Most efficient EVs for 2026 and 2027: EPA kWh per 100 miles, ranked

The short answer: Lucid first, Tesla close behind

We ranked every electric model line in the EPA fuel economy data for model years 2026 and 2027, 88 in all, by combined electricity consumption in kilowatt-hours per 100 miles. The Lucid Air Pure RWD on 19-inch wheels uses the least, 23.1 kWh/100 mi (146 MPGe) with 420 miles of EPA range. The 2027 Tesla Model 3 and Model Y RWD follow at 25.0, then the Toyota bZ with the 191 Ah battery at 25.5 and the Subaru Uncharted at 25.7.

At the other end are large pickups and SUVs. The 2027 GMC Sierra EV Extended Range uses 51.1 kWh/100 mi, the VinFast VF 9 Plus 49.8, the Chevrolet Silverado EV Extended Range WT and the Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology 47.8 each. Only the Bugatti Rimac Nevera R hypercar is higher, at 66.5.

What that means for your bill: at 18.16 cents per kWh, the preliminary US average residential price for August 2026 from the Energy Information Administration, 100 miles cost $4.19 in the Lucid and $9.28 in the Sierra EV. Over 15,000 miles a year, that is about $629 versus $1,392 (our calculation).

Most efficient

Lucid Air Pure RWD, 23.1 kWh/100 mi, 146 MPGe, 420 mi

Most efficient SUV, newest model year

Tesla Model Y RWD (2027), 25.0 kWh/100 mi; the 2026 Model Y Standard RWD is rated 24.3

Most efficient pickup

Rivian R1T Premium Long Range, 22-inch wheels (2027), 38.8 kWh/100 mi

Least efficient pickup

GMC Sierra EV Extended Range (2027), 51.1 kWh/100 mi

Cost per 100 miles at 18.16 cents/kWh

$4.19 to $9.28 (our calculation)

Data

fueleconomy.gov dataset updated November 4, 2026

Sources: [1], [2], [3]

The 20 most efficient EV lines

For each model line we took the newest model year and its most efficient EPA version, so the table shows what the line can achieve with the right trim. Range is the EPA combined range of that same version. Many lines also have less efficient versions with larger wheels, more power or all-wheel drive.

Sources: [1], [2]

Trim and wheels can matter more than the brand

The same model can land far apart. Across its 12 EPA entries for 2026 and 2027, the Tesla Model Y runs from 24.3 to 32.0 kWh/100 mi. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 ranges from 29.0 for the Standard Range RWD to 47.5, the Ford Mustang Mach-E from 30.7 to 40.2, and the Rivian R1S, with 37 entries, from 39.5 to 50.1. The 2026 Nissan LEAF uses 27.8 on 18-inch steel wheels and 32.7 on 19-inch wheels, with 303 versus 259 miles of range.

Our take: before you compare cars, find the EPA entry that matches the exact trim, motor and wheel size on the window sticker. A sporty trim on big wheels can cost you more electricity than switching to a different brand. How two affordable models compare in detail is covered in “2027 Chevrolet Bolt vs 2026 Nissan LEAF: price, range, charging and ports compared”.

Sources: [1]

What the rating means for your bill

Kilowatt-hours per 100 miles relates directly to cost: multiply it by your electricity price and you get the energy cost of 100 miles. fueleconomy.gov explains that a consumption figure like this compares vehicles more accurately than MPGe, because miles-per-gallon style numbers hide how fast savings shrink at the top. The EPA label's annual cost assumes 15,000 miles a year and a projected electricity price.

Prices vary widely by state. In August 2026, EIA lists 28.31 cents per kWh for New England households and 47.18 cents in Hawaii, against the 18.16-cent US average. Use your own utility rate and add public fast charging separately at the price shown at the station; a full method is in “What will EV charging cost each year? Build a household budget”. EPA ratings are standardized tests, and cold weather raises real use, as “EV winter range 2026: how much you lose in the cold and what actually helps” shows.

Sources: [3], [4], [2]

How we ranked

Source is the complete fueleconomy.gov vehicle file, which EPA and the Department of Energy updated on November 4, 2026. We kept all battery-electric entries for model years 2026 and 2027 and grouped them by make and EPA base model. For each line we used the newest model year and, within it, the version with the lowest combined kWh/100 mi, the field combE in fueleconomy.gov's documentation. Ties are ordered by MPGe.

The list covers vehicles EPA has rated, not what a dealer has in stock, and it includes rare models like the Bugatti. We did not test any of these cars; all efficiency and range figures are EPA ratings.

Sources: [1], [2]