- Electric vehicles
- MY2013
Most Efficient Electric Cars of 2013
The most efficient 2013 EV is the Scion iQ (EV · FWD), which uses 28.0 kWh/100 mi (121 MPGe), 4.0 kWh/100 mi less than the median EV (32.0 kWh/100 mi) among the 11 EVs ranked. The Scion iQ costs about $770 a year to charge, $110 less than the median EV ($880).
The top 10 run from 28.0 kWh/100 mi to 46.0 kWh/100 mi. Each model is listed once, with its best qualifying configuration named in the row; models with the same displayed value share a rank.
Lowest energy use
28.0kWh/100 mi
Scion iQ
Median model
32.0kWh/100 mi
11 models
Top-10 median
31.0kWh/100 mi
Models ranked
11
one row per model
Full ranking
All 11 models. Every column is sortable.
| 1 |  | 28.0 | 121 | 38 | $770 | −4 |
| 2 |  | 29.0 | 116 | 87 | $800 | −3 |
| 2 |  | 29.0 | 118 | 82 | $800 | −3 |
| 2 |  | 29.0 | 115 | 75 | $800 | −3 |
| 5 |  | 30.0 | 112 | 62 | $820 | −2 |
| 6 |  | 32.0 | 105 | 76 | $880 | 0 |
| 6 |  | 32.0 | 107 | 68 | $880 | 0 |
| 8 |  | 35.0 | 95 | 208 | $960 | +3 |
| 9 |  | 44.0 | 76 | 103 | $1,210 | +12 |
| 10 |  | 46.0 | 73 | 88 | $1,260 | +14 |
| 11 |  | 54.0 | 63 | 127 | $1,480 | +22 |
How this list is built
Every line below is read from the list definition that produced the table.
- Classes: every EPA class except special-purpose vehicles.
- Powertrains: Electric.
- Ranked by energy use (kWh per 100 miles), lowest first.
- One row per model (make and model): the configuration that ranks best in this list is shown, with its trim, engine and drive named in the row.
- Ties are decided on the displayed value (whole miles, kWh per 100 miles to one decimal, cost rounded to $10): tied models share a rank, then are ordered by a tie-breaker and by name.
- Special-purpose vehicles, such as heavy-duty variants, are excluded.
- Model years MY2013 to MY2027; a year is listed only when at least 10 models qualify.
Data and period
- EPA ratings: fueleconomy.gov file of Sep 29, 2026
- Prices: EIA regular gasoline, U.S. average, Sep 2026 ($4.36/gal); residential electricity, U.S. average, Jul 2026 (18.3¢/kWh)
- 15,000 miles a year, 55% city and 45% highway
Frequently asked questions
Which 2013 EV is the most efficient?
The most efficient 2013 EV is the Scion iQ (EV · FWD), which uses 28.0 kWh/100 mi (121 MPGe), 4.0 kWh/100 mi less than the median EV (32.0 kWh/100 mi) among the 11 EVs ranked. The Scion iQ costs about $770 a year to charge, $110 less than the median EV ($880).
How much does the Scion iQ cost to charge per year?
About $770 a year at 15,000 miles a year, using the prices stamped at the bottom of this page. The median EV in this list costs $880 a year.
How many EVs are ranked for 2013?
11 models qualify, one row each. The median is 32.0 kWh/100 mi, and the top 10 run from 28.0 kWh/100 mi to 46.0 kWh/100 mi.
How are ties, trims and drivetrains handled?
Each model appears once, with the configuration that ranks best in this list; its trim, engine and drive are named in the row. Models with the same displayed value share a rank (1, 2, 2, 4) and are then ordered by a tie-breaker and by name. See the methodology.
What are MPGe and kWh per 100 miles?
MPGe is how far an EV goes on 33.7 kWh, the energy in a gallon of gasoline. kWh per 100 miles is the energy it uses over 100 miles, so lower is better. See the EV hub.