Tesla Model 3 Becomes Most Efficient Electric Vehicle on Sale

author: Vineeth Joel Patel   

When it comes to electric vehicles, range is arguably the most important factor. Fuel efficiency is an often overlooked aspect of electric vehicles, because, well, they're all so efficient. With MPGe ratings of over 100, choosing a vehicle for its fuel efficiency takes second place to range. Well, with the Tesla Model 3, you don't have to make any kind of compromise, because it's got the range and the efficiency.

Model 3 Becomes Top Dog
 
In its Standard Range configuration, the Model 3 has a fuel efficiency rating of 148 MPGe in the city, 132 MPGe on the highway, and a combined rating of 141 MPGe. Those figures make it the top dog in the electric segment. Previously, the Hyundai Ioniq Electric was the king of the hill, but changes Hyundai made to the vehicle, which include a new battery pack and new electric motors, have seen the EV's fuel efficiency rating go down.
 
The 2019 Ioniq Electric was rated at a combined 136 MPGe, which breaks down to 150 MPGe in the city and 122 MPGe on the highway. For 2020, those figures are lower: 145 MPGe in the city, 121 MPGe on the highway, and a combined rating of 133 MPGe.
 
MPGe ratings can be a little confusing compared to an internal combustion vehicle's mpg rating. But the simple explanation is that the Model 3 can travel 141 miles using the same amount of energy that's found in a gallon of gasoline. That's an impressive number. But to put it into perspective, the most efficient vehicle that runs on gasoline is the Mitsubishi Mirage, which has a combined rating of 39 mpg. The most efficient hybrid is the Ioniq Blue, which carries a combined rating of 58 mpg.  

The Model 3 Has The Range
 
The small change to the Ioniq Electric's fuel efficiency rating means the Tesla Model 3 is the EV to beat. While the Standard Range configuration has a range of 250 miles, the Long Range trim boasts a range of up to 322 miles. Going with the Long Range trim, though, brings slightly lower fuel efficiency figures of 130 MPGe combined.
 
If there's one area where the Ioniqe Electric bests the Model 3 it's when it comes to pricing. The Model 3 starts at $40,690 including destination, while the 2019 Ioniq Electric is priced at $31,245. And with Teslas, eligible consumers can only receive up to a federal tax credit of $1,875. Hyundai hasn't hit its 200,000 mark yet, so buyers can still get the full $7,500 credit.

Vineeth Joel Patel

Joel Patel has been covering all aspects of the automotive industry for four years as an editor and freelance writer for various websites. When it comes to cars, he enjoys covering the merger between technology and cars. In his spare time, Joel likes to watch baseball, work on his car, and try new foods