Can Tesla Win The EV Efficiency Challenge?

  • The Tesla Model 3 wins a Green NCAP test against 2 strong rivals
  • The Model 3 scored the highest score with a 9.6/10 energy efficiency result
  • Tesla’s victory in this test was due to its superior aerodynamics

While Tesla’s Elon Musk was busy telling people to vote for a Republican Congress and getting plenty of flack for that, he had cause to smile as his Model 3 electric car was winning a European comparison test. In a test conducted by Green NCAP, a European car assessment organization, the Model 3 topped the rankings for efficiency, scoring 9.6/10.

For the record, Green NCAP is a green vehicle assessment program hosted and supported by the New Car Assessment Program in cooperation with European Governments. The Organisation has test laboratories in eight European countries and aims to increase awareness of the environmental impact of vehicles.

As explained by Green NCAP researchers, electric vehicles already give motorists a great way to increase their energy efficiency during driving while helping to reduce their carbon footprint. However, in the organization’s latest comparison, Tesla was ranked above the other electric candidates tested for their efficiency and sustainability rating.

The Model 3 eclipses Renault and NIO is energy efficiency and greenhouse gas indexes. (Green NCAP)

The comparison completed by Green NCAP included the Tesla Model 3, the Renault Megane E-Tech, and the NIO eT7. For the record, the class-leading Model 3 (Long Range) has a range of 358 miles and sprints from zero to 60mph in 4.1 seconds. Using the same platform as the Nissan Ariya, the Renault Megane E-Tech boasts a range of 292 miles and takes 8.6 seconds to reach 60 mph. Meanwhile, the NIO eT7 is seen as a direct rival to the Model 3 in China, has a range of 310 miles, and jumps to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds.

With these three vehicles, Green NCAP employed several tests to calculate their overall efficiency, including a highway driving efficiency test, a cold weather test, and a hot weather driving test, among other tests. The cars were given scores out of ten on an “energy efficiency index,” along with other metrics from these tests.

The Tesla Model 3 scored the highest with a 9.6/10 energy efficiency result, while the Renault Megane E-Tech and NIO eT7 were both rated at 9.4/10. Researchers concluded that Tesla’s victory in this test was due to its superior aerodynamics due to its smaller nose—which allows it to slice through the air easier. 

Each EV gets a 5-star rating from Green NCAP. (Green NCAP)

In contrast, however, all three vehicles suffered in the cold weather test, dramatically increasing energy use by 72% in the case of the Tesla and the NIO and 78% for the Renault. Extremely cold weather can significantly affect EV efficiency. In 2021, Consumer Reports stated that an unplugged EV’s range can decrease by about 20% when the temperature falls to between 0-10F. 

From their results, Green NCAP highlighted the need for improved air conditioning efficiency, which includes both heating and cooling. However, the researchers also strongly advocated for manufacturers to offer more reasonably-priced EV options that allow more consumers to access zero-emission forms of transportation.

While EV technology is a huge jump in efficiency compared to ICE vehicles, Green NCAP’s testing shows that improvement is still possible and that changes can have real effects on the ownership experience.

OTHER THOUGHTS

We are not surprised that Tesla won this test. The Model 3 and its Model Y sister are the industry leaders right now, and this test just adds to their already strong credentials. Tesla entered the market in earnest with the Model S in 2012 and then over the next decade proceeded to dominate the EV market, boasting industry-crunching acceleration, range and performance. One other highlight was their exterior designs, penned by former Mazda chief of design, Franz von Holzhausen, which not only gained favor with motorists but also boasted excellent aerodynamics. We wonder how the Tesla would do against the Hyundai Ioniq 5.

More Articles for You

Bertone’s Swan Song Design — The ‘Nuccio’ Goes Under The Hammer

Over a century of outstanding design came to an end in 2015 when Bertone, the legendary Italian coachbuilder behind automotive …

EVs Are Starting To Lose Their Appeal To New Drivers

According to a Shell Plc survey, electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming less appealing to prospective drivers in Western countries even …

It’s Cheaper Than A Tesla, Better Looking Than A Tesla And Has over 200K Bookings Already

Xiaomi is well-known in China and abroad for its range of hair dryers and smart air-conditioners but the influential corporation …

Iconic British Sports Car Company Reborn After Shutting Down 20 Years Ago

A well-known British sports car brand, thought to be extinct, has just been resurrected. Marcos Motor Company Ltd, which owns …

New Mercedes-Benz G580 Electric Debuts In Malaysia

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has unveiled the electric version of the Mercedes-Benz G580, featuring EQ Technology. If you want the G580 …

Design Legend Ian Callum Creates MINI Masterpiece For David Gandy

You hear the name Ian Callum and many car nuts immediately think of Jaguar, where Callum was design director for …