By EV Charge Cost Editorial Team. Published September 28, 2026, updated October 26, 2026.
Efficiency is the only vehicle factor in the bill
Your charging cost is miles × kWh per mile × price per kWh. Your state sets the price and your life sets the miles. The car you choose sets the kWh per mile, and that number is what separates a cheap EV to run from an expensive one. We rank models by their EPA kWh per 100 miles, which is measured at the wall and so includes charging losses.
The 10 most efficient EV models
Each model is shown by its representative trim (the one closest to the model's median rating across current model years), so a single unusual variant does not decide its place. The "best trim" column shows the most efficient version of that model, which is often a smaller-battery, single-motor or small-wheel configuration. Rankings update automatically as the EPA adds new model years.
| Model | Type | kWh/100 mi | Best trim | MPGe | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 | Car | 26.4 | 24.3 | 128 | $646.63 |
| Tesla Model Y | Small SUV | 26.9 | 24.3 | 125 | $658.58 |
| Lucid Air | Car | 27.3 | 23.1 | 123 | $669.42 |
| Lexus ES | Car | 27.5 | 27.0 | 122 | $674.70 |
| Toyota bZ | Small SUV | 28.0 | 25.5 | 120 | $686.34 |
| Hyundai Ioniq 6 | Car | 28.0 | 25.0 | 120 | $686.45 |
| Chevrolet Bolt EV | Car | 28.2 | 28.2 | 120 | $691.23 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class | Car | 28.2 | 28.2 | 119 | $692.19 |
| Audi A6 e-tron | Car | 28.7 | 26.5 | 117 | $704.68 |
| Subaru Solterra | Small SUV | 28.9 | 28.0 | 117 | $709.06 |
How big is the gap?
At the U.S. average price, the most efficient model costs $4.79 per 100 miles. A typical EV (33.5 kWh/100 mi) costs $6.08. The least efficient model in the data, GMC Hummer EV, costs $12.76.
- Most efficient vs typical EV: $174.66 a year saved.
- Most efficient vs least efficient: $1,076.28 a year saved.
- Tenth on the list vs typical EV: $112.23 a year.
Where you charge magnifies these gaps. In Hawaii, at 47.18¢/kWh, the most efficient model costs $1,679.95 a year and a typical EV $2,133.72. In Nevada, at 12.72¢/kWh, the same two cost $452.92 and $575.26. An efficient car matters most where electricity is expensive, and for drivers who rely on public fast charging priced around $0.45 per kWh.
What the saving adds up to
Charging costs are paid every month for as long as you own the car, so small differences compound. As an illustration, over 8 years of 13,500 miles at today's U.S. average price, the most efficient model would cost about $5,173.04 to charge, a typical EV $6,570.32, and the least efficient model $13,783.28. Electricity prices change over time, so treat these as today's-price estimates rather than forecasts.
Efficiency should not be the only reason to pick a car. Purchase price, insurance, space and range all matter more for most buyers. But if two models suit you equally well, the lower kWh per 100 miles is a saving you collect on every mile.
What efficient EVs have in common
- Low, smooth shapes. Sedans and low crossovers push less air than tall SUVs and trucks.
- Smaller wheels. Within a model, the smaller-wheel trim is often the more efficient one; see our wheel size analysis.
- Single motor versions. Many models list a single-motor trim with a lower rating than the dual-motor one. Check the trim table on each model page.
Efficiency is not the same as range
A car can be efficient and still have modest range if its battery is small, and a long-range car can be thirsty if its battery is huge. For running cost, compare kWh per 100 miles. For road trips, compare range. If you think in MPGe, our MPGe guide shows how the two scales relate, and what kWh per 100 miles means covers the basics.
The full list, with every trim, is on the vehicle pages.