- Electric vehicles
- MY2021
Most Efficient Electric Cars of 2021
The most efficient 2021 EV is the Tesla Model 3 (Standard Range Plus · RWD), which uses 23.7 kWh/100 mi (142 MPGe), 7.2 kWh/100 mi less than the median EV (30.9 kWh/100 mi) among the 18 EVs ranked. The Tesla Model 3 costs about $650 a year to charge, $200 less than the median EV ($850).
The top 10 run from 23.7 kWh/100 mi to 31.3 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
23.7kWh/100 mi
Tesla Model 3
Median model
30.9kWh/100 mi
18 models
Top-10 median
29.1kWh/100 mi
Models ranked
18
one row per model
Full ranking
All 18 models. Every column is sortable.
| 1 |  | 23.7 | 142 | 263 | $650 | −7.2 |
| 2 |  | 25.4 | 133 | 170 | $700 | −5.5 |
| 3 |  | 26.0 | 129 | 244 | $710 | −4.9 |
| 4 |  | 28.2 | 120 | 405 | $770 | −2.7 |
| 5 |  | 28.7 | 118 | 259 | $790 | −2.2 |
| 6 |  | 29.5 | 114 | 59 | $810 | −1.4 |
| 7 |  | 29.8 | 113 | 153 | $820 | −1.1 |
| 8 |  | 30.0 | 112 | 239 | $820 | −0.9 |
| 9 |  | 30.4 | 111 | 149 | $840 | −0.5 |
| 10 |  | 31.3 | 108 | 110 | $860 | +0.4 |
| 11 |  | 32.0 | 105 | 371 | $880 | +1.1 |
| 12 |  | 33.3 | 101 | 305 | $920 | +2.4 |
| 13 |  | 34.0 | 99 | 260 | $930 | +3.1 |
| 14 |  | 36.7 | 92 | 233 | $1,010 | +5.8 |
| 15 |  | 42.5 | 79 | 199 | $1,170 | +11.6 |
| 16 |  | 42.8 | 79 | 208 | $1,180 | +11.9 |
| 17 |  | 43.4 | 78 | 222 | $1,190 | +12.5 |
| 18 |  | 44.3 | 76 | 234 | $1,220 | +13.4 |
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 2021 EV is the most efficient?
The most efficient 2021 EV is the Tesla Model 3 (Standard Range Plus · RWD), which uses 23.7 kWh/100 mi (142 MPGe), 7.2 kWh/100 mi less than the median EV (30.9 kWh/100 mi) among the 18 EVs ranked. The Tesla Model 3 costs about $650 a year to charge, $200 less than the median EV ($850).
How much does the Tesla Model 3 cost to charge per year?
About $650 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 $850 a year.
How many EVs are ranked for 2021?
18 models qualify, one row each. The median is 30.9 kWh/100 mi, and the top 10 run from 23.7 kWh/100 mi to 31.3 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.