Tesla Model 3 EPA Info; Does It Stack Up To Bolt, Prime and Ioniq?

Tesla's long-delayed official EPA data has finally been released. Who knows why Tesla's data was really held up four months longer than almost every other new EV, but it is finally released and available at FuelEconomy.Gov. We created the side-by-side comparison to save our readers who might be interested in how the Model 3 does in terms of efficiency, range, and other related EPA data.

Tesla Model 3 - Average Efficiency
As crazy as it might sound, the Model 3's efficiency, as measured in either kW/mile consumed, or the flawed MPGe measurement is only average. The slightly larger Hyundai Ioniq and the slightly smaller Toyota Prius Prime PHEV both top the Model 3 in efficiency. The Chevy Bolt is slightly less efficient, most likely because of its higher ride height and shorter length, both of which are penalties when it comes to aerodynamic efficiency. The truth is we are splitting hairs. All of these modern EVs are very efficient vehicles.

Tesla Model 3 - Cost Per Mile
The Model 3's cost per mile for energy is very good. Again, that is a relative value. The Tesla Model 3 averages about a $500 per year cost for energy. So too does the Hyundai Ioniq. The Bolt has a $50 per year higher cost of energy and the Prius Prime $100 more per year when both electricity and gasoline are used (and the EPA has to pick a number out of the air here.) When operated primarily on electricity, the Prius Prime has a lower cost per mile of operation than does the Tesla Model 3. As always, the EPA bases its analysis on an average of electricity and fuel prices to draw these conclusions. Over time the EPA's data changes.

Tesla Model 3 Range vs Competition
Tesla has not yet released the base version of its Model 3. The long-range is the only one being delivered and the only one the EPA has released final official info for. The range was supposedly one reason the EPA data was being held up. Rumors are that Tesla wanted an official value lower than the EPA test result.In any case, at 310 miles, it is the longest range battery-electric vehicle in this group. However, its range of operation is less than half that of the Prius Prime before stopping for fuel or electricity.

Keeping in mind that the Tesla Model 3 being shown here is a long-range model, it will be interesting to see if the lower-weight base model will have better efficiency. If Tesla ever gets around to producing any.