Mercedes and Dacia Share Top Spot as UK's Most Efficient Electric Cars
In a surprising turn of events, the UK's most efficient electric vehicles have been officially named, and they are not from the expected brands like Toyota, Ford, or BMW. Respected motoring publication Auto Express has conducted comprehensive testing to determine which electric cars offer the best efficiency on British roads.
The results, based on the manufacturer's official WLTP efficiency testing standards, measure how many miles a vehicle can cover per kilowatt hour of battery power. This metric is crucial for drivers seeking to maximise their electric vehicle's range while minimising energy consumption.
Top Performers in Electric Efficiency
Claiming first place with an impressive efficiency rating of five miles-per-kilowatt-hour is the Mercedes CLA 250+ Sport Edition. This premium electric saloon represents the cutting edge of automotive technology, combining luxury with remarkable energy efficiency.
Auto Express experts praised the Mercedes, noting: "Thanks to a new, cutting-edge platform and powertrain, the saloon can cover 483 miles on a charge of its 85.5kWh battery. That works out to an incredible 5.0mi/kWh... The Mercedes is also incredibly comfortable and refined, which is ideal for long motorway journeys."
Sharing the top position with identical efficiency figures is the Dacia Spring Extreme 100, a compact city car that proves efficiency isn't exclusive to premium vehicles. Despite belonging to a completely different vehicle segment than the Mercedes, this budget-friendly option delivers equally impressive energy performance.
Regarding the Dacia Spring, Auto Express commented: "The dinky Dacia Spring is proof that it's not the size that matters, it's how you use it." This statement highlights how smart engineering can deliver exceptional efficiency regardless of vehicle class or price point.
Other Notable Efficient Electric Vehicles
Taking third place behind the two European leaders is the Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive with an efficiency rating of 4.8 miles-per-kilowatt-hour. The American electric saloon, frequently praised for its impressive range capabilities, offers prospective buyers up to 332 miles on a single charge.
The timing of this efficiency assessment is particularly relevant as British motorists face increasing fuel costs following geopolitical tensions. With petrol and diesel prices climbing in recent weeks, more drivers are considering the switch to electric alternatives.
Potential Tax Changes for Larger Vehicles
Auto Express's efficiency rankings arrive as campaigners from Transport & Environment advocate for new taxation targeting larger vehicles, including many electric models. The proposed fee would add a flat rate of £10 for every kilogram above 1,600kg, potentially affecting electric vehicles that tend to be heavier due to their battery systems.
The campaigners argue: "Heavily polluting SUVs are getting an unfair tax break. The current Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) doesn't reflect the true impact of the biggest, heaviest vehicles on our roads. SUVs now dominate the market—yet many still pay the same or less tax than smaller, cleaner cars."
This potential policy change could significantly impact the electric vehicle market, as many electric cars are sold in SUV configurations that often represent the heaviest variants due to their substantial battery packs and electric motors.
The efficiency rankings demonstrate that while range remains important for electric vehicle buyers, efficiency metrics provide crucial information about how effectively vehicles use their battery capacity. As the automotive industry continues its transition toward electrification, such efficiency measurements will become increasingly important for consumers making informed purchasing decisions.
