So you’re weighing up the switch to an all-electric vehicle but you’re feeling a little range anxiety. That’s understandable. Fully electric cars are still relatively new in the market, and take considerably longer to recharge mid-journey than filling up a petrol or diesel car at the pumps. If you’re thinking of doing a lot of medium-to-long distance driving, it would make sense that range might be a big factor for you.
The great news is that EV battery capacity has come a long way in recent years, and there are now vehicles on the market that can do a considerable distance before needing a top-up.
Below, we’ll detail the best electric cars for range. But first, we’ll answer a common question that will impact the way you see those battery ranges..
When should I charge my electric car?
For starters, you should always charge your EV to 100% overnight. It’s typically the slowest but least expensive way to top up, and sets you up for the day ahead. Of course, if you’re taking a long journey like a holiday or business trip, you might want to get the absolute most from your at-home charge.
One thing to bear in mind is that you should ideally keep your EV’s battery between 20-80% during daily use. On the lower end, letting it dip below 20% regularly can adversely affect the capacity. On the upper side, rapid charging past 80% when you’re out and about isn’t advisable as chargers actually slow down after 80% to encourage drivers not to hog limited charging spaces.
Top five longest-range electric cars in 2022
The following are the five electric cars with the best range on the market as of August 2022.
1. Mercedes EQS (485 miles)
Image credit: Mercedes Benz UK
The answer to the commonly-Googled question “Which electric car gives longest range?” is by far and away the Mercedes EQS. The electric version of Mercedes’ S-Class saloon boasts an enormous 107.8kWh battery and very little drag coefficient, which all contributes to it being at the very top of the five top EV’s for range.
Being a Mercedes, it’s also luxurious inside, with plush seating and an infotainment display that covers the majority of the dashboard.
The other side of that is the price. Starting at £101,300 to buy, the EQS’s status as the electric car that gives the longest range also affects its affordability compared to smaller capacity cars like the 239-mile, sub-£29,000 Nissan Leaf.
Leasing terms for the EQS are competitive for its class, but ultimately reflect the vehicle’s purchase price. So whether it’s worth that for you will depend on just how many long-distance journeys you need to do. Still, with 388 miles from a full charge before you hit 20% capacity and need to recharge, you’re highly unlikely to be caught running out of power miles from the nearest charge point.
2. Mercedes EQE (410 miles)
Image credit: Mercedes Benz UK
Second on our list of the best electric cars for range is another Mercedes.
Where the EQS is the equivalent of the S-Class, the Mercedes EQE is the brand’s electric equivalent of the E-Class. The ‘one-bow design’ gives it a coupè-like shoulder line that’s easy on the eye, and inside there’s a very literal digital cockpit with ambient lighting that feels instantly cutting-edge – just what you want from an electric vehicle.
The battery, at 90kWh is smaller than the EQS’s, but still on the larger side for a widely-available EV, and can rapid charge from 10-80% using a public 110kW charger in around 32 minutes – barely the time of a motorway fast food pit stop.
All of which contributes to a total mileage of up to 410 miles to empty, or 328 miles before you hit 20%. An EQE will set you back from £73,450 to buy, with leasing terms of course reflect the value of the vehicle spec you go for. So if you’re looking for a vehicle that’s a little less costly than the EQS and can do well over 300 miles before you need to think about charging, this could be the one for you.
3. Tesla Model S (405 miles)
Image credit: Tesla.com
Alternatively, the hugely popular Tesla Model S might be more up your street. Third on our list of electric cars with the best range, it boasts a battery capacity just five miles short of the EQE but has the benefit of being compatible with Tesla’s ultra-speedy public supercharger network – offering up to 200 miles of charge in just 15 minutes.
The Model S is also a pleasure to drive, boasting a 0-60mph speed of 1,99 seconds, 1,020 horsepower and a 17” touchscreen designed for gaming, movies and other entertainment – making it amazing for taking the whole family away on long-drive holidays.
That incredibly advanced tech is reflected in the price, however, with the base model starting at £94,000 to buy, and business leasing terms that reflect that price point.
Still, there’s something special about driving a Tesla. It’s the brand synonymous with electric vehicles, and many avid early adopters of EV tech simply wouldn’t want to be seen driving anything else.
4. BMW iX (380 miles)
Image credit: BMW UK
The fourth of our electric cars with the best range is not really a car at all per se – it’s an SUV. And what an SUV it is!
At almost five metres long, the BMW iX is easily comparable to other SUVs on the market, but of course boasts one big difference: it’s powered entirely by electricity, with quite a whopping range considering the sheer size of the vehicle.
Navigating to BMW’s iX page is a little confusing as range goes, however, suggesting that it’ll do up to 257 miles and set you back £77,305 to purchase.
Dig a little deeper however and you’ll find you can configure the iX into the xDrive50 M Sport, with a full range of 380 miles (or 304 before it needs at charge at 20%). That’s likely to cost over £90,000, however – so as always, there’s that trade-off to be had between cost and range, which again is reflected in the leasing terms we’re able to offer.
5. Ford Mustang Mach-E (379 miles)
Image credit: Ford UK
Just one mile short of the BMW iX is another family SUV and the last of our five top EV’s for range, the Ford Mustang Mach-E.
It may be last on the list here based on range, but the Mustang Mach-E would actually be top of the five if we were ranking on affordability. That’s because some of the 379-mile capable configurations begin at a promotional price of around £56,000 – a considerable drop from the other high-range SUV the BMW iX, and almost half the cost of the Mercedes EQS.
That setup includes an 88kWh battery and rear-wheel drive, and all editions include premium interior with a 15.5” touchscreen and niceties like a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, climate control and even a rear-view camera for easier parking.
It may be fifth on our list of electric cars with the best range, but the Ford Mustang Mach-E comes first if you’re looking to lease an EV with excellent range and equally brilliant value on your contract terms.
Want to know more about electric vehicles?
If you’re thinking hard about switching to an EV and have more questions, we’d be delighted to answer them. We can tell you all about battery life, charge times, and how leasing terms stack up against the RRP of electric vehicles.
To find out more, read the related posts below or contact our expert team today.
