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How much electricity does a car need to run?

I’m looking to cut costs, and I’ve been going through my monthly budget. I’ve also been thinking about getting an electric car to save money on gas in the long run. How much electricity does a car need to run?

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Elaine Duvet · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
That’s a great idea! Electric cars are the way to go when it comes to saving money at the pump. They’re also better for the environment and a lot of fun to drive! Instant torque anyone?
Here’s what we know about how much electricity a car needs to run:
  • While gas-powered cars use miles per gallon (MPG) measurement to calculate how far a car will go on one tank of gas or diesel, electric cars measure fuel efficiency with kWhs per 100 miles.
  • When comparing about 230 modern EVs, per 100 miles the average kWh/100 miles is 34.6, or 0.346 kWh for every mile you drive.
  • Popular EVs like the 2008 MINI MiniE and the 2012 Nissan Leaf come close to the 34 kWh/100-mile mark.
Now that you can feel good about putting your funds toward an eco-friendly car, make sure you’re not spending any extra cash on overpriced car insurance.
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