EV Circuit: Find out how efficient electric vehicles really are
Key takeaways from the 2026 EV Circuit
No difficulty completing the 230km route
All participating vehicles completed the route without needing to recharge. On average, the vehicles used only 40% of their battery.
On average, a 15-minute fast charge adds 110km of range
The vehicles gained about 15% more range compared with the winter tests conducted in 2025.
Charging costs vary widely from one EV to another
On average, it costs $13.45 to add 100km of range using a public fast charger. However, the differences observed between vehicles are considerable.
EVs are more energy efficient than gas-powered vehicles
The vehicles tested consumed the energy equivalent of about 2 litres per 100 kilometres. For a gas-powered vehicle, the average is closer to 8 to 10 litres per 100 kilometres.
EV Circuit 2026: A video overview
Dive into the atmosphere of the event! Watch the highlights from this day dedicated to EVs, from road tripping to charging.
Energy consumption and charging: 2026 EV Circuit results
The 2026 CAA EV Circuit put 22 electric vehicles to the test on September 16, 2026. The vehicles travelled a 230km route from Blue Mountain (Collingwood) to Vaughan, Ontario, in optimal conditions. All vehicles completed the route. We recorded the percentage of battery used for each model. Energy consumption (kilowatt-hours per 100km) was also calculated.
Each vehicle was then plugged into a DC fast charger. The test was designed to measure, among other things, the number of kilometres of range added after 15 minutes of charging. We also calculated the cost of charging to add 100km of range using a public fast charger.
Make | Model | Year | Battery usage (%) | Km added in 15min of charging | Charging cost per 100km | Consumption (kWh/100km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BMW | iX3 | 2027 | 34% | 121 | $12.26 | 16.59 |
Cadillac | LYRIQ | 2026 | 47% | 131 | $14.40 | 19.10 |
Chevrolet | Equinox EV | 2025 | 40% | 71 | $14.59 | 14.47 |
Chevrolet | Silverado EV | 2025 | 20% | 80 | $19.05 | 17.23 |
Ford | Mustang Mach-E | 2026 | 43% | 105 | $14.63 | 16.82 |
GMC | Hummer EV SUV | 2025 | 32% | 90 | $24.39 | 23.55 |
Hyundai | IONIQ 5 | 2026 | 37% | 136 | $10.68 | 13.40 |
Hyundai | IONIQ 9 | 2026 | 33% | 108 | $15.38 | 15.52 |
Hyundai | KONA Electric | 2026 | 48% | 105 | $10.70 | 13.64 |
Kia | EV4 | 2026 | 33% | 104 | $10.25 | 11.89 |
Lucid | Air | 2024 | 32% | 58 | $12.05 | 16.25 |
Lucid | Gravity | 2026 | 55% | 178 | Free | 28.91 |
Mercedes-Benz | CLA with EQ Technology | 2027 | 41% | 135 | $12.56 | 15.22 |
Nissan | LEAF | 2026 | 40% | 126 | $10.13 | 12.48 |
Polestar | 4 | 2026 | 46% | N/A | N/A | 17.60 |
Rivian | R1T | 2023 | 45% | 123 | $17.85 | 19.96 |
Tesla | Cybertruck | 2024 | 47% | 98 | $15.61 | 23.41 |
Tesla | Model 3 | 2022 | 47% | 123 | $7.28 | 11.85 |
Tesla | Model Y | 2026 | 37% | 97 | $8.23 | 11.81 |
Toyota | bZ | 2026 | 39% | 99 | $13.01 | 11.43 |
Volkswagen | ID.4 | 2024 | 45% | 125 | $11.46 | 14.39 |
Volkswagen | ID. Buzz | 2025 | 50% | 118 | $15.48 | 18.47 |
Not all vehicles were driven down to the optimal discharge level needed to reach the highest charging speeds. As a result, the observed charging speeds varied.
Due to a technical issue, the Polestar had difficulty charging at the time of the test.
The cost of the Lucid Gravity’s charging session was not recorded, as the session was offered free of charge.
How we tested the electric vehicles
To provide the most accurate picture possible, the EV Circuit relies on road tests carried out using the same method for all participating vehicles.
- Test date: September 16, 2026
- Number of vehicles tested: 22
- Distance travelled: 230 kilometres. All the vehicles showed a 100% battery charge upon departure.
- Driving parameters: Stay within the speed limits (plus or minus 5km/h); no cruise control; air conditioning at 21°C; no ventilated seats; and smooth driving with no acceleration
- Parameters applied to all vehicles: Speed kept close to posted limits, without cruise control; air conditioning set to 21°C; ventilated seats turned off; smooth driving, no hard acceleration. All the batteries were preconditioned before charging.
- Type of charger used for the charging test: 250kW Tesla Supercharger (DC fast charger)
- Route: From Blue Mountain (Collingwood) to Vaughan, Ontario
The 2026 EV Circuit in pictures
EV Circuit on September 16, 2026
The cars at the “starting line” in Collingwood, Ontario.
EV Circuit on September 16, 2026
Handing out the routes to follow for the test.
EV Circuit on September 16, 2026
The detailed 230km route handed out to participants.
EV Circuit on September 16, 2026
Some of the EVs participating in the tests.
EV Circuit on September 16, 2026
Instructions being given to participants.
EV Circuit on September 16, 2026
A Tesla Cybertruck plugged in to charge.
EV Circuit on September 16, 2026
The Hyundai IONIQ 9 during the charging test.
EV Circuit on September 16, 2026
Each vehicle had a driver and a passenger in it.
EV Circuit on September 16, 2026
Participants submitting their data to an organizer.
EV Circuit on September 16, 2026
Two participants checking their route.
EV Circuit on September 16, 2026
A participant following the directions on the navigation system.
EV Circuit on September 16, 2026
A participant driving a Mercedes-Benz CLA.
See the results from previous years
EV Circuit 2025
Winter EV test results.
FAQ – Answers to your questions about EV range
Our tests help you compare the real-world range and charging performance of several electric vehicles. These are 2 important criteria when choosing a model. By looking at the distance travelled and the kilometres of range added in 15 minutes of charging, you can check whether a vehicle suits your regular trips, your longer journeys, and the way you travel. Charging cost and energy consumption are also useful details. A more efficient electric vehicle generally uses less electricity to travel the same distance. As a result, its running costs are lower and its charging times are shorter.
Range can vary depending on temperature, speed, terrain, driving style, tire pressure, and the use of heating or air conditioning.
The range published by Natural Resources Canada is a good benchmark for comparing electric vehicles. However, it is measured under standardized conditions, which don’t always reflect everyday driving. On the road, real-world range can vary depending on temperature, speed, terrain, driving style, and the use of heating or air conditioning.
That’s why the EV Circuit tests are useful, as they provide objective data obtained in real-world conditions.
Yes, cold weather can reduce an electric vehicle’s range, notably because the battery performs less efficiently at low temperatures and heating uses energy. In our 2025 tests, we recorded a range 14% to 39% lower than the official range published by Natural Resources Canada.