Long-Range Electric Cars

‘Range anxiety’ is becoming an ever popular phrase for electric vehicle owners. But with manufacturers investing heavily in long-range EVs, this cautious approach to eco engines is soon to become a distant memory.

In This Guide:

What is the difference between standard and long-range electric cars?
Top rated long-range electric cars

What is the difference between standard and long-range electric cars?

Manufacturers are making leaps and bounds in EV technology and concerns over distance, or range, are being well addressed. This has led to a rise in available models and spec options on the market, with a clear distinction between lower wattage engines at more affordable prices and long-range options for those who don’t live in close proximity to charging stations.

Investment in long-range electric engines has led to models being developed which can run for 300+ miles on a single charge (comparable to a full tank of fossil fuel). When paired with global regulations pushing for increased use of electric alternatives and more charging stations being deployed in convenient locations; ‘range anxiety’ could disappear from common vocabulary as quickly as it arose. Check out the list below of some of the long-range EVs that are driving the change in electric perception.

Top rated long-range electric cars

Tesla Model S Long Range

379-mile range (WLTP)
£77,9800

Long heralded as the go-to name in EVs, Tesla has constantly pushed itself to deliver ever impressive Electric machines. The Model S Long Range is no exception to this. Released in April of 2020, The Model S Long Range is the manufacturer's best distance performance car in the range, with an impressive 379 range on a full charge. It is also impressively fast, cementing further Tesla’s foothold in the luxury car market. All this impressive hardware does come with a hefty price tag, but it’s one that is well justified for the performance power and design alone.

Kia e-Niro

282-mile range (WLTP)
From £32,595

The Kia e-Niro is one of the best all round EVs on the market, and not just for its impressive range. The car is an incredibly comfortable, compact ride and has the agility and acceleration that makes electric cars a thrill to drive. At a modest £32k, it's also one of the best price vs performance models on the road (the range is just 10 miles lower than Jaguar’s I-Pace, but a cool £30k cheaper). If you want something a little fancier then why not try the First Edition, which comes with radar cruise control and wireless phone charging as standard. Chuck a car insurance pleasing seven-year warranty on top and you have a car built to please almost all.

Hyundai Kona Electric

278-mile range (WLTP)
From £38,900

The Kona Electric shares a lot of similarities with Kia’s e-Niro. Both have steering wheel paddles to allow for adjustments in regenerative brakes, as well having wireless phone charging and all-electric drivetrain. The Kona tops in just shy of the e-Niro with a 278 mile range, yet its impressive size make it a more practical drive that may prove worth the £5k price difference for some drivers. There is a smaller 39kWh model available for around the £32,000 mark, but the range of this model tops out at 180 miles.

Nissan Leaf e+

239-mile range (WLTP)
From £35,895

The price tag for the Nissan Leaf may put it at the mid-low entry point, but what it offers in return is hard to beat. The v2.0 brings back the majority of the tech from the original model, but the battery has been vastly improved and the overall visuals have been updated to meet Nissan’s high standards of design. It claims a staggering 239 mile range (with the E+ version) from one charge, making it ideal for longer drives and for everyday use.

As with the previous entries on this list, buyers can expect all the modern tech, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For those looking for performance alone, the ECO spec version scales back on functionality to give the most volts for your money.

Jaguar I-Pace

292-mile range (WLTP)
From £62,448

Jaguar was not taking any prisoners when it announced it would be launching its first EV model with the I-Pace. Unlike most large scale manufacturers who tested the water of new engine design with a hybrid model, Jaguar launched a full scale electric engine SUV that has a very impressive range. It can move when it needs to, with 0-62mph time of just 4.5 seconds, though this won’t see your range lasting very long.

Jaguar has also taken an opposite approach to the interior interface, its Touch Duo Pro system uses physical dials as well as touch panels, adding a tactile element that feels more intuitive than other manufacturers touch heavy approach.

Mercedes-Benz EQC

259-mile range (WLTP)
£65,720

Yet another SUV on the list, the Mercede-Benz EQC has definitely earned its place amongst the strongest long-range EVs here. It offers the complete package of comfort and modernity you’d expect from Mercedes, along with the reassurance set in place by the company's long heritage with quality. Best for those who need absolute confidence when buying their first all electric car.