Tesla’s Cheapest Car Is Also America’s Most-Driven EV

In the United States, the amount of miles covered by cars on average differs considerably by the type of powertrain and vehicle. In a new study of over 2.1 million three-year-old cars by iSeeCars, we get a unique insight into how much driving owners of different vehicles do. Unsurprisingly, family-oriented vehicles work the hardest, while many sports cars are driven sparingly. Another insight that jumped out relates to EV miles covered relative to gas cars. Tesla is the only brand with models that exceed the average annual mileage of gas cars, particularly the Model 3.

Most-Driven EVs Led By Tesla

According to the study, EVs cover an average of 11,880 miles annually, behind the average of 13,323 miles for gas-powered cars. But the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y are exceptions, as both cover more miles than gas cars on average. The Model 3 leads all EVs with 13,759 miles driven per year on average, followed by the Model Y on 13,538 miles. The only other EV above the average for fully electric vehicles is the Hyundai Ioniq 5, on 12,271 miles. 

“Tesla dominates not only electric vehicle market share in the U.S. but electric vehicle use, with its customers driving the Model 3 and Y even further than the average gasoline vehicle,” said iSeeCars Executive Analyst Karl Brauer.

The data indicates that many Tesla owners are likely using their EVs as the primary household vehicle, even if longer distances need to be covered. The brand’s dominant market share, its vehicles’ competitive ranges on a full charge, and years of access to the Supercharger network are all expected contributors to how much driving Tesla owners do.

Although the Model Y crossover outsells the Model 3 sedan, owners of the latter are covering more miles per year. The Model 3 offers more performance and range than the Model Y at a lower price, which is why I think it’s the smartest Tesla you can buy. It’s also a vehicle that’s capable of lasting beyond 300,000 miles, assuming you can deal with a gradually lower range.

Related: Tesla Model 3 Hits 380,000 Miles on Original Battery as Range Falls to 158 Miles

America’s Most-Driven Gas Cars

In the gas segment, minivans and larger SUVs dominate as the most-driven vehicles in America. A pair of Chrysler minivans lead all other models, with the Pacifica and Voyager covering over 20,000 miles annually each. These hard-working minivans are no doubt used often for grocery runs, school runs, and family getaways. They’re followed by the Chevrolet Suburban and Kia Carnival, while the Chevy Malibu is the only sedan in the top 10.

“Eight of the top 10 most-driven gas vehicles are either a minivan or SUV, illustrating the high use rate and do-it-all nature of these people movers,” said Brauer.

The following findings from the study also stand out:

• Least-driven gas vehicle is the Ford Mustang (2,092 miles per year on average); previously, the Mazda MX-5 Miata held this title
• Sports cars and convertibles are the least-driven vehicle types overall
• Audi RS e-tron GT is the least-driven EV (6,461 miles)
• The top 3 most-driven hybrids are all Toyotas, led by the Sienna (17,368 miles)
• The top 4 least-driven hybrids are all from Lexus

In general, premium and luxury cars are driven less than mainstream models. 

Final Thoughts

This year’s study demonstrates how far conventional hybrids have come, as these vehicles now cover more miles than gas cars per year. And, while plug-in hybrids are often touted for their long total ranges relative to electric vehicles, it’s EV drivers that are covering more miles, suggesting that PHEVs are used more for shorter, local commutes. This is a turnaround from a study last year, where EVs were the least-driven vehicles.

Tesla stands out in the EV segment, with the Model 3 and Y driven significantly more than their closest rivals. While some consumers may be buying EVs from other brands as a second, less-used vehicle, it probable that more owners rely on Teslas as a primary vehicle.