Longest range electric cars

March 16, 2021 by

Rollback just a few years to when electric cars were still something of a novelty, and it would’ve been enough for a manufacturer to introduce something with 150 miles of range to stand out.

Technology moves quickly though, and the distance EVs can cover today has come on staggering amounts in a short time — and can often be the difference between which electric car you fancy choosing. Looking for something to go the distance? Here is every electric car on sale in the UK today, ranked by range.

1. Tesla Model S – 379 miles

It’s no surprise the Tesla Model S tops this list, really. It’s continuously set benchmarks for electric cars and the latest version is no exception. Opt for the Long Range battery version and Tesla says it’ll do 379 miles between charges — and if that isn’t enough for you, you’ll be able to access its rapid-charging Supercharger network to quickly get the miles back in the battery on cross-country trips.

2. Ford Mustang Mach E – 379 miles

Matching the Model S for electric range is… a Mustang? As you’ve probably figured, the Ford Mustang Mach E isn’t the V8 muscle car you’d normally associate the name with. Rather, this sophisticated all-electric SUV will carry you quite a distance between charges. If you still want muscle car performance though, hang on for a twin-motor version with an expected 465hp.

3. Tesla Model 3 – 360 miles

The Tesla Model 3 may be the entry-point to the American manufacturer’s range, but it’s every bit as good as its more expensive options. Go for the Long Range version of the car and you can expect as much as 360 miles between charges. Just like the Model S too, you can hook up to Tesla’s Supercharger network on your trips.

4. Volkswagen ID3 – 340 miles

Though the ID3 isn’t Volkswagen’s first electric car, it was the first it had designed from the ground-up to be exclusively battery-powered too. It’s been an instant hit as well, with its impressive electric range no doubt playing a part in that. Go for the 77kWh battery option and you’ll get 340 miles between charges from a rather spacious and well-equipped car.

5. Tesla Model X, 314 miles

Oh, look, another Tesla. The Model X is in a class of its own when it comes to seven-seat electric SUVs, packing an impressive 314 mile claimed range. It’s loaded to the brim with technology too, including Tesla’s self-driving Autopilot setup and a huge touchscreen — though the latter is a bit fiddly to use on the move. You do also get access to the Supercharger charging network, as well.

6. Tesla Model Y, 314 miles

Last but not least of the Tesla range is the Model Y. It’s effectively an SUV version of the Model 3, using the same mechanical bits albeit with a more spacious boot and interior. The range does drop to 314 miles as a result of the extra weight and size, but you still get the cool elements of the Model 3 like the huge touchscreen and minimalist dashboard of the Model 3.

7. Volkswagen ID4, 310 miles

The Volkswagen ID4 uses the same electrical gubbins as the ID3, although its larger body does mean range isn’t quite as good as the hatchback. Still, this SUV can manage an impressive 310 miles between stops and offers more space than the ID3 — so it might be a better option for families. There is only one battery option at the moment though, so if you want to sacrifice range in favour of a cheaper car, you’ll have to hang on a bit.

8. Nissan Ariya, 310 miles

The Nissan Ariya isn’t quite on sale yet, but it will match its key alternative in the Volkswagen ID4 for range when it does reach showrooms later this year. It’s about the size of a Qashqai and comes packed with some self-driving features, allowing the car to brake and steer itself on motorways when using its adaptive cruise control. There’s even a mode to drive it with just one pedal, like on the Nissan Leaf. This uses regenerative braking to slow the car down when you lift off the throttle.

9. Cupra Born, 310 miles

Seat spin-off Cupra’s first all-electric car is soon to arrive on the market too. It’s a hot hatch based on the Volkswagen ID3, favouring performance over range. That means it dips comparatively to 310 miles, though do expect it to feel racier to drive than the ID3 — albeit Cupra is keeping its lips tight on performance stats for the time being.

10. Hyundai Kona Electric, 300 miles

Coming in at the bottom of the top 10 is the Hyundai Kona Electric — an impressive placing considering it’s been on sale since 2018. It’s been given a refresh recently which brings a smarter look, a plusher cabin and a bit more technology too. Opt for the range-topping 64kWh battery, and it’ll manage 300 miles between charges.

11. Audi e-tron GT – 298

It may look like a concept car, but the e-tron is a road-ready all-electric saloon that packs an impressive 298 miles of range from a 93kWh battery. It has a decent amount of performance to back it up as well, producing 530hp if you stick it in boost mode. Still not enough? Well, there’s an RS version, though we’ll get to that…

12. Polestar 2 – 292

The Polestar 2 is the Volvo spin-off’s second car (explains the name), and its first all-electric option. It doesn’t quite rival the Tesla Model 3 for sheer range, coming in at 292, but its an impressive car in its own right. It looks fantastic and is great to drive — though marginally less so than the Model 3.

13. Jaguar I-Pace – 292

It’s a little mad to think the Jaguar I-Pace has been around since 2017, as it still looks as futuristic as anything else on the road. Those looks are backed up by an impressive 292 miles of electric range, plus a fantastic interior. That said, it is a little bit pricey compared with other electric SUVs.

14. Hyundai Ioniq 5 – 290

Later this year, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 will arrive in showrooms and there’s a lot to like about it. The Volkswagen ID3 alternative offers a respectable 290 miles of range as well as a concept car-like interior, and an exceptional modern take on a retro-inspired design. It’s one to look forward to, for sure.

15. Audi RS e-tron GT – 283

Told you we’d get to it. So the RS e-tron GT builds on the excellent e-tron, but ups the ante with a whopping 646hp in boost mode. Exciting, right? Range is a bit down on the standard car at 283 but the tradeoff is a sleek-looking saloon that’ll rip your face off under acceleration.

Every EV ranked by range…

These 10 are the current kings of sheer range, but there’s plenty of other electric vehicles out there to choose from — and plenty will keep your use of the public infrastructure and any range anxiety minimal. Here is a list of every electric car on sale today, ranked by range.

Tesla Model S 379
Ford Mustang Mach E 379
Tesla Model 3 360
VW ID3 340
Tesla Model X 314
Tesla Model Y 314
VW ID4 310
Nissan Ariya 310
Cupra Born 310
Hyundai Kona Electric 300
Audi e-tron GT 298
Polestar 2 292
Jaguar I-Pace 292
Hyundai Ioniq 5 290
Audi RS e-tron GT 283
Kia e-Niro 282
Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo 280
Porsche Taycan 280
Kia Soul EV 280
BMW iX3 279
Mercedes EQA 265
Skoda Enyaq iV 256
Mercedes EQC 255
Audi e-tron 249
Renault Zoe 245
Audi e-tron Sportback 241
Nissan Leaf 239
Peugeot e-208 217
Citroen e-C4 217
MG5 EV 214
Mercedes EQV 213
Vauxhall Corsa-e 209
Volvo XC40 Recharge 208
Peugeot e-2008 206
Vauxhall Mokka-e 201
DS 3 Crossback E-Tense 200
Fiat 500 199
Lexus UX 300e 196
Hyundai Ioniq Electric 193
e-NV200 Combi 187
BMW i3 175
MG ZS EV 163
Volkswagen e-Up 162
Seat Mii Electric 160
Peugeot e-Traveller 148
Mini Electric 145
Vauxhall Vivaro-e Life 143
Citroen e-Spacetourer 143
Honda E 137
Mazda MX-30 124
Smart EQ Fortwo 80
Smart EQ Forfour 77
Renault Twizy 62