The Tesla Model 3 is announced as the most efficient electric vehicle (EV) in the UK, following a full range test conducted by What Car?. This isn’t just any ordinary test—it involved 12 electric cars, including a nine-year-old Tesla Model S that’s racked up more than 250,000 miles!
How the Test Worked
The idea behind the test was simple. They drove each vehicle fully charged and drove it until the battery was completely empty. The goal? To see how far each EV could go and how efficiently they used their energy. With rising electricity prices, this kind of test is more relevant than ever.
The Tesla Model 3 Takes the Lead
Among all the cars tested, the Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) stole the spotlight. It traveled 255 miles and averaged 4.4 miles per kWh, making it the most efficient car of the bunch. For comparison, the Audi Q6 e-tron Launch Edition only managed 3.0 miles per kWh, which means Tesla’s Model 3 is a real winner for anyone looking to save on electricity costs. In fact, What Car? estimates that drivers could spend around £508 on electricity for every 10,000 miles in the Model 3, while Audi Q6 e-tron drivers would be looking at £745.
In a surprise twist, the nine-year-old Tesla Model S still performed impressively, outlasting two of the brand-new EVs. Despite its age and mileage, it managed to cover 213 miles, beating out the Peugeot e-308 SW and Mini Cooper SE, which traveled 212 and 211 miles, respectively.
Why Efficiency Matters More Now
As What Car? editor Steve Huntingford pointed out, efficiency in electric vehicles is now a huge factor. “A few years ago, when electricity was cheap, efficiency didn’t seem to matter much. But with rising energy prices, it’s a big consideration,” he said.
This test reinforces Tesla’s place at the top of the EV market, showing that even their older models can still compete against brand-new competitors. For EV drivers, efficiency is becoming a key factor in choosing their next vehicle, and Tesla seems to be leading the pack.
Check out What Car?‘s EV range test in the video.
