Which electric cars have the longest range?

Thanks to advances in technology, range anxiety is a thing of the past for electric car drivers. Today, long-range EVs allow you to go significant distances on a single charge, fueling adventures without contributing to environmental damage via exhaust emissions. 

Whether you’re planning long road trips or simply seeking extended daily commutes, knowing which electric cars excel in range can help you make an informed decision in buying or selling your vehicle.

• Longest range electric cars – 2024
• Additional electric cars with impressive ranges
• Factors influencing EV range
• Enhancing EV range: challenges and potential solutions
• Comparative Analysis of Long-Range Electric Cars
• FAQs
• Ready to sell your car?

Longest range electric cars – 2024

With changes in consumer preferences and tightening emissions regulations, automotive manufacturers are investing significant resources in electric vehicles. New technology is helping EVs go further than ever before when fully charged. Explore the top ten EVs with the most mileage that are available in the UK today: 

1. Mercedes EQS (452 miles) – Mercedes’s EV version on its S-class executive limousine (saloon) model, the ESQ is the longest-range EV currently available on the UK market. The vehicle’s 107.8kWh battery pack and low drag coefficient help drivers go much further with each and every charge. The ESQ can achieve up to 80% charge in just 31 minutes at fast-charging stations, but does come at an expensive price tag. 

2. Polestar 2 (406 miles) – Swedish electric car manufacturer Polestar is pushing the EV industry forward in a big way. The Polestar 2 can cover over 400 miles before it runs out of charge – impressive. Even better, the Long Range Single Motor version of the Polestar 2 is nearly half the price of the Tesla Model S, making it both an economically and environmentally friendly choice. 

3. Tesla Model S (394 miles) – Tesla’s Model S earns an impressive number of miles per charge. The original Model S cemented Tesla’s place in the used car market, and its latest iteration keeps drivers on the road for longer. The brand also boasts the largest and most powerful charging network in the world, meaning that drivers will spend even less time plugged in. One caveat: this model is still available in left hand driving only. 

4. Tesla Model 3 (391 miles) – Available in the UK since 2019, Tesla’s Model 3 is the brand’s cheapest EV. The latest version of the Model 3 purports to have a range of 391 miles – a nearly 20 mile increase from its previous model. Like the Model S, this option includes many of Tesla’s signature technology, including a 15.4-inch touchscreen, acoustic glass, sound-deadening materials, and the ability to go from 0-60 in under 4 seconds. 

5. BMW i7 (387 miles) – BMW’s i Series of fully electric vehicles all provide extensive mileage on just one charge, but also come with the German manufacturer’s higher price tag. From this range, the BMW i7 is the first all-electric model of the brand’s executive limousine. The i7 features a huge 101.7kWh battery that’s been cleverly designed to not intrude into the cabin. The car also offers a near-silent driving experience and high-quality materials. 

6. Volkswagen iD7 (386 miles) – The iD7 is Volkswagen’s first all-electric saloon. With VW’s famously sleek design, the iD7 keeps you on the road for longer with its larger-than-average 77kWh battery and fast charging capabilities. VW is also planning to launch a version with an even larger battery later this year; this will bring the iD7’s range up to approximately 430 miles on one charge. 

7. BMW iX (382 miles) – Also part of BMW’s i Series, the BMW iX is the brand’s flagship electric SUV. While not everyone is a fan of the car’s styling, it’s dual-motor setup provides all-wheel drive and its iDrive system offers one of the most advanced infotainment systems on the market. 

8. Mercedes AMG EQE (380 miles) – This premium EQE saloon car provides excellent performance on motorways and city streets alike. Its charging capabilities are lightning fast: giving up to 80% battery power in just half an hour.  

9. Polestar 3 (379 miles) – Polestar 3 is the Scandinavian manufacturer’s first SUV. Designed as a premium SUV, the Polestar 3 features a variety of luxuries, from a panoramic glass roof to a 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins stereo system. Models are expected to start rolling out this summer. 

10. Renault Scenic E-Tech (379 miles) – Renault’s Scenic SUV has been on the market for over 20 years, but has been reborn as all-electric with the E-Tech. The Scenic is one of the more budget-friendly electric SUVs on the market, but that doesn’t mean it’s short on features. Think diamond cut alloy wheels, LED exterior lighting, smartphone connectivity and more. 

Additional electric cars with impressive ranges

While the ten vehicles above currently offer the best electric range, the market for EVs is exploding and UK drivers aren’t short on options. Here are just a few other EVs making waves: 

🚘 Hyundai Ioniq 5 – Hyundai has been at the forefront of producing electric vehicles. Part of its Ioniq-badged car range, the Ioniq 5 is a great family car. Spacious and with impressive charging abilities, this hatchback features the Korean manufacturer’s next-level EV technology and can go up to 315 miles on a single charge with its larger battery option. Auto Express named the Ioniq 5 its Car of the Year when it debuted in 2021, and the EV continues to offer comfort, practicality, and the latest technology today. 

🚘 Porsche Taycan – Coming at a premium price, the Porsche Taycan delivers the luxury driving experience that we’ve come to associate with the automaker. This four-door boasts the brand’s top-tier performance and agility and is available in three different body shapes, as well as a variety of powertrain options. With the larger battery option, the car’s estimated electric range can reach up to 300 miles. 

🚘 Fiat 500 – This competitively priced, low-running-cost EV is one of the best electric city cars on the market. Featuring compact dimensions, a tight turning circle, and a stated range of 199 miles, the Fiat 500 is great for around town use. You may even get some compliments thanks to the Fiat’s signature Italian design. While some drivers note the small rear seats and boot, the wallet-friendly starting price of the 500 (less than £20,000) is great consolation.  

🚘 Kia Soul EV – Kia revamped its popular electric Soul SUV earlier this year. You can now get the small SUV with a memorable boxy design in an entry-level model priced below £33,000. A new addition to the Soul lineup, the Soul EV Urban is an all-electric version of a runabout car and offers enough space for four adults to comfortably travel. The Soul family’s range typically sits under 175 miles on one charge, with the exception of the Soul EV Explore, which has an exciting 280 mile range due to its larger battery. 

Factors influencing EV range

Battery technology advancements

Continuous advancements in battery technology are helping put range anxiety in the rearview mirror. Innovations such as higher energy density cells, improved electrode materials, and enhanced thermal management systems all contribute to increased battery capacity and efficiency. 

Additionally, developments in charging infrastructure and battery management systems are also enhancing EVs’ overall range and charging capabilities, allowing electric cars to travel longer distances on a single charge. Drivers can now power their electric batteries from the comfort of their homes, at public charging points, or even along the motorway. As we head closer to the 2035 electric switchover, the UK is also investing in more charging points on major motorways.

Aerodynamics

Efficient aerodynamics significantly impact the range of electric cars by reducing air resistance. Streamlined body designs, sleek contours, and optimised airflow management help minimise drag forces, allowing electric vehicles to travel further on the same amount of energy. 

Additionally, lightweight materials, regenerative braking systems, and energy-efficient components further enhance vehicle efficiency, contributing to extended range and overall performance.

Charging habits

The lithium-ion batteries that power EVs are designed to have long lifespans. However, contrary to popular belief, always charging your battery to 100% can actually reduce its overall lifespan.

Instead, experts advise maintaining a battery with between 20% and 80% power to prolong both its life and optimise performance. Deep discharges, or frequently driving with close to 0% power, can also damage battery health.

Driving style

Are you an extremely fast driver? Do you frequently hit the breaks and make sudden starts or stops? These habits could drain your battery more quickly than driving in a moderate, tempered way as drastic changes in speed may require additional battery power to move your vehicle. 

Enhancing EV range: challenges and possible solutions

Addressing range anxiety

It’s a common fear among EV drivers: running out of battery power before reaching your destination or charging point. To mitigate this concern, manufacturers are implementing various solutions. Improved battery technology, such as higher energy density cells and enhanced thermal management systems, extends the range of EVs, providing drivers with greater confidence in their ability to reach their destinations. 

Advancements in navigation systems and smartphone apps also provide real-time information on charging station locations and availability. This technology reduces stress and helps drivers plan routes more effectively.

Finally, automakers and governments alike are investing in building better, faster, and more common charging systems across the country. 

Fast-charging infrastructure

Fast-charging EV infrastructure enhances the practicality and convenience of electric vehicles. To address the infrequency of charging systems across the UK, significant investments are being made to expand and improve fast charging networks. 

High-powered charging stations, capable of delivering rapid charging speeds, are being deployed along major highways and in urban areas, reducing charging times and increasing the accessibility of EVs for long-distance travel. 

Collaborations between automakers, governments, and charging infrastructure providers aim to standardise charging protocols and improve interoperability, ensuring seamless charging experiences for all EV drivers. These developments are aiding the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.

Comparing long-range electric cars

Make no mistake: not all EVs on the market are the same! We break down the performance of just a few of the popular EVs available in the UK below:  

Electric car model	Battery capacity (kWh)	Acceleration (0-60 mph)	Charging time (for a fast charge)	Additional features
Tesla Model S	100 to 120	2.3 to 3.1 seconds	15 to 30 minutes	– Autopilot – Over-the-air updates
Audi e-tron GT	83 to 93	3.1 to 4.1 seconds	20 to 30 minutes	– Virtual cockpit – Audi MMI infotainment system
Porsche Taycan	79.2 to 105	2.4 to 3.0 seconds	20 to 30 minutes	– Porsche Communication Management (PCM)
Rivian R1T	105 to 135	3.5 to 4.5 seconds	40 to 45 minutes	– Gear tunnel – Camp kitchen

FAQs

Which UK electric car has the longest-range?

As of April 2024, the Mercedes EQS 450+ AMG line boasts the longest range of EVs available in the UK. The German manufacturer claims that this vehicle can go up to 441 miles on one charge when in its most efficient configuration.

Is there a 600 mile range electric car?

In prototype, yes! While there are no electric vehicles with 600 mile ranges currently on the market, Toyota recently announced a new cutting-edge technology that will allow cars to go over 600 miles on a single charge. Toyota’s solid-state lithium-ion batteries are expected to drastically increase driving range, as well as charging time. EVs with this technology are set to enter the British market over the next five years. 

Other automakers are also investing in EVs, so expect more news on this front in the near future.  

What is considered a good range for an EV?

EVs range has been steadily increasing with advancements in battery technology. Today, a good range for an electric vehicle means clocking over 200 miles (about 320 kilometres) on a single charge. Some premium electric vehicles or those with larger battery packs may offer ranges exceeding 400 miles (640 kilometres) on a single charge, while more affordable models or those with smaller battery packs hover closer to 200 miles per charge.

EV ranges vary depending on factors such as the vehicle’s size, battery capacity, driving conditions, and driving habits. For example, frequent stops and starts can decrease how far you can go on a single charge. 

You can also think about range based on your own driving routine. If a longer commute is typical for you, a good range would be one that covers this commute three times over.   

As EV technology is rapidly changing, we expect to see vehicles with even greater ranges in the future. 

Ready to sell your car?

Ready to learn more about valuing, maintaining, and selling your car? Check out more of our guides here, covering everything from hybrid and electric car depreciation, to converting your car to dual-LPG fuel.

• Sell my car
• Track your car value 
• Electric cars – the ultimate guide
• How to sell an electric car
• How long does it take to charge an electric car?
• How & where to charge your electric car at home and on the road
• Electric car depreciation – comprehensive guide
• Do electric cars pay the congestion charge?
• Do electric cars lose charge when parked?