Energy Consumption (kWh/100km)
Energy consumption in EVs is measured in kilowatt-hours per 100 kilometers (kWh/100km) or watt-hours per kilometer (Wh/km). It is the EV equivalent of fuel consumption (liters per 100 km) and indicates how efficiently the vehicle converts stored battery energy into distance traveled.
How It Works
Energy consumption depends on many factors: vehicle weight, aerodynamic drag, tire rolling resistance, drivetrain efficiency, driving speed, terrain, temperature, and accessory use (climate control, heated seats, etc.).
At city speeds, rolling resistance and drivetrain losses dominate. At highway speeds, aerodynamic drag becomes the primary factor — increasing with the square of speed. This is why most EVs are significantly more efficient in city driving than on the motorway, the opposite of combustion vehicles.
Why It Matters
Energy consumption directly determines how far an EV can travel on its battery. Two vehicles with the same 77 kWh battery but different efficiency ratings will have very different ranges: one consuming 15 kWh/100km achieves 513 km, while another at 22 kWh/100km manages only 350 km.
For EV buyers, consumption matters as much as battery size. A smaller, efficient EV with a modest battery can outperform a large, heavy SUV with a bigger battery in real-world range.
Common Values
- Very efficient (small/aero): 13–16 kWh/100km
- Average sedan/crossover: 16–20 kWh/100km
- Large SUV: 20–26 kWh/100km
- At 120 km/h vs 90 km/h: consumption typically increases 30–50%
- Winter penalty: 15–30% higher consumption in cold weather