Top 10 EVs with the longest range

Arguably no new electric car has caused quite such a stir as the VW ID3. While the Nissan Leaf beat it to the punch as the first mainstream family EV, the VW is arguably the more important machine. Designed from the ground up to be battery-powered from the start, the rear-engined ID3 is a true clean-sheet exercise. It’s a good effort to, the minimalist interior proving bright and airy, while the driving experience is composed and unfussed. Factor in the higher capacity 82kWh battery and you can add a 340 miles range to the list of positives.

8. Polestar 2

Bankrolled by Chinese giant Geely and designed with Volvo knowhow, the Polestar 2 is an impressive first effort from the Swedish EV pioneer. Mixing rugged SUV styling cues with a dash of eau de coupe, the 2 is also great to drive. Range topping versions feature twin electric motors for 402bhp and 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds, while its 78kWh battery allows for a 292 mile range. Using the same powerful cells, the 228bhp front-wheel drive Long Range Single Motor model will stretch its energy to a WLTP-approved 335 miles.

7 Tesla Model X

With its large 100kWh battery it’s hardly surprising the distinctive gull-winged Model X can go further than most between charges - that and the fact it’s badged a Long Range Plus. In fact, given the vast size of the cells and the name, you might say the claimed 348 miles between charges is actually a bit of a disappointment. And then you realise the Model X is four-wheel drive, can carry seven adults and can sprint to 62mph in 4.4 seconds. Pay a little more and sacrifice 8 miles of range, and the Performance version will demolish the acceleration benchmark in 2.6 seconds.

6 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 360 miles on a single charge.

5. BMW i4

BMW’s answer to the Tesla Model 3 has its rival beaten for range, albeit by the smallest margins. Thanks to its slippery shape and 80.7kWh battery, the entry level 335bhp eDrive40 model claims that you can travel up to 365 miles between charges. Better still, it’s capable of charging at up to 200kW, meaning that you can potentially add 62 miles of range in just four minutes. Loosely based on the 4 Series Gran Coupe, the addition of the large lithium ion battery lifts the kerbweight to 2605kg, but the i4 will still crack 62mph from standstill in 5.9 seconds and feels remarkably agile and engaging to drive.

4. 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.

3. 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.

2. 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.

1. Mercedes EQS