Top 10 EVs with the longest range
Even some of the smallest electric superminis can crack 200 miles now - here are the EVs that go the furthest distance
The developments in EV battery technology are accelerating even more quickly than the cars they’re fitted to. Ever more powerful and efficient cells are allowing manufacturers to deliver huge performance gains.
More crucially for real world use, though, these acceleration upticks have resulted in ever-increased ranges. Even some of the smallest electric superminis can crack 200 miles between charges now, helping to banish the dreaded range anxiety from the minds of buyers. Yet there are cars that will go further still. Much further. Here we round up to the top 11 cars that boast the longest ranges and are currently on sale, while all the figures quoted are the latest WLTP calculations.* *
*10= Tesla Model Y*
Designed to be an even bigger sales hit than the Tesla Model 3, the Model Y crams much of its saloon sibling’s mechanicals into a more fashionable SUV body. In fairness it has more MPV than mud-plugger, but the raised ride height and roomy cabin make it easy to drive and painless to live with. As you’d expect there’s a Performance model that packs 483bhp and a face-stretching 0-62mph time of 3.5 seconds, but even the standard car needs only 4.8 seconds and combines this with a handy 331 miles range. It’s capable and composed to drive rather than fun, but with its tech-laden interior, family-friendly approach and access to Tesla’s Supercharger network, the Model Y oozes showroom appeal.
*10= Skoda Enyaq iV *
Based on VW’s adaptable MEB EV architecture, the Enyaq iV is set to be one of the most sought after models of 2021. Mixing fashionable SUV style with typical Skoda practicality (there’s a cavernous 585-litre boot) and a typically attractive price tag, the Czech machine ticks all the right boxes for families looking to go electric. Crucially, when equipped with the larger 80kWh battery (there’s also a 60kWh option) the 201bhp Enyaq iV claims an impressive 331 miles between charges.
*9. VW ID3 *
Arguably no new electric car has caused quite such a stir as the VW ID3. While the Nissan Leaf beat it to the punch as the first mainstream family EV, the VW is arguably the more important machine. Designed from the ground up to be battery-powered from the start, the rear-engined ID3 is a true clean-sheet exercise. It’s a good effort to, the minimalist interior proving bright and airy, while the driving experience is composed and unfussed. Factor in the higher capacity 82kWh battery and you can add a 340 miles range to the list of positives.
*8. Polestar 2 *
Bankrolled by Chinese giant Geely and designed with Volvo knowhow, the Polestar 2 is an impressive first effort from the Swedish EV pioneer. Mixing rugged SUV styling cues with a dash of eau de coupe, the 2 is also great to drive. Range topping versions feature twin electric motors for 402bhp and 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds, while its 78kWh battery allows for a 292 mile range. Using the same powerful cells, the 228bhp front-wheel drive Long Range Single Motor model will stretch its energy to a WLTP-approved 335 miles.
*7. Tesla Model X *
With its large 100kWh battery it’s hardly surprising the distinctive gull-winged Model X can go further than most between charges - that and the fact it’s badged a Long Range Plus. In fact, given the vast size of the cells and the name, you might say the claimed 348 miles between charges is actually a bit of a disappointment. And then you realise the Model X is four-wheel drive, can carry seven adults and can sprint to 62mph in 4.4 seconds. Pay a little more and sacrifice 8 miles of range, and the Performance version will demolish the acceleration benchmark in 2.6 seconds.
*6. BMW i4 *
BMW’s answer to the Tesla Model 3 has its rival beaten for range, albeit by the smallest margins. Thanks to its slippery shape and 80.7kWh battery, the entry level 335bhp eDrive40 model claims that you can travel up to 365 miles between charges. Better still, it’s capable of charging at up to 200kW, meaning that you can potentially add 62 miles of range in just four minutes. Loosely based on the 4 Series Gran Coupe, the addition of the large lithium ion battery lifts the kerbweight to 2605kg, but the i4 will still crack 62mph from standstill in 5.9 seconds and feels remarkably agile and engaging to drive.
*5.* *Tesla Model 3*
It’s the world’s best selling EV, but that’s not enough for the Model 3 to top this list, although it’s close. Elon Musk’s most affordable model has been an unmitigated hit, its blend of techy cool, everyday usability and a startling turn of speed making it an incredible sales success. There are a number of versions to choose from, but if you want to spend as much time moving as possible then you’ll need the aptly titled Long Range Plus, which uses an 82kWh battery to achieve an excellent 374 miles on a single charge.
*4. Ford Mustang Mach-E *
Okay, so there are still many out there who claim that calling it a Mustang is heresy, but get past that and Mach-E is actually a worthy addition to the pony car pantheon. For starters it’s not short of muscle, with the 345bhp four-wheel drive model capable of cracking 62mph in 5.1 seconds. It’s pretty good to drive too, with decent agility, grip and composure. It’s perhaps a little cheap feeling inside, but a giant Tesla-style infotainment tablet gives it a suitably hi-tech feel. Oh, and specify the rear-wheel drive version with larger 88kWh battery and you’ll see 379 miles between plug-ins.
*3. BMW iX *
It looks controversial but you can’t argue with the iX’s electricity-stretching range, with the flagship xDrive50 Sport managing a claimed 380 miles between charges. It achieves this thanks to a large 105.2kWh lithium ion battery that’s linked to two electric motors that deliver a combined might of 516bhp. Despite tipping the scales at over two and a half tons, the big BMW is surprisingly wieldy on the road, while comfort and refinement are first rate. Better still, the iX is capable of 200kW DC charging, which means an 80 percent charge can be achieved in as little as 35 minutes.
*2. Tesla Model S *
Tesla’s longest serving model is also the one that will travel farthest on a single charge. Constant refinement and the use of over-the-air updates has meant that the Model S has been able to eek ever more efficiency out of its lithium ion battery. As a result, the 100kWh equipped Long Range Plus now promises 405 miles between recharges - and Tesla reckons there’s more to come. It lacks the build quality and driver appeal of newer rivals (the steering is mute, the handling inert and the ride choppy), but when it comes to travelling as far as possible in an EV, the Model S is unbeatable.
*1. Mercedes EQS *
You’d expect Mercedes’ range-topping EV to be something a bit special - and the EQS 450+ doesn’t disappoint. Essentially a shop window for the brand’s latest technologies, the sleek and stylish saloon looks like it’s driven straight off the designer’s drawing board, while inside its a mix of wall-to-wall TFT screens and lavish luxury. Under the skin is a 107.8kWh battery that allows range anxiety-busting 453 miles between top-ups (200kW rapid charging means 80 percent capacity in 31 minutes). As you’d expect the driving experience is soothing and sybaritic, but with all-wheel drive, adaptive air suspension and 325bhp it can be hustled harder than you’d think.
*Electric cars with the longest range*
Skoda Enyaq iV - 331 milesTesla Model Y - 331 miles
Polestar 2 - 335 miles
VW ID3 - 340 miles
Tesla Model X - 348 miles
Tesla Model 3 - 374 miles
BMW i4 - 365 miles
Ford Mustang Mach-E - 379 miles
BMW iX - 380 miles
Tesla Model S - 405 miles
Mercedes EQS - 453 miles
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