Have you ever contemplated how we measure electric vehicles (EVs)? You will commonly see what seem to be strange abbreviations such as MPGe and kWh/100mi. It might be a little confusing, for sure. Let’s simplify this. We will learn how to convert MPGe into kWh/100mi. Knowing this allows you to compare EVs to gasoline-powered vehicles. It is nice to see your vehicle’s energy use.
kWh/100 mi is what?
First off, kWh per 100 miles. kWh stands for kilowatt-hours. A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a unit of energy– your energy bill uses this unit as well. It is the amount of energy it takes to operate your refrigerator, TV and lights. kWh/100 miles tells you how much energy an EV will use to travel 100 miles. The small number indicates a more fuel efficient vehicle and therefore better. It is similar to how many gallons of gasoline a car needs to go 100 miles.
MPGe is what?
Next is MPGe. The abbreviation stands for miles per gallon equivalent. Created by the EPA, this number is unique. It allows us to measure electric vehicles against gasoline vehicles. The EPA claims one gallon of gas has the same energy as 33.7 kWh of electricity. Therefore, MPGe shows how an electric vehicle compares to a gas vehicle in reference to 33.7 kwh when a gallon of gasoline equals 33.7 kwh. More MPGe means more efficiency.
This is a great analogy. You may come across a gas car with 30 mpg next to an EV with 120 MPGe while shopping for cars. You can immediately recognize the EV is substantially more efficient. You will also be using considerably less energy to travel the same distance.
The Conversion Formula
Ready to get the gist? The process for converting from kWh/100mi to MPGe is just a math problem. You don’t have to be a genius. Just take 33.7.
Here’s the conversion:
MPGe: (33.7 kWh per gallon) divided by (kWh per mile)
But we have kWh/100 miles, not kWh/mile. No worries, just divide your kWh/100 mi value by 100 to get the kWh/mile value.
Let’s use an example. Let’s say the EV travels 100 miles, and it takes 25 kWh.
First for the kwh/mile; 25 kwh divided 100 miles is 0.25 kwh per mile.
Now apply the formula MPGe = 33.7 / 0.25 = 134.8.
Thus, an EV that consumes 25 kWh over 100 miles is equivalent to a gas vehicle +134.8 MPGe. Pretty simple, right? You can do this for any EV you see, and it will give you a sense of its true efficiency in the real world. Just this simple conversion puts things into perspective for you.
Why This Matters
Why should you care about this conversion? It is showing you how to save money! The less electricity you use, or the more efficient your electric vehicle is, the more money you may save over the lifespan of the car and of course – good for the planet! A more efficient EV will have less demand on power plants.
Imagine you are in the market for a new car. One EV gets 28 kWh/100mi and the other 35 kWh/100 mil. You get that 28 is better than 35 without any conversion, but the formula will help you determine the MPGe exactly for each.
EV 1: 33.7 / (28/100) = 33.7 / 0.28 = 120.3 MPGe
EV 2: 33.7 / (35/100) = 33.7 / 0.35 = 96.3 MPGe
So, now you can tell that the first electric car is actually much more efficient. This simple calculation gives you a clear cut comparison.
Fun with Numbers and Lights
It’s easy to get lost or bored with just numbers, so let’s bring a dash of fun to the conversation! Imagine all the neon signs you could add to your room reflecting your love of EVs, like a sign that says “134.8 MPGe!” Or a custom neon sign that showed your car’s efficiency. You can find custom neon lights that can illuminate just about anything you want, including bolts of lightening or an electric vehicle icon. The possibilities are endless when showing your passion for EVs in your home.
The world of EVs is full of new terms and numbers. But once you understand the basics, it’s not so scary. Knowing how to do a unit conversion for EVs convert kWh/100mi to MPGe is a powerful tool. This information will keep you informed when comparing vehicles, help you understand how much money you can save on charging, and make you knowledgeable about the subject! You can impress your friends and family with what you’ve learned.
Beyond the Numbers
Efficiency is not the only part of the equation. You will also want to factor in the range of the vehicle, the charging speed and all the bells and whistles that come with each car. However, it is a major section of the overall ownership equation. It is the fuel component of the equation.
With the influx of electric cars hitting the market, the ratings will become somewhat commonplace. You will see them on car stickers and referred to in reviews. Once you know what they mean and what to look for, you will differentiate with ease. You won’t have to think hard to find the most efficient car on the market.
So the next time you see a spec sheet of an entire portfolio of EV’s, you will not only look at the main numbers, but rather the little numbers associated with each, specifically the kWh/100mi figure and consider how it might be calculated into a specific MPGe figure. Give it a try, it is an interesting little diversion. Who knows, perhaps it will help you navigate the next car buying process.
If you’re looking to take a break from all the math, you could also think about designing your own personalized neon lights to celebrate your EV journey. Just imagine a sign that says “EV Life.” You can choose the colors and the look. This is a great way to personalize your space—making a big statement. You can use it to memorialize a quote, a picture, or even just your name. Neon signs are a distinctive element to a room.
Final Thoughts
Being an educated EV owner depends on you being able to convert kWh/100mi to MPGe. This is a skill that will give you the ability to make informed choices and save money. Everything is comparative. This is a straightforward formula that can be used by everybody.
So go! Go and convert some of the electric vehicles you have seen on the internet. See which ones are the most effective. You might be surprised with what you find. The future of driving is all electric and this information will help you stay ahead. When you’ve made your decision, don’t forget to celebrate by buying some cool neon signs. Neon signs are fun and a great way to have fun with your obsession and your environment.