Electric car mpg: Top brands compared

Miles per gallon for electric vehicles (MPGe, or "miles per gallon equivalent") places a value on your car's energy efficiency. A higher MPGe indicates a higher energy efficiency rating. MPGe is independent of range and battery life, so examining your vehicle's fuel efficiency remains essential.

What can you expect for your electric vehicle's efficiency? Below are the MPGe ratings for some of the top EVs on the market.

A higher efficiency rating will mean lower electricity costs per mile. Of the above vehicles, the Hyundai IONIQ 6 boasts the highest efficiency rating in its standard package. The Tesla Model X has the lowest efficiency on the list, with a rating that's 33 MPGe lower than the IONIQ 6. This means that entirely separate from range, horsepower, or any other comparison metric, you would pay less per mile to drive a car like the IONIQ 6 than a car like the Model X.

Interestingly, the cars generally considered the highest quality (both Tesla models) have the lowest efficiency ratings. This might come from higher internal energy usage in the Tesla vehicles, as they are known to have some of the most robust software running within. It could also be a factor in vehicle weight. As you look into purchasing an electric vehicle, it is important to remember the impact certain features (or lack thereof) of the car will have on statistics such as MPGe.

How can you get the highest efficiency out of your electric vehicle? Like traditional cars, driving style and habits can affect how far you can travel before refueling and how efficiently your vehicle uses its fuel. Here are several recommendations for getting the most out of your vehicle's battery, as suggested by the U.S. Department of Energy. These tips will help to improve both range and MPGe.

Use accessories wisely. Using car features like air conditioning and media systems impacts EV range significantly. Instead of using the cabin heater, use seat warmers to maximize efficiency.

Use the economy mode. Electric cars commonly come with an "economy mode," which will automatically try to save battery life by reducing energy use around the vehicle.

Plan ahead. If you need to climate control your car, consider pre-heating or pre-cooling while it is still plugged in to avoid excess power usage on the road.

Anticipate braking and avoid hard braking. Hard braking circumvents the EV's regenerative braking system and wastes energy. By braking more gradually, you charge your battery on the go.

Follow the speed limit. Vehicle efficiency is known to decrease rapidly above 50 miles per hour.

Lastly, you can improve your car's efficiency by removing excess weight and properly inflating your tires. These practices can help you maximize your electric vehicle efficiency, saving money and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.