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
Range anxiety has always been the biggest hurdle to get over for those looking to make the switch to EVs, but car makers are aiming to make this worry a thing of the past.
With battery and motor technology improving at an incredible rate, the most advanced electric vehicles are now matching their ICE counterparts when it comes to how far they’ll travel on a ‘full tank’.
Even some of the smallest superminis will happily travel over 200 miles between charges, to be ranked in this list an EV will have to go much further than that. Using a combination of big battery, efficient drivetrain and slippery aerodynamics, our top 10 here will travel a minimum of 360 miles on a full charge, while the top-ranking entry claims more than 500 miles.
Now, it’s worth bearing in mind that the figures we quote here are official figures, either straight from the manufacturer or calculated using the official WLTP testing routine. In real world use it’s unlikely that any of these cars will hit these promised figures, although used sensibly you should be able to get within 50 miles or so of the headline numbers.
Either way, any one of the ten cars here is likely to go a long way to banishing the dread that comes with a longer journey in EV, as you’re likely to get many destinations with plenty of energy in reserve.
*10. Mercedes EQS SUV*
The latest addition to Mercedes’ increasing wide range of EVs is the imposing EQS SUV. Based on the brand’s dedicated EVA2 platform, the seven-seat machine uses a vast 108.4kWh lithium ion battery located under the floor, which helps overcome the car’s hefty 2.7 ton kerbweight and bluff aerodynamics to deliver a claimed range of 365 miles.
On the move, comfort and refinement are the order of the day, but the 536bhp EQS 580 is still capable of 0-62mph in just 4.6 seconds. All versions get twin motors for 4MATIC all-wheel drive, plus this is the first electric Merc to get a dedicated off-road driving mode.
*9. 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.
*8. 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.
*7. 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.
*6. Hyundai Ioniq 6*
Few established manufacturers are as committed to the EV revolution as Hyundai. It’s angular Ioniq 5 has already proved the brand’s battery credentials, its eye-catching angular styling, composed driving dynamics and cutting edge 800V electrical architecture making it a family car class leader. It’s now joined by the sleek Ioniq 6, a streamlined saloon that delivers an impressive promise to rack-up 382 miles on a charge.
Under the skin its uses the same E-GMP platform and 77.4kWh battery as the 5, but that aerodynamic shape allows it to travel 67 miles further on a full battery. It’s smooth and precise to drive, while the ability to charge at up to 350kW means 10 to 80 percent battery capacity can be achieved in as little as 18 minutes.
*5. BMW i7*
The jury is still out on BMW’s latest design language, but there’s no denying its first attempt at an electrically-powered luxury limousine is a strongly qualified success. Lurking behind the imposing grille of the new 7 Series is a choice of ICE or EV drivetrains. Known as the i7, the latter gets a pair of motors to deliver 536bhp in the xDrive60 and a heady 651bhp in i7 the M70. On the move, even the lower powered model is quick, combining effortless performance with top notch refinement.
Like previous 7 Series models, the i7 also blends sumptuous comfort with just enough dynamism to keep the driver entertained. And with a 105kWh battery it claims up to 387 miles on a charge, although we struggled to achieve more than 300 miles in real world use.
*4. Mercedes EQE*
At a glance it would be easy to confuse the EQE saloon with the larger EQS sibling . You can blame the need to deliver exceptionally slippery aerodynamics for the similarities, although the smaller car’s 0.22Cd figure isn’t as impressive as the 0.20 delivered by its big brother. Still, the EQE remains a long legged choice, with the single motor 350+ version claiming 394 miles from its hefty 100kWh battery. In other respects, this electric executive saloon is a bit of a mixed bag.
It’s interior is packed with cutting edge kit, including the brand’s excellent MBUX infotainment, but it’s a little cramped compared to the competition and there are some question marks over the quality if the finish. More concerningly, while the EQE is brisk, comfortable and refined, it’s also rather a sterile choice that lacks the usual Mercedes charm and character.
*3. 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.
*2. 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.
*1. Lucid Air*
The EV revolution has allowed a number of ambitious start-ups to challenge the establishment - and the Lucid Air is one of the boldest yet. Engineered by the man behind the Tesla Model S, the American machine is an executive saloon that aims to set new standards, not least for range. With a generous 118kWh battery and streamlined aerodynamics the Air promises a relaxing 520 miles between charges, while a maximum charging rate of more than 300kW means you could wait only 15 minutes for the battery to replenished from 10 to 80%. Other eye-catching numbers include the Dream Editions 1096bhp power output and a 0-60mph sprint of just 2.4 seconds.
*Electric cars with the longest range*
*Mercedes EQS SUV* - 365 miles
*Tesla Model 3* - 374 miles
*Ford Mustang Mach-E* - 379 miles
*BMW iX *- 380 miles
*Hyundai Ioniq 6 *- 382 miles
*BMW i7 *- 388 miles
*Mercedes EQE* - 394 miles
*Tesla Model S* - 405 miles
*Mercedes EQS *- 453 miles
*Lucid Air *- 520 miles