MPGe is the distance a car covers on 33.7 kWh, the energy in a gallon of gasoline. Across 7 EPA ratings of the e6 since 2012 it has averaged 68 MPGe, and the 2020 model trails the 109.4 MPGe average of other electric cars rated 2018–2020. The EPA's own annual figure for it is $1,114.
Every BYD e6 version, compared
The BYD e6 was rated in a single specification, so its consumption does not vary by version — only by model year. Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $0.17 a kilowatt-hour.
| Version | Combined MPGe | City / Highway | Years | Charging per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric | 67.7 / 68.3 | 2012–2020 | $1,012 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Energy use (2020) | 46.8 kWh per 100 miles |
| Cost per mile | $0.080 |
| Charging per year | $955 |
| Charging over five years | $4,775 |
| Against other Electric cars, 2018–2020 | +$327 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $1,114 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2020 BYD e6 does better in town than out of it: 73 in the city against 71 on the highway, $27 a year in favor of city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2020) | 73 MPGe | $942 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 71 MPGe | $969 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | -2 MPGe (-3%) | Reversed — it does better in town than on the open road |
How the e6 changed over the years
The e6 peaked in 2020 at 72 MPGe (73 city, 71 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2012 at 62 — 10 MPGe apart, or $155 a year in charging between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined MPGe | City / Highway | Versions offered | Charging per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 73 / 71 | 1 | $955 | |
| 2018 | 73 / 71 | 1 | $955 | |
| 2017 | 73 / 71 | 1 | $955 | |
| 2016 | 73 / 71 | 1 | $955 | |
| 2014 | 61 / 65 | 1 | $1,091 | |
| 2013 | 61 / 65 | 1 | $1,091 | |
| 2012 | 60 / 64 | 1 | $1,110 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 7 EPA ratings of the BYD e6 — 1 engine across 2012–2020. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $0.17 a kilowatt-hour, against EPA's own estimate of $1,114. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 2020 BYD e6 rated at?
72 MPGe combined, 73 city and 71 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2012 the e6 has averaged 68 MPGe.
Which e6 year has the best efficiency?
The 2020, at 72 MPGe combined (73 city, 71 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
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