EV Efficiency: The New MPG for Electric HGVs | Renault Trucks

Why EV Efficiency Matters

Electric vehicles measure efficiency in kilowatt hours per 100 kilometres (kWh/100 km). This is the electric equivalent of miles per gallon (MPG) in diesel trucks. The lower the kWh/100 km, the more efficiently a vehicle uses energy.

Focusing on EV efficiency offers multiple benefits:

Reduces energy consumption and costs
Optimises payload by avoiding unnecessarily large batteries
Improves long-term fleet performance

As Grahame explains, “If you’ve got the most efficient vehicle, you don’t need the biggest battery.”

Bigger Batteries Aren't Always Better

A common misconception is that a larger battery automatically increases range. In practice:

Larger batteries reduce payload capacity
They require more energy to recharge
Smaller, efficient batteries often deliver better overall performance

For example, a vehicle consuming 22 kWh/100 km compared with one at 29 kWh/100 km could save over £3,150 in electricity over four years, while maintaining payload and operational efficiency.

Understanding Electric Vehicles in Practice

Operators should focus on the following questions when evaluating electric trucks:

What is the kWh per 100 km rating of this vehicle?
How does battery size affect payload and charging frequency?
How much will energy costs be over time compared with less efficient alternatives?

By prioritising EV efficiency, operators can make smarter investment decisions and lower total cost of ownership.

Translating Diesel Terms for EV Fleets

In diesel, efficiency is measured in miles per gallon (MPG). For electric HGVs, the standard measure is kilowatt hours per 100 kilometres (kWh/100 km). For those used to diesel:

MPG → kWh/100 km (lower is better)
Fuel tank → battery size (bigger isn’t always better)
Efficiency → electricity consumption and operating cost

Understanding these terms ensures a smooth transition to electric HGVs and supports better operational planning.

Planning Charging Around Efficiency

EV efficiency also impacts depot charging requirements. Vehicles that consume less energy:

Spend less time recharging
Require lower site power capacity
Reduce overall energy costs

Collaborating with DNOs, charge point providers, and energy consultants ensures depots have the right infrastructure to support fleet needs efficiently.

The Road Ahead

Prioritising EV efficiency over battery size helps operators reduce costs, maintain payload, and improve fleet performance. By understanding energy consumption metrics and asking the right questions, businesses can confidently transition to zero-emission HGVs.

What’s Next: The Zeroing In Series

This blog is part of Renault Trucks’ Zeroing In series, designed to provide fleet operators with practical guidance on electrifying their vehicles.

In future instalments, we explore detailed comparisons of EV efficiency, delve into charging strategies and depot planning, analyse total cost of ownership (TCO) and share operational best practices for electric fleets.

Each episode is packed with actionable insights to help businesses navigate the transition confidently and build a smooth, zero-emission future for their operations
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