Summary
- Choosing an electric vehicle that consumes less electricity can save the owner money in the long run
- Electric vehicle range is important to consider, with the longest-running EVs able to run up to 400 miles on a full charge
- An EV’s consumption rate of electricity is also important to consider, as it affects operating costs
- Federal law requires EVs to display energy consumption estimates on the Monroney sticker, making it easier for consumers to compare costs
- Real-world energy consumption for EVs varies based on driving habits and conditions, with heavier and larger EVs typically consuming more electricity
Article
Electric vehicles are gaining popularity as more consumers look for environmentally friendly transportation options. One of the key considerations when choosing an EV is the number of miles it can run on a single charge, as this can greatly impact the convenience and practicality of the vehicle. The longest-running EVs on the market can travel up to 300 or 400 miles on a single charge, while even more limited models can typically accommodate modest commutes of around 150 miles.
In addition to the operating range of an EV, consumers should also consider the energy consumption of the vehicle. Just like gas-powered cars, EVs vary in terms of how many kilowatts (kWh) of electricity they consume, which can affect the overall operating costs. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducts testing on EVs to determine their operating range and energy consumption, using standardized driving schedules on a dynamometer to simulate city and highway driving conditions.
The EPA requires EVs to display electric-equivalent energy consumption estimates, known as MPGe, on the vehicle’s Monroney sticker along with other important information such as retail price. This sticker also shows the number of kilowatt-hours needed to run the vehicle for 100 miles (expressed as kWh/100 miles). It is recommended to compare these values when evaluating the costs and energy consumption of different EV models.
Some of the larger and heavier EVs, such as full-size pickup trucks and SUVs, tend to consume more kilowatts of electricity. For example, the GMC Hummer EV Pickup and SUV are among the least energy-efficient models, consuming 72 kWh of electricity per 100 miles driven. In comparison, the Lucid Air sedan is much more efficient, with a consumption rate of just 23 kWh per 100 miles. This difference in energy consumption can result in significant savings for the owner over time.
While even the least energy-efficient EVs are still cheaper to operate than their gas-powered counterparts, real-world energy consumption can vary based on driving habits and conditions. Factors such as acceleration, driving speed, tire pressure, passenger load, and weather can all impact an EV’s energy consumption. It is important for consumers to consider these variables when evaluating the overall cost and efficiency of owning an electric vehicle.
Overall, choosing an EV with lower energy consumption can lead to considerable savings in the long run. By selecting a model that is more energy-efficient, consumers can reduce their annual electricity costs and minimize their environmental impact. With a growing selection of EVs on the market, consumers have a range of options to choose from, each offering different levels of energy efficiency and operating range.
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