- Electric vehicles
- MY2020
Most Efficient Electric Cars of 2020
The most efficient 2020 EV is the Tesla Model 3 (Standard Range Plus · RWD), which uses 24.0 kWh/100 mi (141 MPGe), 5.9 kWh/100 mi less than the median EV (29.9 kWh/100 mi) among the 16 EVs ranked. The Tesla Model 3 costs about $660 a year to charge, $160 less than the median EV ($820).
The top 10 run from 24.0 kWh/100 mi to 30.4 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
24.0kWh/100 mi
Tesla Model 3
Median model
29.9kWh/100 mi
16 models
Top-10 median
28.8kWh/100 mi
Models ranked
16
one row per model
Full ranking
All 16 models. Every column is sortable.
| 1 |  | 24.0 | 141 | 250 | $660 | −5.9 |
| 2 |  | 25.4 | 133 | 170 | $700 | −4.5 |
| 3 |  | 27.5 | 120 | 258 | $750 | −2.4 |
| 4 |  | 27.9 | 121 | 316 | $770 | −2 |
| 5 |  | 28.7 | 118 | 259 | $790 | −1.2 |
| 6 |  | 28.9 | 117 | 402 | $790 | −1 |
| 7 |  | 29.2 | 114 | 243 | $800 | −0.7 |
| 8 |  | 29.8 | 113 | 153 | $820 | −0.1 |
| 9 |  | 30.0 | 112 | 239 | $820 | +0.1 |
| 10 |  | 30.4 | 111 | 149 | $840 | +0.5 |
| 11 |  | 31.3 | 108 | 110 | $860 | +1.4 |
| 12 |  | 32.2 | 105 | 351 | $880 | +2.3 |
| 13 |  | 44.0 | 77 | 218 | $1,210 | +14.1 |
| 14 |  | 44.3 | 76 | 234 | $1,220 | +14.4 |
| 15 |  | 46.6 | 72 | 187 | $1,280 | +16.7 |
| 16 |  | 48.7 | 69 | 201 | $1,340 | +18.8 |
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 2020 EV is the most efficient?
The most efficient 2020 EV is the Tesla Model 3 (Standard Range Plus · RWD), which uses 24.0 kWh/100 mi (141 MPGe), 5.9 kWh/100 mi less than the median EV (29.9 kWh/100 mi) among the 16 EVs ranked. The Tesla Model 3 costs about $660 a year to charge, $160 less than the median EV ($820).
How much does the Tesla Model 3 cost to charge per year?
About $660 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 $820 a year.
How many EVs are ranked for 2020?
16 models qualify, one row each. The median is 29.9 kWh/100 mi, and the top 10 run from 24.0 kWh/100 mi to 30.4 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.