What You Need to Know About EPA’s MPGe and EV Efficiency Ratings
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a system for measuring a vehicle’s fuel efficiency, which is expressed in miles per gallon (MPG) for traditional gasoline-powered vehicles and in miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) for electric vehicles (EVs).
This measurement, known as the combined fuel economy rating, takes into account the average of a vehicle’s city and highway fuel economy ratings. The combined rating is meant to give a more accurate estimate of a vehicle’s overall fuel efficiency by considering the mix of city and highway driving that most people do.
Vehicle’s fuel economy ratings
To determine a vehicle’s fuel economy ratings, the EPA uses a standardized testing procedure that simulates city and highway driving conditions. The ratings are based on the results of these tests, with the city rating given more weight due to the higher fuel consumption that typically occurs in stop-and-go driving.
MPGe is a unit of measure used by the EPA to represent the fuel economy of EVs in a common unit with gas-powered vehicles, where 33.7 kilowatt-hours of electricity are equal to the energy contained in one gallon of gasoline. The EPA calculates the MPGe of EVs using a standardized testing procedure that simulates city and highway driving conditions.
For example, the BMW Z4 sDrive30i has a combined fuel economy rating of 28 MPG. This means that, on average, the BMW Z4 is expected to get 28 miles per gallon of fuel when driven in a mix of city and highway conditions.
Now, let’s add another vehicle to the mix for a more comprehensive comparison:
2022 Toyota Highlander: This gasoline-powered vehicle has a combined fuel economy rating of 35 MPG.
Comparing the Toyota Highlander’s 35 MPG with the BMW Z4’s 28 MPG, we can see that the Highlander is expected to achieve higher fuel efficiency.
It’s important to keep in mind that actual fuel economy can vary based on various factors such as driving habits, weather, and terrain. However, the EPA’s fuel economy ratings can be useful for comparing the fuel efficiency of different vehicles.
Do high MPG scores make the best car?
It is not accurate to compare vehicles based solely on their EPA combined fuel economy ratings, as these ratings are only one aspect to consider when evaluating a vehicle. Other factors include performance, safety features, interior and exterior design, price, and overall customer satisfaction.
In the previous example, we discussed the Tesla Model 3’s EPA combined fuel economy rating of 132 MPGe. This means that, on average, the Tesla Model 3 is expected to get the equivalent of 132 miles per gallon of fuel when driven in a mix of city and highway conditions. Comparatively, the BMW Z4 is expected to get 28 miles per gallon of fuel, and the Toyota Highlander is expected to get 35 miles per gallon of fuel.
While the Tesla Model 3 might seem more fuel-efficient in terms of MPGe, it’s important to consider all relevant factors when making a purchasing decision.
In conclusion,
The EPA combined fuel economy rating is a measure of a vehicle’s fuel efficiency that takes into account both city and highway driving. It is calculated using a standardized testing procedure and is expressed in miles per gallon (MPG) for traditional gasoline-powered vehicles and in miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) for EVs.
The combined rating is intended to give a more realistic estimate of a vehicle’s overall fuel efficiency by considering the mix of city and highway driving that most people do. It’s important to note that actual fuel economy can vary based on various factors, but the EPA’s fuel economy ratings can be a useful tool for comparing the fuel efficiency of different vehicles, including EVs.
Source: EPA website
