Miles per kWh Explained: Making Sense of EV Efficiency in 2025
If you are thinking about leasing or buying an electric car in 2025, one of the numbers you will keep coming across is miles per kWh. It might sound technical, but it is really just the electric car version of miles per gallon. It tells you how far your EV can travel on one unit of electricity. The higher the number, the more efficient the car is, and the less you will spend keeping it charged.
At National Vehicle Solutions, we know that understanding efficiency helps you make better choices. It is not just about how good a car looks or how comfortable it feels, but also how much it costs to run day to day. That is why we have put together this guide to explain miles per kWh, show you what counts as a good figure, highlight the most efficient electric cars in the UK this year, and walk you through the real savings you can expect.
What does miles per kWh mean
Miles per kWh is simple once you break it down. One kWh of electricity is the amount of energy it takes to power a 1,000 watt appliance for an hour. If your car manages four miles per kWh, it means you can travel four miles using that much energy. The higher the figure, the better your efficiency.
It works just like miles per gallon in a petrol or diesel car. More miles per gallon means cheaper driving, and more miles per kWh does exactly the same for electric cars.
Miles per kWh versus kWh per 100 miles
Some manufacturers in Europe flip the number around and give you kWh per 100 miles instead. Do not let it confuse you. Both are showing the same thing in different ways.
In the UK we tend to stick with miles per kWh where higher is better. In kWh per 100 miles, lower is better. For example, four miles per kWh works out as 25 kWh per 100 miles.
How to work it out
The formula is straightforward:
Miles driven divided by kWh used equals miles per kWh.
So if you drive 150 miles and use 50 kWh of electricity, 150 divided by 50 gives you 3 miles per kWh.
Most modern EVs display this number on the dashboard
What is the UK average in 2025
Most electric cars in the UK average between 3 and 4.5 miles per kWh, with the most efficient cars hitting close to 5. Smaller and lighter cars often perform better, while bigger SUVs tend to sit at the lower end.
Anything around 4 miles per kWh is good. If your car can do 5 miles per kWh or more, that is excellent.
Here is what some of the top models are achieving this year:
| EV Model (2025) | Average miles per kWh | Approx real-world range |
|---|---|---|
| Mercedes CLA Electric | Around 5.1 | ~480 miles |
| Tesla Model 3 (latest) | 4.7–5.0 | ~430–460 miles |
| Fiat 500e | 4.8 | ~180–200 miles |
| Hyundai Kona Electric 2025 | 4.3 | ~300+ miles |
| VW ID.4 and ID.3 | 4.1–4.3 | ~200–300 miles |
| Larger SUVs and premium EVs | 3.0–4.0 | Varies |
Real-world versus brochure numbers
Manufacturers publish official WLTP figures, but real-world results usually end up a little lower. Things like how you drive, road conditions, weather, and even how much stuff you have in the boot all affect efficiency. Cold weather alone can knock 15 to 25 percent off your range.
The most efficient EVs in the UK right now
If you want the best of the best, here are some of the most efficient electric cars available in 2025:
- Tesla Model 3 – between 4.7 and 5.0 miles per kWh
- Fiat 500e – about 4.8 miles per kWh
- Hyundai Kona Electric – roughly 4.3 miles per kWh
- VW ID.4 and ID.3 – between 4.1 and 4.3 miles per kWh
So what does this mean for running costs
This is where miles per kWh really matters, because it directly affects how much you spend per mile.
- Off-peak home charging (9p per kWh): At 4 miles per kWh you are paying only 2.3p per mile. That is incredibly cheap motoring.
- Daytime home charging (25p per kWh): The same car costs about 6.3p per mile. Still less than half of petrol.
- Public rapid charging (50–70p per kWh): At around 60p per kWh, you are looking at 15p per mile which is about the same as a petrol car at 40 mpg.
For comparison, a 40 mpg petrol car at £1.50 a litre costs roughly 15p a mile no matter what.
This shows why charging at home, especially overnight on off-peak rates, is the smartest and cheapest way to run an EV. Public charging will never be quite as cheap, but even then it rarely costs more than petrol overall if you mix in home charging.
Tips to improve your efficiency
There are plenty of little habits that can help you squeeze more miles from each kWh:
- Drive smoothly and avoid heavy acceleration or braking
- Keep your tyres inflated properly
- Do not carry unnecessary weight
- Pre-condition your car while it is plugged in so you are not draining the battery
- Be mindful with heating and air conditioning
- Make the most of home charging, ideally overnight
The bottom line
Miles per kWh is the key number that helps you understand just how efficient your electric car really is. It helps you compare different models, calculate your running costs, and see where the real savings are.
At National Vehicle Solutions, we take the guesswork out of it. We offer the most competitive Electric Car Lease Deals in the UK and give you the tools, like our Fuel and Savings Calculator, to see exactly what you will spend and save.
If you are ready to cut your motoring costs and enjoy driving a car that works smarter, not harder, then it is time to make the switch.
FAQ: EV Efficiency and Running Costs
Right now, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 takes the crown with up to 5 miles per kWh.
At rapid charging rates (around 60p/kWh), running costs work out at roughly 15p per mile – about the same as petrol. That is why home charging, especially overnight, is where the real savings are made.
Most UK energy suppliers now offer EV-friendly tariffs with cheaper overnight rates. Plug in at night and you can pay as little as 9p per kWh.
Public charging is improving all the time, with networks expanding across the UK. While rapid charging is pricier, many supermarkets and workplaces also offer affordable or even free charging.
Absolutely. Smooth driving, avoiding harsh acceleration, and using regenerative braking can all help you get more miles per kWh.
