The 2016 Tesla Model S equipped with the 60 kW-hr battery pack gets 99 MPG equivalent combined. This figure immediately signals it’s different from gasoline-powered luxury sedans. For buyers who want zero tailpipe emissions and advanced technology in a sleek, comfortable package, this efficiency is a key part of the appeal, and they are likely already comfortable with electric vehicles. These drivers are often willing to manage their driving habits and charging routine to achieve that efficiency.

City and highway performance

The EPA numbers show a slight edge for highway driving, with 101 MPG equivalent compared to the city’s 98 MPG equivalent. This may seem counterintuitive because electric vehicles usually excel in city environments due to regenerative braking, but Tesla’s design for the 2016 Model S prioritized highway cruising over pure city driving. The car can also coast further when releasing the throttle than other comparable EVs.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Tesla Model S (60 kW-hr battery pack) at $750. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year using a combination of city and highway driving cycles, and uses the assumed national average electricity price. Your actual cost will depend heavily on your local electricity rates, driving style, and charging habits. For example, charging primarily overnight during off-peak hours could significantly reduce your annual spending. Using public charging networks, which often charge higher rates than home charging, could increase your expenses.

Real-world expectations

Official EPA numbers are a useful starting point, but real-world efficiency can vary. Temperature is a big factor; cold weather can reduce battery range because the car uses more energy. Driving style also impacts results: aggressive acceleration and frequent hard braking consume more energy. However, drivers who know how to use regenerative braking effectively, anticipate traffic flow, and drive smoothly can often get very close to, or even exceed, the EPA estimates. Buyers often understand and accept these variables, and often pride themselves in seeking the best range figures.

How it compares

The 2016 Tesla Model S (60 kW-hr) contrasts with traditional gas-powered luxury sedans. For example, a 2016 BMW 535i gets around 24 MPG combined, and a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E350 achieves a similar 25 MPG combined. The difference is even more dramatic when compared to performance-oriented versions. For all Tesla fuel economy data, click here. The fuel-savings become considerable over the lifespan of the vehicle. For MODEL MPG across all years, click here.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Precondition the cabin while the vehicle is still plugged in, which uses energy from the grid to heat or cool the interior, instead of draining the battery while you’re driving. This is especially important in colder climates where heating uses a significant amount of power.

Use regenerative braking aggressively. Mastering one-pedal driving by modulating the accelerator to control both acceleration and deceleration can recapture substantial energy. Anticipate traffic flow and coast whenever possible, allowing regenerative braking to slow the car down before actually applying the brakes.

Minimize aerodynamic drag by avoiding carrying unnecessary weight in the vehicle and ensure tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure. High speeds increase aerodynamic drag dramatically, so consider reducing your highway cruising speed slightly.

Monitor your energy consumption using the Tesla’s energy display. This provides real-time feedback on your driving habits and helps you identify areas where you can improve efficiency. The Energy app in the Tesla can present average energy consumption over different trip lengths.