Photo: Tesla

Tesla Model 3 is the most efficient car of 2022, while Model Y earns third place, just slightly behind. Driving a Tesla car—all models being 100% electric—is not only environmentally friendly but also financially beneficial.

Refueling cars is a big expense, especially now that the world is facing a crisis due to Russia's attack on Ukraine. However, fuel costs are inevitable, so it is important to understand which car will be the most efficient. Without a doubt, an electric car is the best solution in terms of charging costs compared to a car with an internal combustion engine.

The running costs of electric vehicles are of course also linked to energy prices, meaning that changes in supply and demand due to the global or national economy or even regional weather events can mean we pay more per mile no matter what fills up our cars, explains Autoblog. Therefore, it is important to understand the efficiency of all EV models in order to make the right choice before buying.

Choosing an economical car can be a priority for drivers who want to spend less and pollute less. With that in mind, Autoblog has featured the most efficient cars consumers can buy today, broken down by powertrain, with combined fuel economy and estimated annual fuel costs listed. (EPA calculates annual fuel cost based on "45% highway, 55% city driving, 15,000 annual miles and current fuel prices.")

Battery electric vehicles are the obvious choice for fuel economy and consumption, but not all electric vehicles are the same. When choosing an electric vehicle, many consumers often look at range, but if your goal is to reduce operating costs and carbon footprint, you should focus more on efficiency than range. The easiest way for a consumer to do this is to look at the combined EPA rating in miles per gallon equivalent (mpge). Autoblog also included estimated annual EPA fuel costs in the data below.

According to the study, Tesla Model 3 is the most efficient EV, which has 132 mpge and has an estimated charging cost of $500 per year. In second place is Lucid Air with 131 mpge and $500 per year of estimated earnings. Closely behind, Tesla Model Y earns third place, with 129 mpge and $500 per year.

Here are the 20 most efficient EVs, and the estimated annual cost to keep it charged:

1. Tesla Model 3: 132 mpge $500/yr
2. Lucid Air: 131 mpge $500/yr
3. Tesla Model Y: 129 mpge $500/yr
4. Chevrolet Bolt EV: 120 mpge; $550/yr
5. Hyundai Kona Electric: 120 mpge; $550/yr
6. Tesla Model S: 120 mpge; $550/yr
7. Kia EV6: 117 mpge; $550/yr
8. Chevrolet Bolt EUV: 115 mpge; $550/yr
9. Hyundai Ioniq 5: 114 mpge; $600/yr
10. Kia Niro EV: 112 mpge; $600/yr
11. Nissan Leaf: 111 mpge; $600/yr
12. Mini Cooper SE: 110 mpge; $600/yr
13. BMW i4: 109 mpge; $600/yr
14. Polestar 2: 107mpge $600/yr
15. Ford Mustang Mach-E: 103 mpge; $650/yr
16. Tesla Model X: 102 mpge $650/yr
17. Volkswagen ID.4: 99 mpge; $650/yr
18. Mercedes-Benz EQS: 97 mpge; $700/yr
19. Audi Q4 E-Tron (incl. Sportback): 95 mpge; $700/yr
20. Mazda MX-30: 92 mpge; $700/yr

Most efficient plug-in hybrids for 2022:

1. Toyota Prius Prime: 133 mpge; $750/yr
2. Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid: 119 mpge; $750/yr
3. Ford Escape PHEV: 105 mpge; $850/yr
4. Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid: 105 mpge; $850/yr
5. Toyota RAV4 Prime: 94 mpge; $900/yr
6. Lexus NX 450h Plus: 84 mpge; $1,150/yr
7. Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid: 82 mpge; $1,200/yr
8. Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid: 80 mpge; $1,100/yr
9. Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid: 79 mpge; $1,150/yr
10. Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring: 78 mpge; $1,200/yr
11. Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid: 76 mpge; $1,200/yr
12. BMW 330e: 75 mpge; $1600/yr
13. Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: 74 mpge; $1,450/yr
14. Mini Cooper SE Countryman: 73 mpge; $1,750/yr
15. Audi A7 e: 70 mpge; $1,500/yr
16. Volvo S60 Recharge: 69 mpge; $1,550/yr
17. Volvo V60 Recharge: 69 mpge; $1,550/yr
18. BMW 530e: 64 mpge; $1,750/yr
19. Volvo S90 Recharge: 63 mpge; $1,650/yr
20. Volvo XC60 Recharge: 57 mpge; $1,950/yr

Most-efficient internal combustion vehicles for 2022:

1. Hyundai Ioniq: 59 mpg; $900/yr
2. Toyota Prius: 56 mpg; $950/yr
3. Hyundai Elantra Hybrid: 54 mpg; $1,000/yr
4. Honda Insight: 52 mpg; $1,050/yr
5. Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: 52 mpg; $1,050/yr
6. Toyota Camry Hybrid: 52 mpg; $1,050/yr
7. Toyota Corolla Hybrid: 52 mpg; $1,050/yr
8. Kia Niro: 50 mpg; $1,100/yr.
9. Honda Accord Hybrid: 47 mpg; $1,150/yr
10. Lexus ES 300h: 44 mpg; $1,250/yr
11. Toyota Avalon Hybrid: 44 mpg; $1,250/yr
12. Lexus UX 250h: 42 mpg; $1,300/yr
13. Ford Escape Hybrid: 41 mpg; $1,300/yr
14. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: 40 mpg; $1,350/yr
15. Lexus NX 350h: 39 mpg; $1,650/yr
16. Mitsubishi Mirage: 39 mpg; $1,400/yr
17. Toyota Venza: 39 mpg; $1,400/yr
18. Honda CR-V Hybrid: 38 mpg; $1,400/yr
19. Hyundai Tucson Hybrid: 38 mpg; $1,400/yr
20. Ford Maverick: 37 mpg; $1,450/yr

© 2022, Eva Fox | Tesmanian. All rights reserved.

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