More on MPGe

If you didn’t catch our last article on how the EPA calculates MPGe for electric cars, you may want to read that one first.  With the help of Edmunds.com, we are informing our readers on this new way of calculating how much energy is used to travel miles down the road.  In our last article, we gave you the formula; however Edmunds says this number doesn’t tell you much in relation to fuel economy.  Specifically, they state, “The mpg-e rating is really only useful for comparing the relative energy consumption of gasoline (or hybrid) cars with that of electric cars and it is far more pertinent for electric car owners focused on cost to consider the kilowatt-hours-per-100-miles rating (kWh/100m).  This is the number that will help you determine the level of efficiency of the vehicle.  Essentially, this is the new EV mpg standard so it is one that you will surely want to familiarize yourself with if you plan on shopping the electric car segment any time soon.

Also important to consider is the yearly cost of electricity to power your plug-in.  This information will be provided on the sticker of the car by the manufacturer.  However, as pointed out by Edmunds, it is also important to consider the fact that electricity costs different amount for people living in different areas of the country.

When the EPA configures this dollar amount for consumers, they use the following formula:

• 11 cents per kWh
• Annual driving average of 15,000 miles

So, if a vehicle will travel 1 mile on .34 kWh, then you would multiply 0.34 kWh by 15,000 miles and you would conclude an efficiency level of 5,100 kWh.  Since the EPA says it is 11 cents per kWh, then that would cost you $561 per year to keep it charged.

Consumers still have a lot to learn about this new wave of electricity, but knowledge is power, and more money in your pocket at the end of the day.  Contact your local Weiss dealership, home of the most competitive prices on certified Toyota St. Louis cars today.