For some buyers, the range that an electric car can deliver in between charges is still the number one consideration. An expanding rapid charging network and increasingly faster charging among mainstream electric cars is going some way to alleviate range anxiety for many, but for some it's still all about getting as far down the road as possible without needing to top-up - and it's easy to see why that convenience would be important.
The good news is that, when it comes to range and affordability, electric cars on sale today absolutely trounce those that were available even three years ago - and there's a decent spread of brands and bodystyles to choose from, too. Whether you want a seven-seater, executive tech showmanship or just decent range at a good price, there's a car for you. Read on for the Electrifying team's top 10 long-range electric cars.
The EQS is the largest electric Mercedes saloon, and right now it’s the longest range electric car on sale in the UK. Styled as an electric alternative to the brand’s S-Class limo, the swooping, aerodynamic shape stretches to 5.2-metres, while between the wheelbase is a huge 118kWh battery pack. The single-motor EQS 450+ can reach as far as 481 miles on a full charge, while 200kW rapid changing means an 80% top-up is possible in around half an hour. Up front, the incredible 'MBUX Hyperscreen' transforms the entire surface of the dashboard into one huge touchscreen. Even the entry-level EQS, which makes do with a mere 96kWh battery, will do 409 miles according to official WLTP figures. We'd estimate that you'll see around 400- to 450 miles from the bigger battery EQS, or 340- to 380 miles in the smaller battery model. Don't forget that you'll always see lower real-world range when the weather's cold, and when you're travelling at higher speeds - and that even goes for very aerodynamic and efficient electric cars like the Mercedes EQS.
Tesla’s Model 3had an update at the end of 2023 that boosted the Long Range AWD model's WLTP range up to 421 miles if you stick with the 18-inch alloy wheels (390 miles if you go for the more popular 19-inch wheels). Even the entry-level Tesla Model 3 Rear-wheel drive model has a handy 318 miles of range. It's the real genius of Teslas, that they're so efficient. Even in the depths of winter on a motorway run, the Long Range AWD should manage 330-ish miles between charges, while in warmer weather you’ll get close to the claimed WLTP range. Obviously, this is Tesla so you’ll also be able to charge quickly thanks to a rapid charging time of 250kW, which means you can top up from 10-80% in well under half an hour.
Mind you, I should probably warn you that the update at the end of 2023 did bring about some other changes, the most contentious being the lack of indicator stalks! I know, right? Instead you get a button on the steering wheel. So if this is a contender for you then check out our full review of the updated Model 3.
The Polestar 2 has shot to the top half of our list with its extensive mid-life facelift unlocking a huge amount of additional range from the relatively compact saloon-cum-crossover and Tesla Model 3 rival. A switch to a new electric motor system powering the rear axle, plus tweaked battery management means that the single-motor long-range version of the car now puts up an impressive 406 miles - though this version costs £48,950.
BMW’s new, all-electric i7 is certainly one of the most divisive looking electric cars on sale right now, but it’s also one of the best in terms of how far it will go on a full charge. 387 miles is BMW’s official claim, backed up by 195kW rapid charging capability that will replenish the 105kWh battery to 80% in around half an hour. A direct rival for the Mercedes EQS, it also rivals the Merc’s ‘Hyperscreen’ with a tech party piece of its own - a 31.3-inch cinema screen in the rear.
The Porsche Taycan has been on sale for some years, now, but it still sets a benchmark as the finest-handling electric car you can buy - and as of a heavy update in 2024, it's also one of the longest-range electric cars that you can buy. You will have to step up from the entry-level 89kWh battery to the 105kWh 'Performance Plus' battery to get that range, and that'll cost you from a minimum of £xx,xxx before you've even looked at the buffet of expensive and tempting options.
But it's still an incredible car (if not a cheap one) and you can go for the smaller battery and keep things basic on the options list for a more reasonable price and a very healthy WLTP range of 367 miles - which may be the more sensible option as the standard charging speed of 270kW makes this one of the fastest charging cars on sale, too, so stopping for a top-up on your route isn't going to take long. Plus, you can get it in the more practical fastback Cross Turismo and Sport Turismo body shapes, if you need the extra practicality. The Taycan remains a milestone electric car, and one of our absolute favourites. Well take a Taycan Cross Turismo, in Neptune Blue, with the 20-inch Turbo S Aero wheels and the Race-Tex interior... Thanks.
The Volkswagen ID.7 is Volkswagen's answer to the Mercedes EQS and EQE - a sleek, aerodynamic executive car that also has the benefit of a big, hatchback boot and seriously smart interior. More than that, go for the big 86kWh battery model and you get a WLTP range of 436 miles. You can also get the ID.7 with a smaller battery and a WLTP range of 381 miles, which is hardly shabby. And if you want the convenience of an estate, VW offers the ID.7 with a fastback-style estate ID.7, too.
The new Polestar 3 is a properly cushy, luxurious coupe-SUV that's brimming with tech and modern style pizzazz, and given the generous equipment it's even comparably well priced next to rivals like the Porsche Cayenne and BMW iX. The large SUV is the first Polestar to break the mould from parent company Volvo, with a more unique design and interior than what’s gone before it with the Polestar 2. The entry-level Long range Dual motor version is also the best in terms of absolute reach, claiming a range of up to 393 miles on a full charge. It's definitely our pick of the range.
The Renault Scenic is a practical, mid-sized family SUV that's offered with 60- or 87kWh battery packs, and represents decent value - especially compared with rivals like the Peugeot E-3008. It's even one of few family SUVs that can rival the Tesla Model Y for value and range. Starting at a shade over £37,000, even the most affordable of the big battery Scenic E-Tech models offers a WLTP range of 260 miles, but most will go for the big battery model that starts at £40,995 as it manages a WLTP range of 379 miles, and comes with a hearty 215bhp motor. Renault hasn't skimped on the charging, either, with 150kW DC charging meaning that it won't take long to top-up once you've drained the 87kWh battery.
We'd also like to make an honourable mention here to the Kia EV3. While the Renault has a slightly longer range when you go for the £40,995 87kWh model, the Kia EV3 still manages virtually the same range - 372 miles - for as little as £34,995. Absolute bargain!
The Peugeot E-5008 is a really intriguing new prospect if you're after a big, practical family electric car with a good touring range, as you can get this smart family SUV with a huge 98kWh battery and a WLTP range of 410 miles - despite the fact that it comes with seven seats as standard. There aren't really any electric cars that can compete with that blend of range and seven-seat practicality at this price, and even if you step up to the bigger Kia EV9 you don't get quite the same long range potential. Even if you go for the smaller, 73kWh Peugeot E-5008 you still get a WLTP range of 311 miles, and given the fast charging of 160kW we'd stick with the lower range and save some money on the purchase price. Whichever model you fancy, Peugeot has done a great job with the E-5008, and it promises to be a seriously practical EV that'll go further than most in between charges.
