Regresar al GuidesWhy Choose Longest-Range Electric Cars
Long-range electric vehicles can travel a greater distance between recharging stops, so they can save you time and money on charging (public charging with a fast charger is generally more expensive than topping up at home), and they're simply more convenient than shorter-range vehicles. For the purposes of this list, we have included electric cars, but left out electric SUVs, such as the Tesla Model X, the Rivian R1S, the BMW iX, the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the GMC Hummer EV, the Fisker Ocean, and the Audi Q8 e-tron models, despite their impressive ranges.
A vehicle with a longer range will allow you to cover more ground between charges, meaning you can charge at home overnight, rather than at costly fast charging stations. Some utility providers also charge reduced rates during off-peak hours, and with a longer-range vehicle, you have more flexibility about when you need to charge.
Opting for a car with a longer range also offers more convenience. Planning your route is easier and range anxiety is much less of an issue. With the convenience of charging less frequently during daily driving or traveling a greater distance between charges on long-distance trips, an electric car can be a practical replacement for a gas-powered vehicle.
Top 5 Longest Range Electric Cars in 2024
1. Lucid Air
2. Tesla Model S
3. Hyundai Ioniq 6
4. Mercedes-Benz EQS Sedan
5. Tesla Model 3
1. Lucid Air: 516 miles
The current king of the electric vehicle range is the Lucid Air. Lucid is a lesser-known brand based in California, but it has been putting out some truly outstanding vehicles. In Grand Touring trim, the Air has an EPA estimated 516 miles of range, and cresting the 500-mile barrier is a huge leap forward for the EV market. In addition to its huge range, the Lucid Air is a sleek-looking sedan with a luxurious interior.
Tech-savvy buyers will delight in the futuristic design of the Lucid Air’s interior, but some may find the lack of physical buttons takes some getting used to. Seating is roomy and comfortable, with ample space for five adults, or four when configured with the ultra-luxurious Executive Rear Seating package. The exterior styling is simple but it has a presence like nothing else currently on the road.
Standard features include a dual-touchscreen infotainment system with natural speech voice commands, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and rear cross-traffic alert.
The Air Grand Touring comes standard with dual-motor all-wheel drive, putting down a whopping 819 horsepower—enough to propel the Air Grand Touring to 60 miles per hour in just three seconds. A 112.0-kWh battery pack is fitted low under the floor to optimise handling, despite the vehicle’s 4,500-pound weight. Pushing the car hard will result in a steep drop off in range, though, so if you're planning to maximize mileage, keep a light right foot. When connected to DC fast charging, a claimed 300 miles of range can be added in just 21 minutes.
Though the base model Lucid Air started at $71,400 including destination charges at the time of writing, buyers looking for the maximum range will fork out at least $111,000.
Browse Lucid Air listings here.
2. Tesla Model S: 405 miles
In second place is the Tesla Model S, with a maximum range of 405 miles on a single charge. In some ways, the Model S seems dated, as it has been on the market for more than a decade without styling changes. The model has received significant updates to its equipment and powertrain over time, though, resulting in the high-power model and the current long-range version, which keeps it near the top of the pack in range terms.
Inside, the Model S is just luxurious enough to match its price point, but lags some of the fancier or more modern competition. A hatchback-like rear liftgate makes access to the massive rear storage area easy, while additional underfloor storage provides space for small items.
Standard features include a touchscreen infotainment system with a large central screen and there are few buttons or physical controls. A digital instrument cluster sits in front of the driver for easier viewing (lower-tier Teslas, such as the Model 3, aren't as adept in this repsect) and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are absent from the list of tech features. Standard safety and driver assistance equipment includes automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Further driver assistance can be had for an additional charge.
The Model S features an AWD powertrain with electric motors driving the front and rear wheels. The 100-kWh battery pack is mounted low for excellent handling, and acceleration is seriously quick at just 3.1 seconds from 0-60mph, even if it isn’t as fast as the bonkers Model S Plaid. Charging at a rate of up to 250kW at a Tesla Supercharger can bump the battery from 10% capacity to 80% in about 30 minutes.
At the time of writing, the Tesla Model S started at $76,630 including destination fees. Tthe least expensive Model S is also the trim with the longest range.
Browse Tesla Model S listings here.
3. Hyundai Ioniq 6: 361 miles
Hyundai and its corporate counterpart Kia have made a big push into the EV space in America, to much acclaim, and the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 have won multiple awards since their respective debuts. The styling of the Ioniq 6 is somewhat polarizing, but it's nonetheless an aerodynamic sedan. With a stellar interior design, decent performance, and 361 miles of electric range the Ioniq 6 is a true contender in the EV market.
In SE Long Range trim, the Ioniq 6 has a quiet, comfortable cabin with room for five adults, and the well-thought-out design offers plenty of cubbies and luxuries, such as heated front seats.
Standard features include a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and there are four USB Type-C chargers throughout the cabin. Standard safety features include lane following assist, driver attention warning, lane keeping assist, high beam assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go tech, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic monitoring, and safe exit warning.
The longest-range Ioniq 6 SE features a single-motor, rear-wheel drive powertrain with 225 horsepower. With a 0-60mph time of 6.2 seconds, the performance is more than adequate for most drivers. Handling is responsive, if not sporty, and the ride is smooth. At its fastest, the Ioniq 6’s 77.4 kWh battery can charge from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes.
The Ioniq 6 is a relative bargain on this list, with a starting price of just $43,600, including destination fees, in its longest-range RWD trim.
Browse Hyundai Ioniq 6 listings here.
4. Mercedes-Benz EQS Sedan: 350 miles
Despite launching in 2022, the 2024 Mercedes EQS features some significant upgrades including a new braking system, revised battery chemistry, and redesigned cabin heating—all in the name of greater efficiency. The handsome coupe-like shape makes a statement that will please buyers also considering a traditionally powered S-Class.
It should come as no surprise that the inside of the EQS is plush and luxurious. Standard features such as ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and cabin preconditioning complement the impeccable quality of materials in the spacious and comfortable interior.
Standard tech features include a Burmester 3D surround sound system and a Hyperscreen infotainment system, which includes three screens stretching the width of the dashboard, and also includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other features include a six USB Type-C ports and standard built-in navigation. A significant suite of safety features comes with every EQS, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and a self-parking feature.
The longest-range version—the EQS 450+ Sedan—features a single-motor RWD powertrain. With 335 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, the EQS 450+ accelerates to 60mph in about 5.9 seconds. A 108.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack can be recharged from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes when connected to DC fast charging, whole opting for 4matic AWD or the high-performance EQS AMG drops range significantly.
All of this luxury and tech does not come cheap, as the base EQS 450+ started at $105,550 with destination fees at the time of writing. A smaller EQE sedan is available for those looking for an EV Benz on a lower budget.
Browse Mercedes-Benz EQS Sedan listings here.
5. Tesla Model 3: 341 miles
The Tesla Model 3 received a moderate redesign for the 2024 model year, including a refined exterior, a quieter cabin, more standard equipment, and a greater range. The Model 3 was the original, modern affordable electric car, and with its latest refresh, it regained a place among the best in class.
Tesla made improvements to the cabin, including standard heated and ventilated front seats and more sound deadening. Front-row seating is comfortable but it can be tight for three adults in the rear. Build quality has been an issue for Tesla in the past, but the new model seems to have fewer glaring issues.
Standard features include a large horizontal 15.4-inch touchscreen in the center of the dash and a smaller eight-inch touchscreen for rear seat passengers. Standard safety tech includes automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
The Model 3 Long Range powers to 60 miles per hour in 4.2 seconds, outpacing competitors such as the Ioniq 6 when comparing only the longest-range variants, thanks to its standard all-wheel drive. An 80.5-kWh battery pack is mounted low, which helps to stabilize the handling. Charging at a Tesla Supercharger gets the battery up to 80% in 15-20 minutes.
The Model 3 Long Range started at $49,380 at the time of writing, including destination and order fees, slotting beneath competitors such as the 2024 BMW i4.
Browse Tesla Model 3 listings here.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Long-Range Electric Car
Fast charging infrastructure has come a long way but is still a major bottleneck in the mass adoption of EVs. Tesla is the current leader with its Supercharger network, which is opening up to more models as they adopt Tesla’s charging port. Other companies, such as Electrify America, are working to expand their networks and increase charger speeds and reliability. Charging at home consistently and planning longer trips in advance is key to carefree EV travel.
Current battery technology is largely similar among manufacturers. Battery management, cooling, and long-term battery health fluctuate from brand to brand, and are also affected by the owner's charging habits.
Real-world results and driving ranges vary greatly. EPA numbers are a maximum range under near-ideal conditions, and ambient temperature, driving habits, road conditions, traffic flow, speed, and other factors can massively reduce these numbers.
Long-Range Electric Cars vs. Traditional Gasoline Cars
When compared with comparable internal combustion vehicles, EVs are significantly better for the environment. EVs have zero tailpipe emissions and are more efficient when it comes to overall environmental impact. For example, some reports estimate the Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck has a 40%-60% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to the gas-powered F-150.
Like-for-like, an EV costs less to run than an equivalent internal combustion-engined vehicle, because electricity is cheaper than gas. University of Michigan’s Transportation Research Institute found that the average cost to fuel an EV was less than half the cost to fuel a gas-powered vehicle. However, EVs can be more expensive to buy than equivalent ICE cars—but not always.
Generally speaking, EVs have fewer moving parts and should cost less to maintain. Savings can be seen when it comes to maintenance, such as oil changes, which EVs do not require at all. Maintenance services vary from vehicle to vehicle, so consult the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines for a better idea.
Tips for Maximizing the Range of Your Electric Car
To maximize the driving range of an EV, drive at or below the speed limit. At high speeds, increased drag causes the battery to drain faster, as does hard acceleration. Many habits that help increase gas-powered cars’ MPGs translate well to preserving EV range.
Understanding your vehicle’s regenerative braking can also contribute to a greater range. Most EVs have some form of regenerative braking, many of which can be adjusted to increase regen and recapture energy that would otherwise be lost to braking. Being proactive and reading the road further ahead allows you to get the most out of regenerative braking by allowing the system to slow the vehicle as much and as often as possible, rather than always using the brake pedal.
For long-distance travel planning, charging stops can be the key to success. It's important to know where charging is available and give yourself some cushion in case the planned charging station is busy or out of service.
Future of Long-Range Electric Cars
Promising progress is being made in battery technology, with brands such as Toyota touting the impending implementation of solid-state batteries, capable of significantly greater range and faster charging times.
Charging infrastructure is also constantly improving, with more chargers available in more remote locations every day. Buying an EV in 2024 likely means seeing significant improvement in the number and location of charging stations in the years to come.
Unlike traditional internal combustion vehicles, EVs draw power from a grid that is consistently getting cleaner. As greater adoption of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind hit the grid, an EV purchased today could actually become less polluting as it ages. Many owners choose to add solar power to their own homes, effectively lowering both the cost of EV ownership and their carbon footprint.
