Mercedes EQS hatchback review
10 longest-range electric cars
The latest electric cars can travel further than ever before – here are the 10 with the longest range
There has never been a better time to own an electric car; the charging network in the UK is expanding, charging times are falling and the cars themselves are often just as good to drive – if not better – than their combustion-engined counterparts. But there’s an overhanging concern that weighs on the mind of many potential EV customers – range.
Coined ‘range anxiety’, it’s a reasonable concern to have. Running out of charge mid-journey could leave you stranded – you can’t exactly grab a jerry can of electricity and head back on the road. That being said, the electric cars of today can travel further than ever before. Manufacturers are locked in a battery-powered arms race, offering models with ever-increasing ranges to win over even the most sceptical of customers.
We’ve compiled a list of the electric cars with the longest ranges on sale today. As expected, most have very large batteries, bringing with them an equally large price tag, but there are still a few family cars that sneak into the top 10. We’ve provided the official WLTP range figure for each model to provide a fair comparison, but be warned, you’re unlikely to achieve this quoted range in real-world driving conditions, particularly not in wintry weather.
The longest-range electric cars
Here are the longest-range electric cars currently on sale in the UK. If electric-only power isn’t for you, we also have a list of the best plug-in hybrid cars on sale.
Range: up to 441 miles
The flagship of the Mercedes electrified line-up, the EQS is a luxury limousine that can chauffeur passengers across the entire country and back on a single charge. The mid-range 450+ rear-wheel-drive model has 441 miles of range, achieved using its 107.8kWh battery and super-slippery aerodynamic bodywork.
Taking a step inside, the EQS stands on the leading edge of in-car technology. The 1.4-metre wide ‘Hyperscreen’ infotainment system is the best in the business and steals the infotainment crown from Tesla. With an opulent interior befitting the car’s hefty price, the EQS sits at the pinnacle of the electric car world, in terms of both luxury and range.
Range: up to 440 miles
Missing out on the top spot by a single mile, the Fisker Ocean is a newcomer to the electric car scene and is here to grab headlines with its 440-mile range. With bundles of clever tech and innovative features wrapped up in a family SUV body, the Ocean serves as a stylish alternative to the Tesla Model Y and BMW iX3. Starting from just £37,000, the Ocean comfortably undercuts both of those models, too, although you’ll have to step up to the £51k Ultra trim level for that class-leading range figure.
Inside the Ocean, there’s plenty of space for five passengers and their luggage. A 17.1-inch infotainment screen ticks the tech box, and there are lots of small features – such as the airline-style fold-out table – that add up to create a pleasant and practical cabin. A ‘California Mode’ drops all the windows with the press of a button, while the roof is one giant solar panel – both fun to show off, but we’re not sure how useful they’ll prove in our weather.
The Ocean is both clever and quirky, with innovative interior features to help it stand apart from other electric family SUVs. A 440-mile range only adds to the appeal.
Range: up to 406 miles
One of the first electric cars to give Tesla something to worry about, the Polestar 2 is just as compelling a family today as it was when it launched in 2020. There have been various upgrades and changes to the lineup in that time, with the Long Range Single Motor model achieving a claimed range of up to 406 miles.
The Polestar 2 uses a practical five-seat, five-door hatchback layout, cocooning its passengers in a sturdy and well-equipped interior. A Tesla Model 3 has more space in the rear seats, but the Polestar makes up for that with a bigger, more usable boot. When you’re not busy shuttling the kids to school, the Polestar 2 is great fun to throw along a twisty road, too, with excellent body control and plenty of EV performance.
It’s let down slightly by a firm ride, made even worse if you opt for the Performance Pack. We’d recommend sticking to the entry-level model – its 339-mile range is plenty for most drivers – but the 406-mile model is there for those who like the sound of travelling from London to Edinburgh on a single charge.
Range: up to 390 miles
The Tesla Model 3 was a revolutionary electric car when it first launched, as one of the first relatively affordable EVs to boast a substantial range. The Model 3 still offers excellent value for money, with even base models having a range of over 300 miles. For travelling the furthest distance on a single charge, you’ll want to opt for the Long Range model with its impressive 390-mile range. This model brings sports car performance, too, with 0-62mph dispatched in 4.2 seconds.
On the inside, the Model 3 is minimalist with very few physical buttons. A giant tablet-style screen dominates the centre of the dashboard and controls most of the car’s functions. Those who prefer a more traditional interior may not be a fan of the Model 3’s lack of a separate driver’s display – the car’s speed is shown via the central screen. Plus the Model 3’s material quality does lag behind some rivals’.
Range: up to 387 miles
BMW’s range-topping 7 Series limousine is now available in fully-electric i7 form and boasts as much range as it does cutting-edge tech. Equipped with a huge 101.7kWh battery, BMW claims the i7 will travel 387 miles before needing to be plugged in and will charge at lightning-fast speeds of up to 195kW, meaning a 10-80% top-up will take just 34 minutes.
Arguably the most technologically advanced car on sale, the BMW i7 boasts more screens than a branch of Currys. Aside from the touchscreens mounted on the door panels and the illuminated dashboard trim, perhaps the most impressive element of the i7’s cabin is the expansive 31-inch Theatre Screen that drops down from the ceiling. While this will set buyers back an eye-watering £4,000 extra, it’s perhaps the most opulent way to watch Carbuyer’s latest video reviews.
Range: up to 382 miles
While the BMW iX certainly evokes controversy with its styling, there is no debate over this SUV’s impressive range figures. The range-topping xDrive50 model can manage up to 382 miles on a single charge from its 105.2kWh battery and 516bhp electric motor. Despite being a large SUV, the iX is still a true BMW in that it’s fun to drive; acceleration is brutal and it seems to shed its 2.5-tonne weight in the corners.
The iX is rather expensive, however, with prices starting at around £70,000 and rising to more than £96,000 for the long-range xDrive50 model. But, it is a large vehicle and has plenty of passenger and cargo space for anything you may need to carry, with adjustable air suspension to try and counterbalance the unusually high boot floor.
Range: up to 380 miles
We haven’t put the same car on here twice; the Mercedes EQE may look very similar to the EQS – and it even sits on the same platform – but it’s slightly smaller and much less expensive. You can consider it an electric version of the popular petrol, diesel and hybrid-powered E-Class – though the EQE is not as practical as its stablemate.
It’s the entry-level EQE 300 Sport Edition model that achieves the longest range of the lineup, with the sportiest AMG models sacrificing 100 miles for improved performance. But it’s important to pay attention to the size of the wheels, as the headline 380-mile figure is only applicable to the EQE 300 fitted with 19-inch alloys. The EQE can charge at up to 170kW, and a slightly less powerful charger will top up the battery to 80% in around half an hour.
Range: up to 379 miles
It’s pleasing to see a car as family-focused as the Renault Scenic on this list, offering more range than many far more premium and expensive EVs. It’s roomy, well-equipped and, with a whopping 379-mile range, it gives family-car buyers little reason to pick something petrol-powered instead.
The latest Scenic may have abandoned its MPV proportions from many years ago, but the new, trendy SUV looks add a welcome helping of style without sacrificing practicality. There’s room for five passengers plus all their kit, and the soft suspension will keep everyone comfortable over the worst of our pothole-ridden roads.
Unlike many EVs, some of which weigh close to three tonnes, the Scenic tips the scales at a relatively featherweight 1,800kg. All areas of the driving experience benefit as a result, from the balanced handling, to the respectable performance from its 217bhp electric motor. The lack of weight is partly why the Scenic can achieve such an impressive range figure, too.
Range: up to 373 miles
Unlike the Scenic, the Lotus Eletre achieves its range figure through brute force rather than lack of weight, something you wouldn’t expect from the manufacturer once famed for its dainty sports cars. Its 112kWh battery is one of the largest on this list, powering over 2.5 tonnes of Eletre for up to 373 miles. Despite the big battery, a 10-80% recharge can take as little as 20 minutes using a 350kW rapid charger.
As expected from any vehicle with a Lotus badge, performance is the Eletre’s strong suit. Even the base model with the headline range figure has 595bhp, enough to launch the SUV to 62mph in 4.5 seconds. The top-spec R model has near-on 900bhp – more than enough to outperform most petrol-powered performance SUVs. Of course, without a giant V8 engine under the bonnet, the Eletre is quiet and smooth, too. The cabin feels just as posh as anything from Germany – but then it needs to for £90,000.
Range: up to 372 miles
The Ford Mustang Mach-E isn’t as new as some of the models on this list, but its range is still better than many family car rivals. Ford gave its first fully electric car the hallowed Mustang name in an effort to take on Tesla and, in many respects, they succeeded. Its 372-mile range trumps the 331 miles found in Tesla’s offering, the Model Y. Plus, a more engaging drive and the presence of a separate instrument cluster grants merit over the Model Y too.
From a glance, it is clear that the Mach-E is not the V8 Mustang coupe that we are familiar with. Ford tried to imitate a sloping coupe-style roofline using a two-tone black roof, but the large boot and four opening doors are a dead giveaway. Yet, in its failings to accurately live up to the Mustang name, the Mach-E excels in being a great sporty, electric family SUV.
Not ready to go fully-electric? Read our top 10 list of the best plug-in hybrid cars…
Recommended
Porsche Macan Electric review – a sporty and upmarket electric SUV
Porsche Macan Electric review – a sporty and upmarket electric SUV
All-new Vauxhall Grandland SUV gets EV option with 435-mile range
All-new Vauxhall Grandland SUV gets EV option with 435-mile range
Hot car deal: all-electric Mazda MX-30 from just £199 per month
Hot car deal: all-electric Mazda MX-30 from just £199 per month
New Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer: EV flagship costs from £52k
New Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer: EV flagship costs from £52k
Most Popular
Engine management light: top 5 causes of amber engine warning light
Engine management light: top 5 causes of amber engine warning light
All-new Citroen C3 Aircross squeezes 7 seats into small SUV body
All-new Citroen C3 Aircross squeezes 7 seats into small SUV body
Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Tips & advice
PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
