Thanks to innovations in how electricity is collected, stored, and discharged, we have recently entered a new era of motorized mobility. Now, most of the world’s largest automakers either offer eco-friendly electric and hybrid cars or are developing them. The most efficient vehicles on our list for US market did more with their energy than the rest — and saved not just gasoline.
• Fuel (or energy) efficiency: 52 mpg
The entry-level LE version of the Toyota Camry Hybrid gets 18 miles per gallon more than the most fuel efficient four-cylinder version of the non-hybrid Camry, and it draws out 6 more miles per gallon than the pricier XLE and SE versions of the Camry Hybrid.
• Fuel (or energy) efficiency: 93 MPGe
All-wheel drive 75D with the 75-kWh battery pack (a max distance per charge of 237 miles) is the most fuel efficient version of the Model X. The new base model is the same vehicle with a 100 kWh battery pack, which has an MPGe of 87 miles but can travel up to 289 miles on a fully charged battery pack.
• Fuel (or energy) efficiency: 103 MPGe
The Model S with a 75 kWh battery is the most fuel efficient version of Tesla’s electric sedan.
• Fuel (or energy) efficiency: 112 MPGe
Nissan announced in March it sold 400,000 Leafs worldwide since the car was first introduced in 2010, and that the Leaf is the first electric car to date to reach the milestone.
• Fuel (or energy) efficiency: 114 MPGe
With a range of only 89 miles per fully charged battery, the Clarity EV would work best for small commutes in areas with ample places to charge the battery.
• Fuel (or energy) efficiency: 118 MPGe
The i3 and its sportier but less fuel efficient i3s may be the most eye-catching of the small electric cars, with their carbon fiber trim and sleek, minimalist interiors.
• Fuel (or energy) efficiency: 119 MPGe
The vehicle has received positive reviews for its handling and spaciousness, as well as its 238-mile range on a fully charged battery. In USA, Bolt costs less than the BMW i3 but more than a roomier but less fuel efficient Honda Clarity plug-in hybrid.
• Fuel (or energy) efficiency: 119 MPGe
Car & Driver magazine described the e-Golf as a “handsome little package” that has all of the pep of the regular Volkswagen Golf. However, e-Golf lags on driving range compared to comparable models like the Chevrolet Bolt and Tesla Model 3 at just 125 miles.
• Fuel (or energy) efficiency: 130 MPGe
Model 3 is currently the lowest priced new Tesla, however, buyers have to drop another $10,000 on top of the base price for the long-range battery to reach 130 MPGe and an industry-leading range of 325 miles per full battery charge.
• Fuel (or energy) efficiency: 136 MPGe
The Ioniq has an unremarkable maximum 124-mile range. Cost-conscious buyers might be better off sacrificing some fuel economy for the lower-cost Ioniq plug-in hybrid that can travel up to 29 miles on battery power alone.
