Range is a crucial consideration for all consumers when looking to buy an electric vehicle, the ability to cover long distances without having to charge is what will make electric vehicles even more cost-effective, especially when trying to compete with the convenience of their combustion-engine competitors.
Although on average drivers typically never travel more than 300 miles daily and, in some cases weekly, currently if you need to travel any sort of large distance with no range anxiety you would have to opt for a diesel saloon or SUV. But technology and times are changing and there is now a wealth of options from the EV market to rival them, below we have listed the very best on offer from this category with plenty of range to satisfy those mile munchers.
Skoda Enyaq iV 80
Skoda’s first all-electric model, the Enyaq, is a very respectable effort. Available with 2 battery packs, a 58kWh battery with a 256-mile range and a larger 77kWh battery which has a huge range of 331-miles. Both models feature a single electric motor mounted to the rear, however on the vRS sport models, an added motor powers the front wheels allowing four-wheel drive for better launch and grip. Though be mindful that with the dual-motor models you will notice a drop in range.
Polestar 2 – Long Range
Volvo’s EV spin-off brand released the Polestar 2 back in June 2020 and with its sophisticated styling and fresh, modern interior it has been turning heads ever since. Priced from £40,900, the most basic model of the Polestar 2 comes with a 64kWh battery providing a 275-mile range. However, for an extra £3,000 you can have the 78kWh Long Range model with a 335–mile range – which seems like a bargain upgrade when looking at convenience alone.
The single electric motors produce 221bhp with a 0–62mph in just 7.4secs – Not bad for a little electric battery. But if you are looking for a bit more umph then the dual-motor version is the one for you. It produces 402bhp and slashes the base models 0–62mph time to 4.7 seconds.
Tesla Model 3 – Long Range
The Model 3 is currently the poster child of the EV world, it was the second best-selling car of 2021, just beaten by the Vauxhall Corsa and when comparing to the competition, you would struggle not to agree with the hype. The basic model costs around £45,990 with a max range of 278 miles and an impressive 0–60mph time of just 5.3 seconds – so it is definitely no slouch. If you are looking for range then unsurprisingly, the Long-Range version priced from £54,990 and a range of 360-miles is the top pick for you.
However, if budget is no issue and you are looking for speed and power, then the Model 3 Performance has a crazy 0–60mph time of 3.1 seconds – that’s supercar territory. Priced from £59,990, the Performance does also offer an impressive range of 352-miles.
*Please note that these prices are not fixed, and it is common for Tesla to raise and lower their pricing.
BMW iX xDrive 50 Sport
BMW’s have gained a lot of attention over recent times for their drastic change in design, some positive, others not so much, and this change isn’t more evident than on the brand new iX SUV model. A striking combination of slim headlights and short grille makes it look angry yet harmless – the styling is marmite, you either like or you don’t.
Moving on from their new styling, the iX is the most expensive EV that BMW offer and for the money, consumers will have leather lined interior, boatloads of smart tech and a punchy electric motor. The xDrive50 model has two electric motors with a combined 516bhp, and 0–62mph time of 4.6 seconds, its 106.3kWh battery pack is also one of the largest ever installed in an EV – with a max range of 380 miles.
The main party-piece on the iX however is the 195kW charging ability which means you will be able to charge up 93 miles of range in as little as 10 minutes (When using a fast charger).