Electric Car Mileage Ratings Explained
You've probably heard of miles per gallon, also referred to as MPG, but you may not be familiar with the term miles per gallon equivalent, abbreviated as MPGe. If you've found yourself shopping for either Jeeps plug-in hybrid SUVs, the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, or the Wrangler 4xe, you probably came across the term MPGe. This stands for miles per gallon equivalent. Let's take a deeper look into MPGe, its meaning, why it came about, and how it is calculated. These measurements will become much more prevalent as hybrids, plug-in hybrids, fully electric cars, and fuel cell vehicles become the new normal.
What Is MPGe?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency created the miles per gallon equivalent as the standard metric in 2010 for fuel efficiency for vehicles that run on alternative energy sources, like electricity. For example, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, or PHEVs commonly called, may have both an MPG and MPGe since they run on gasoline and electric energy. The MPG for a PHEV denotes gasoline used when the battery is out of charge, and the MPGe refers to an all-electric scenario. Although it's not a 1:1 comparison to MPG, it enables drivers to make a more informed decision when contemplating an energy-efficient vehicle.
How is MPGe Calculated?
Just like miles per gallon, miles per gallon equivalent is an average mileage comparison of how many miles a vehicle travels per gallon of gasoline or how many miles an EV can travel on the equivalent amount of electrical energy. MPG is calculated by the energy created by 1 gallon of gas. However, MPGe is calculated by the equivalent amount of electricity. The EPA figured the 33.7-kilowatt-hours is equal to 1 gallon of gas. So, if an electric vehicle can travel 100 miles on 33.7 kWh of electricity, it would be rated with an MPG equivalency of 100 MPGe. The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a 56 MPGe.
EPA EV Window Sticker Explained
Most people who have gone vehicle shopping are familiar with the "Window Sticker" that displays all the essential information about the car. Electric vehicles offer their type of window sticker. Each new electric vehicle has its MPGe rating displayed on its EPA fuel efficiency label, which can also be found on the EPA website. The label includes mandated information about any new vehicle for sale, including fuel efficiency, fuel costs, and greenhouse gas and smog ratings. The label has some additional information specific to EVs for electric cars.
Cost Savings of Electric Cars
Electric vehicles and PHEVs can be more expensive to purchase. Still, the total cost of ownership is lower because electricity-powered motors are more efficient and cheaper to operate than gas-powered engines. In addition, most EVs can be over 90% efficient in converting energy into power, while most gas-powered vehicles are only around 40% efficient. Since less energy is wasted, electric cars have become more cost-effective. EVs also have significantly lower maintenance costs because there are so few moving parts and reduced maintenance needs.
PHEV Models for Sale Near Me
At Grogan's Towne, you will find your favorite EV and PHEV models at competitive prices. Our salespeople are ready to answer your questions about particular electric vehicles and find the car that meets all of your expectations. Once you've taken a test drive and selected your perfect 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe or a 2022 Grand Cherokee 4xe, it's time to move on to the finance department. We are committed to changing how you view the car loan and lease process. This means less time filling out paperwork and more control over how you finance your new or used vehicle.