Fun fact: electric cars weigh more than gas-powered cars. While a vehicle with an internal combustion engine has more parts in the powertrain – 2,000 compared to 20 – an EV has a high-voltage battery that weighs a lot. Like a lot, a lot.
If you are buying your first EV, it is helpful to have all the details about the various EV models and their weight. From efficiency to range to parking, weight matters. A heavier battery is likely bigger and able to store more energy. But it can also reduce a vehicle’s efficiency.
See below for a chart and detailed descriptions comparing car weights for Teslas and other popular EVs.
Vehicle
- Nissan LEAF
- Tesla Model 3
- Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV
- Tesla Model Y
- Kia EV6
- Hyundai Ioniq 5
- Tesla Model X
- Ford Mustang Mach-E
- VW ID.4
- Tesla Model X
- Mercedes EQS
Weight in Pounds
- 3,516-3,934 lbs
- 3,553-4,070 lbs
- 3,589 lbs and 3,679 lbs
- 3,920-4,416 lbs
- 3,984-4,502 lbs
- 4,200-4,662 lbs
- 4,323-4,960 lbs
- 4,394-4,920 lbs
- 4,568-4,927 lbs
- 5,072-5,531 lbs
- 5,467-6,493 lbs
If that's a little hard to follow. Here's a simple video that shows a comparison between the batteries in a mobile phone, laptop computer and electric car.
@recurrentauto lithium ion batteries come in different shapes and sizes #ev #electriccar #electricvehicle #evcharging #tesla ♬ Aesthetic - Tollan Kim
How Much Does a Tesla Weigh?
The Tesla brand has several models of electric cars. While the overall weight of each Tesla model depends on other factors apart from the battery, the battery size is a major percentage of the weight.
Tesla Model S
Tesla Model S comes in many trims and battery sizes so the weight varies. For the most part, it weighs between 4,323-4,960 pounds, with the battery making up 1,200 pounds of that. This model is a bigger luxury sedan that, aside from the battery, has a much sturdier feel. Its strong steel frame adds pounds quickly. The Model S also has a glass roof, which can add weight.
Tesla Model 3
Tesla Model 3 happens to be the lightest of all the Tesla EV models. It weighs between 3,553-4,070 lbs depending on the battery size. It is also a sedan, and is more compact-sized. The cargo space and the interior seating are both narrower.
Tesla Model Y
Like its Model 3 sibling, Tesla Model Y sits on the same frame, although it weighs between 3,920-4,416 lbs. This additional weight comes from more features and the roomier compact SUV body style.
Tesla Model X
Tesla Model X is the heaviest in the Tesla fleet and weighs between 5,072-5,531 lbs. Since it’s bigger than a Model Y, it features a larger battery. It also uses the Model S frame, so it’s no surprise that this vehicle packs the pounds.
Tesla Cybertruck
The actual weight of the Tesla Cybertruck is still unknown because Tesla has yet to disclose it. However, it is believed to be the heaviest EV yet due to a large, heavy frame. The estimated range of 250-500 miles also means a big battery will add weight.
Weight of Other Popular Electric Cars
Nissan LEAF
The 2022 Nissan LEAF weighs between 3,516-3,934 lbs, slightly less than the 2021 model. The Nissan LEAF is one of the oldest EVs on the market. Introduced in Japan and the US in December 2010, the LEAF is a compact five-door hatchback EV currently in its second generation, which was introduced in 2017. The LEAF’s range on a full battery has been increased gradually from 117 km (73 miles) to 364 km (226 miles) as a result of a larger battery pack along with several minor improvements.
Mercedes EQS
Mercedes Benz, which is the oldest car manufacturing company, also made its switch to manufacturing electric cars. The Mercedes EQS weighs between 5467-6493 lbs. It comes with a 120kWh battery and a range of 400 miles. It is a luxury electric vehicle with a top speed of 210km/h. The Mercedes EQS is not designed to try to outmatch the range of other electric cars. Rather, it is merely an attempt by the Mercedes Benz brand to transition from making cars using gas power to manufacturing electric cars.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Hyundai Ioniq 5’s weight varies from 4,200-4,662 lbs, depending on the powertrain and trim. The Ioniq 5 has a remarkably long wheelbase, 118.1 inches (3,000 mm), which translates to a spacious and airy interior for both front and rear occupants. The Ioniq is also famous for its environmentally friendly interior composed of recycled materials – old plastic bottles make up the armrests and seats, bioplastic from sugarcane contributes to the headlining and carpets, and the dashboard and door-panel paint includes polyurethane derived from bean oil.
Kia EV6
The Kia EV6 weighs between 3,984-4,502 lbs, and has a range of 232 to 310 mi battery-only. The Kia EV6 has 72.5 kwH of usable battery, and offers two different batteries, rear- or all-wheel drive, and between 167 and 576 horsepower. The EV6 is noted for its more stylish design than most mainstream EVs, athletic and refined driving behavior, and comfy and roomy inside.
Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV
The Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV weigh 3,589 lbs and 3,679 lbs, respectively. The 2023 Bolt has a tempting starting price at just $26,595 and has become a small hatchback with mighty intrigue and the most accessible price point for EV buyers. The Bolt is powered by a single 200-horsepower motor that powers its front wheels, a system that nets an EPA-estimated 259 miles on a single charge. The Bolt EUV, a slightly-larger mini-SUV, is roomy for its size and squeezes 247 miles of driving range from the EUV’s 65.0-kWh battery pack.
VW ID.4
The Volkswagen ID.4 weighs 4,568-4,927 lbs, and has a range of 245 to 280 mi battery-only. Known for its quietude when cruising and cargo-friendly cabin, the ID.4 is an electric car for the people. Rear-wheel-drive models come with one motor and 201 horsepower. The ID.4 also offers an all-wheel drive option, adding a second motor and ups power output to 295. Maximum range is about 280 miles per charge, and the upcoming model will pair its increasingly attractive price with a smaller battery and less range.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
The Ford Mustang Mach-E weighs between 4,394-4,920 lbs. Compared to the heaviest 2020 Mustang, which itself is no feather at 3,825 pounds, the Mach-E tips the scales at 569 to 1,065 pounds heavier. Most of the weight comes from the Mach-E's battery pack, which is mounted in the floor, lowering the car’s center of gravity which allows it to corner like a lighter vehicle. Some of this weight may also come from the Mach-E's Global Electrified 2 (GE2) platform, which is loosely based on the C2 platform used by the Focus hatchback and Kuga CUV.
Other Reasons EVs Are Heavier
While the weight of the batteries is a major reason EVs are heavier than ICE cars, there are other reasons:
Electronics
Electronics are usually not very heavy, but when you have enough of them, the weight can add up. In an EV, there are lots of electronics such as cameras, onboard computers, and sensors, and they can add extra on to the gross weight of the car.
Exterior Body
When the internal components of a car are very heavy, it means the bodywork must be strong enough to support it. An EV battery is very heavy, so the body itself has to be stronger than non-EVs. It requires thicker and stronger materials that can bear the weight. This, in turn, makes the car heavier.
Charging Infrastructure
Even though everyone thinks that an EV charger is a box on the wall, there is actually machinery in the car itself that takes electricity from the wall and sends it in a usable form to the battery. The entire charging infrastructure of an EV can add weight.
Is the Extra Weight Safe?
While EV nerds love to talk about the weight of new models and how it contributes to handling and efficiency, manufacturers seem not to be concerned just yet. And, at least for the driver and passengers, the weight of these cars helps keep them safe. Based on simple physics, the mass of these EVs work in their favor in the face of a collision.
