The definition

MPGe stands for miles per gallon equivalent. The EPA assigns 33.7 kWh of electricity the same energy content as one gallon of gasoline. If an EV travels 120 miles on 33.7 kWh, it earns 120 MPGe.

It's an efficiency metric, not a range metric. A high-MPGe SUV can still have lower range than a less efficient car with a bigger battery.

What's a good MPGe number?

As of our latest fleet sweep, most US BEVs cluster between 80 and 140 MPGe combined. Compact sedans and hatches often lead; large trucks and performance models trail. See our live ranking: most efficient electric vehicles.

On Electric Compare, MPGe columns are color-tiered against the current fleet — green means top-third efficiency today.

MPGe vs your electricity bill

Convert to cost per mile: divide your home kWh rate by the vehicle's kWh per mile (from the EPA label or fueleconomy.gov). MPGe is useful for comparing two models; your utility rate determines absolute cost.

Also consider $/mile of range on our comparison table — it combines purchase price and EPA range, a different (but equally useful) value lens.