Explanation
Consumption measures how much energy your car uses per unit of distance, expressed in watt-hours per kilometer (Wh/km) or kilowatt-hours per 100 kilometers (kWh/100km). Lower numbers mean better efficiency. A small, efficient EV might use 140 Wh/km, while a large SUV might use 220 Wh/km.
You can see consumption on your car's dashboard, usually in a trip computer or energy screen. It updates in real time and shows averages over various periods (current trip, last trip, since last charge, lifetime). This number is the most useful metric for understanding and predicting your actual range.
Consumption varies dramatically based on driving conditions. Highway driving at 130 km/h might show 220 Wh/km for the same car that shows 140 Wh/km in city traffic. Winter driving with heating adds another 20-40 Wh/km. You can improve consumption by driving smoothly, using regen braking, keeping tires properly inflated, and moderating highway speed.
This standard is maintained by National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
Where you'll see this
- On your car dashboard
- In vehicle specifications
Common confusion
Some cars show consumption in kWh/100km while others show Wh/km. To convert: 18 kWh/100km equals 180 Wh/km. Just multiply or divide by 10.
Example
A Hyundai Ioniq 6 is one of the most efficient EVs available, with real-world consumption around 145 Wh/km at moderate speeds. A BMW iX xDrive50 consumes about 220 Wh/km under similar conditions.
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