Tesla continues to extend its efficiency lead in China. The Model 3 and Model Y once again ranked as the two most efficient vehicles in a new real-world energy consumption test conducted by Chinese automotive publication Autohome, which placed dozens of EVs under identical, controlled conditions to evaluate their true high-speed consumption (via Sina News).
Autohome loaded each vehicle with 375 kg of weight, set the cabin temperature to 24°C with automatic climate control, and maintained a steady 120 km/h cruising speed. In this environment, the Tesla Model 3 delivered an impressive power efficiency of 20.8 kWh/100 km, with the Model Y close behind at 21.8 kWh/100 km. Both Teslas secured the top two spots overall — reinforcing their long-standing reputation for class-leading efficiency.
The results also highlight how Tesla’s powertrain tuning, software-driven thermal and energy management, and aerodynamic design continue to offer meaningful advantages, especially in high-speed or cold-weather scenarios where many EVs struggle to stay efficient.
Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun responded publicly to the test results, acknowledging Tesla’s leadership. He noted that the Xiaomi SU7 performed well overall but naturally consumes more energy due to its larger C-segment size and higher specifications. “The Xiaomi SU7’s energy consumption performance is also very good; you can take a closer look,” he wrote on Weibo. “Its test results are weaker than Tesla’s partly due to objective reasons… making it heavier and naturally increasing energy consumption. Of course, we will continue to learn from Tesla and further optimize its energy consumption performance!”
Lei Jun has repeatedly described Tesla as the global benchmark for EV efficiency, adding that Xiaomi may need three to five years to catch up. The company even tore down and analyzed a Tesla Model Y while developing the YU7 SUV. Lei has also been supportive of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving software, which recently topped Chinese ADAS competitors in crash-avoidance tests conducted by local media.
The strong efficiency performance comes as Tesla is aggressively expanding its long-range lineup in China. In August, the company launched the Model 3+, offering a record 830 km of CLTC-rated range — the longest of any Tesla to date in the country. Earlier this month, Tesla followed with the new Model Y+, its longest-range SUV ever, with 821 km of CLTC-estimated range.
With new models offering unprecedented range and continued efficiency wins in independent testing, Tesla has China’s hyper-competitive EV market beat in performance — if not in price.
