; a 30-MPG gas car at $3.10/gal costs $10.33.
The most efficient 2026 EVs
| Model | MPGe | kWh/100 mi | kWh/100 km | mi/kWh | Cost / 100 mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lucid Air | 146 | 23.1 | 14.4 | 4.33 | $4.16 |
| Tesla Model 3 | 139 | 24.3 | 15.1 | 4.12 | $4.37 |
| Tesla Model Y | 138 | 24.3 | 15.1 | 4.12 | $4.37 |
| Toyota bZ | 131 | 25.5 | 15.8 | 3.92 | $4.59 |
| Subaru Uncharted | 129 | 25.7 | 16.0 | 3.89 | $4.63 |
| Lexus RZ | 126 | 26.6 | 16.5 | 3.76 | $4.79 |
| Lexus ES EV | 127 | 27 | 16.8 | 3.70 | $4.86 |
| Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class EV | 126 | 27 | 16.8 | 3.70 | $4.86 |
Best configuration of each model line; cost at 18¢/kWh. See the full ranking →
Converting MPGe
Use the MPG converter to switch between MPGe, kWh per 100 miles, kWh per 100 km and miles per kWh, or the EV vs gas calculator to turn efficiency into dollars.