98 MPG combined, that’s the figure for the 2016 Tesla Model S with the 75 kW-hr battery pack. It’s a fully electric luxury sedan delivering performance and technology alongside efficiency. It satisfies a specific buyer, someone who wants zero tailpipe emissions, thrilling acceleration, and a premium ownership experience, and accepts charging realities in exchange.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2016 Tesla Model S 75D are consistent across different driving conditions. The city rating is 97 MPG, just slightly below the combined 98 MPG figure. The highway rating edges up to 100 MPG. These numbers highlight the efficiency of the electric powertrain, which thrives in stop-and-go city traffic thanks to regenerative braking. The energy recapture system reduces energy consumption in dense traffic; a conventional gasoline engine idles and wastes fuel. The slight improvement on the highway is likely due to consistent speeds and less reliance on rapid acceleration and deceleration. These are figures that would be impressive for nearly all economy cars, let alone a car with this size and level of gadgetry.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Tesla Model S 75D at $750. This calculation assumes 15,000 miles driven per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and uses national average electricity prices at the time of calculation. It’s a crucial figure for prospective buyers, illustrating the potential savings compared to gasoline-powered vehicles. While electricity prices fluctuate regionally, and individual driving habits vary, this $750 provides a solid benchmark. These potential savings could be a gamechanger for those who commute long distances or drive frequently.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA numbers provide a useful comparison tool, real-world range and efficiency can vary. Temperature plays a significant role, with cold weather reducing battery performance. Aggressive driving, frequent use of “ludicrous” mode, and sustained high speeds also impact range. Owners will benefit from monitoring their energy consumption through the car’s onboard display and adjusting driving styles as needed. Charging infrastructure also plays a key role, and if one isn’t able to charge at home, it can drastically change the savings versus a gasoline-powered car. Reviewing all Tesla fuel economy data can uncover trends in real-world owner experiences.

How it compares

Compared to other luxury sedans of the era, the 2016 Tesla Model S 75D stands alone in its efficiency. A Mercedes-Benz E350 from the same year achieves around 24 MPG combined. A BMW 535i gets similar numbers. Even hybrid competitors like the Lexus GS 450h, at around 31 MPG combined, are significantly less efficient. The Model S has dramatically lower running costs and zero tailpipe emissions, along with near silent acceleration. It becomes an easier decision to make for those who can charge overnight or have chargers at work.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Precondition the cabin while the car is plugged in, especially in cold weather. This uses grid power to heat the interior instead of draining the battery during your drive. If you often find yourself driving somewhere to sit and wait, then this is important for maintaining your vehicle’s range.

Use regenerative braking intelligently. Anticipate traffic conditions and lift off the accelerator early, allowing the car to slow down and recapture energy rather than relying on the friction brakes. With a little bit of practice this can be a simple act and can lead to massive savings on battery power.

Keep tire pressure at the recommended levels. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce efficiency. Regularly check and adjust pressure, especially during temperature changes, and check MODEL MPG across all years to ensure your tires are right.

Limit the use of energy-intensive features like climate control and seat heaters when possible. Opt for more energy-saving settings. If you don’t need to super-cool the entire car, dial down your environmental controls by just a little bit to save energy. Even just a small push can make a huge difference.

Plan your routes and charging stops strategically. Use the Tesla’s navigation system to identify Supercharger locations along your route and estimate arrival times to avoid range anxiety, especially on long trips. As an added bonus, if you route directly to a Supercharger, the Tesla will begin pre-heating the battery to charge quicker.