Introduction
Average kWh per 100 km Electric Car Chart or want to understand how efficiently your EV consumes energy, one of the most crucial metrics is kWh per 100 km.
Similar to fuel economy (litres per 100 km) for gasoline cars, kWh/100 km tells you how much electricity an EV needs to travel a certain distance.
The lower the number, the more efficient the vehicle.
In 2025, with Canada and the rest of the world pushing toward greener transportation, understanding this metric is essential for:
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Reducing charging costs
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Choosing the right EV for long travel
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Planning road trips efficiently
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Evaluating battery performance
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Comparing EV brands and models
This in-depth guide includes a complete efficiency chart, tables, images, and real-world analysis to help EV buyers and owners make informed decisions.
What Is kWh per 100 km in an Electric Car?
kWh per 100 km measures how much electrical energy (in kilowatt-hours) an EV uses to travel 100 km.
Why It Matters
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Helps estimate charging cost per trip
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Shows vehicle efficiency
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Helps compare EVs fairly across brands
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Influences your EV’s real-world driving range
Formula
Energy Consumption (kWh/100 km) =
(Energy Used in kWh ÷ Distance Travelled in km) × 100
Example:
If an EV uses 18 kWh to drive 100 km, its efficiency rating is 18 kWh/100 km — very efficient by today’s standards.
Factors That Affect kWh/100 km
EV efficiency is influenced by several real-world variables.
1. Vehicle Weight
Heavier EVs consume more energy.
2. Driving Speed
Faster speeds = more aerodynamic drag = higher consumption.
3. Weather Conditions
Cold weather in Canada increases energy usage for:
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Cabin heating
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Battery heating
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Reduced battery chemistry efficiency
4. Terrain & Elevation
Hill climbing requires more power.
5. Tyre Size & Type
Wider tyres = more rolling resistance.
6. Battery Health
Older batteries may show slightly increased consumption.
📊 Average kWh per 100 km Chart (2025 Overview)
Below is a general chart showing efficiency categories for modern EVs.
| Efficiency Rating | kWh / 100 km | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent | 12–16 kWh | Highly efficient compact EVs |
| Good | 16–20 kWh | Mid-size sedans & crossovers |
| Average | 20–25 kWh | SUVs & older models |
| High Consumption | 25–30+ kWh | Large SUVs, performance EVs |
Real-World kWh per 100 km for Popular Electric Cars (Updated 2025)
The table below includes real-world data compiled from driver reports, EPA values, WLTP standards, and Canadian weather adjustments.
📘 Table: Average kWh/100 km for Top EV Models
| Electric Car Model (2025) | Battery Size (kWh) | Avg. Consumption (kWh/100 km) | Efficiency Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 RWD | 57.5 kWh | 13.5 kWh/100 km | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Hyundai Ioniq 6 RWD | 77.4 kWh | 14.2 kWh/100 km | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Chevrolet Bolt EUV | 65 kWh | 15.5 kWh/100 km | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Tesla Model Y Long Range | 75 kWh | 17.8 kWh/100 km | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 AWD | 77.4 kWh | 18.5 kWh/100 km | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Kia EV6 AWD | 77.4 kWh | 19.6 kWh/100 km | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E | 72 kWh | 20.2 kWh/100 km | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Volkswagen ID.4 AWD | 82 kWh | 21.4 kWh/100 km | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Mercedes EQS SUV | 108 kWh | 24.8 kWh/100 km | ⭐⭐ |
| GMC Hummer EV | 212 kWh | 29.5 kWh/100 km | ⭐ |
Why Some EVs Consume More Energy Than Others
1. Aerodynamics
Sedans like the Hyundai Ioniq 6 outperform SUVs because they cut through air more efficiently.
2. Drivetrain
RWD models typically consume less power than AWD versions.
3. Battery Size
Larger batteries add weight, increasing consumption.
4. Tyres
Performance tyres increase rolling resistance.
5. Vehicle Purpose
High-performance EVs like the Hummer EV prioritize power over efficiency.
Cost of Driving Based on kWh/100 km
Knowing your EV’s consumption lets you calculate driving costs.
Formula for Cost per 100 km
Cost = (Consumption kWh/100 km × Electricity Rate per kWh)
Example:
If your EV uses 16 kWh/100 km and your rate is $0.15 per kWh:
Cost per 100 km = 16 × 0.15 = $2.40
That’s significantly cheaper than gasoline.
EV Cost per 100 km in Canada (By Consumption Level)
| Consumption Level | kWh/100 km | Cost at $0.12/kWh | Cost at $0.20/kWh |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excellent | 14 kWh | $1.68 | $2.80 |
| Good | 18 kWh | $2.16 | $3.60 |
| Average | 22 kWh | $2.64 | $4.40 |
| High | 28 kWh | $3.36 | $5.60 |
Even the least efficient EVs remain cheaper to operate than gasoline cars.
How Weather in Canada Impacts kWh/100 km
Canada’s climate significantly affects EV efficiency.
Cold Weather (−5°C to −25°C)
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Increases consumption by 25–45%
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Cabin heating uses high energy
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Battery must be kept warm
Hot Weather (30°C+)
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AC usage adds 5–12% consumption
Snowy/Slushy Roads
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More rolling resistance
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Range drops significantly
How Driving Style Influences EV Efficiency
Aggressive Acceleration
Uses more current → higher consumption.
Highway Speed
Driving at 120 km/h vs 100 km/h can increase consumption by 10–20%.
Smooth Driving = Best Efficiency
EVs perform best when you:
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Maintain steady speed
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Use regen braking
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Avoid fast charging unless needed
How to Reduce Your EV’s kWh/100 km
To improve efficiency and lower costs:
✔ Maintain tyres at correct pressure
✔ Reduce excess weight
✔ Use eco-mode when possible
✔ Preheat car while plugged in
✔ Use seat warmers instead of cabin heating
✔ Drive at moderate speeds
✔ Keep windows closed at high speeds
These practices can reduce consumption by 5–20%.
How Much Impact Each Action Has on Efficiency
| Action | Efficiency Improvement |
|---|---|
| Preconditioning | 5–10% |
| Tyre pressure optimization | 3–7% |
| Moderate highway speed | 8–15% |
| Reduced HVAC use | 5–12% |
| Using eco-mode | 5–8% |
| Reducing cargo weight | 1–3% |
Electric Car Efficiency vs Gasoline Car Fuel Economy
An EV that consumes 16 kWh/100 km is equivalent to a gasoline car using:
1 litre of gasoline ≈ 8.9 kWh of energy
So:
16 kWh ÷ 8.9 ≈ 1.8 L/100 km equivalent
This shows how incredibly efficient electric cars truly are.
Efficiency Comparison: Top 2025 EVs vs Top Gas Cars
| Vehicle | EV Consumption kWh/100 km | Gas Equivalent (L/100 km) |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 | 13.5 | 1.5 L/100 km |
| Hyundai Ioniq 6 | 14.2 | 1.6 L/100 km |
| Bolt EUV | 15.5 | 1.7 L/100 km |
| Mach-E | 20.2 | 2.3 L/100 km |
| Hummer EV | 29.5 | 3.3 L/100 km |
Most gas cars average 6–10 L/100 km, making EVs significantly more efficient.
Future Trends in EV Efficiency (2026–2030)
EVs are getting more efficient every year due to:
🔹 Better aerodynamics (drag coefficients as low as 0.18)
🔹 More advanced motors
🔹 Improved battery chemistry
🔹 Heat pump systems
🔹 Lightweight materials
By 2030, expect:
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Average efficiency to drop to 11–14 kWh/100 km
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Compact EVs below 10 kWh/100 km
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Large SUVs under 20 kWh/100 km
Conclusion
Understanding average kWh per 100 km is one of the most powerful ways to evaluate an electric car.
Whether you’re comparing models, planning long trips, or estimating charging costs, this metric tells you everything about an EV’s real-world energy efficiency.
This comprehensive guide — complete with charts, tables, and real-world data — gives you all the information you need to make smart, confident decisions as an EV owner or buyer.