What is a good energy consumption figure for electric vehicles?

However, this is not a hard-and-fast rule as it does depend on a car’s physical size, engine capacity, engine technology, weight, etc. Generally, the smaller the vehicle, the smaller the fuel consumption should be.

However, in comparing the WLTP efficiency numbers for a range of EVs on sale in Australia, most large electric vehicles fall at, or above, 20kWh/100km. Smaller models are expected to achieve consumption in the high teens. Using this as an average, it’s fair to reason that anything below these numbers is classed as efficient.

The reasons behind these variances include anything from the load the vehicle is carrying, the type of driving being conducted, level of brake regeneration, sustained speed, number of passengers inside the vehicle, and the ambient temperature of the atmosphere. It’s well documented that EVs are far less efficient in colder climates, especially when the car’s climate system is switched on to combat the outside elements.

As stated, there is no right answer in finding the perfect kWh/100km figure to represent an efficient EV, as there is too much variance between EV powertrains, sizes, weights and specifications, and driving styles, at present. However, the above economy figures should provide some insight into what each type of electric vehicle should be using energy-wise at this early stage.