Electric Cars with the Longest Range
By DavidGuide overview:
- The BMW i3 currently leads the way for electric range, offering up to 563 miles in First Edition form, while several other EVs now comfortably exceed 400 miles.
- Official WLTP range is a useful comparison figure, but real-world range can vary depending on weather, motorway speeds, driving style and how much weight the car is carrying.
- Charging speed matters just as much as outright range if you regularly travel long distances, with the quickest EVs able to add hundreds of miles during a short motorway stop.
- Most drivers don't need the longest-range EV available. A car with around 250 to 300 miles of range can be more than enough for everyday commuting, family trips and occasional longer journeys.
Electric car technology has come a long way in recent years. Improved batteries, faster charging and longer ranges mean modern EVs are now a realistic option for everything from the daily commute to longer motorway journeys.
Not too long ago, an electric car capable of 200 miles on a charge was considered impressive. Today, that sort of range is commonplace, with the best long-range electric cars comfortably exceeding 400 miles on paper.
But which electric car has the longest range, and which one is actually best for longer journeys? In this guide, we compare the electric cars with the longest range in the UK, looking at their official range, charging times and everyday practicality to help you find the right EV for your needs.
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All ranges are manufacturer-quoted WLTP figures. Actual range will vary depending on factors such as weather, speed, driving style, wheel size and vehicle load.
1. BMW i3 Saloon
- Range: Up to 563 miles
- Charging speeds: Up to 400kW, 263 miles added in 10 minutes
- Best for: Long-distance drivers wanting performance and technology
If you're looking for an electric car that rarely needs a charge, we present you with the BMW i3. With up to 563 miles of range in First Edition form, at the time of writing this it's one of the longest-range electric cars available in the UK, meaning you can truly go on your weekend adventure without worrying about charging.
Featuring BMW's sixth-generation eDrive technology and 800-volt architecture, the i3 can charge at speeds of up to 400kW, adding as much as 263 miles of range in just 10 minutes. That's enough to cover your journey from London to Manchester!
Performance hasn't been forgotten either. The i3 50 xDrive uses two electric motors producing 469hp, with 0-62mph taking just 4.7 seconds. Combine that with BMW's new Panoramic iDrive system, premium cabin and plenty of driver-focused technology, and you've got an EV that feels every bit as advanced as its range figure suggests.
2. Mercedes-Benz EQS Saloon
- Range: Up to 542 miles
- Charging speeds: Up to 350kW, 10%-80% in around 27 minutes
- Best for: Luxury long-distance driving
If outright range is your priority, the EQS is a good bet. It can officially travel up to 542 miles between charges, giving it one of the longest ranges of any electric car available to UK drivers.
And don't worry, it sounds great on paper but it's also practical in real-life too. You can charge the EQS at speeds of up to 350kW, which can take the battery from 10% to 80% in around 27 minutes.
Also as expected from Mercedes's flagship electric saloon, comfort is a big part of the appeal. The cabin is a wonderful place to be with plenty of nice touches and modern tech, and if you're locked in for a long drive, it'll feel like a walk in the park.
3. BMW iX3
- Range: Up to 500 miles
- Charging speeds: Up to 400kW, 10-80% in around 21 minutes
- Best for: Families covering long distances
The iX3 is very similar to the i3. Both share BMW's sixth-generation eDrive technology, both are built on BMW’s dedicated Neue Klasse electric vehicle platform architecture, and both come with a ridiculous range.
The big difference is practicality. While the i3 takes the form of a sporty saloon, the iX3 wraps all that clever electric technology into a spacious SUV body. It can travel up to 500 miles on a charge, which is seriously impressive for a car of this size and gives families plenty of breathing room on longer journeys.
It can charge at speeds of up to 400kW too, with selected versions capable of adding as much as 231 miles of range in just 10 minutes. And despite being the more practical of the two, it's still properly quick, with up to 469hp and a 0-62mph time of just 4.9 seconds.
Throw in plenty of boot space, a high-quality cabin and some of BMW's latest technology, and the iX3 is the definitely the better choice for families.
4. Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric Saloon
- Range: Up to 483 miles
- Charging speeds: Up to 320kW, 10-80% in around 22 minutes
- Best for: Commuters and business drivers
We're only a third of the way through the list and the CLA Electric Saloon is our second Mercedes-Benz, so it's fair to say they do EV technology pretty well.
While the EQS is pure flagship luxury, the CLA is more subtle in how it goes about it's work. It's slightly more compact and suited to commuters and business drivers, especially those with long-distance clients, thanks to it's range of up to 483 miles.
It can also charge from 10% to 80% in around 22 minutes, ensuring that a quick motorway break can provide plenty of charge and keep you on to go.
5. Audi A6 e-tron Sportback
- Range: Up to 468 miles
- Charging speeds: Up to 270kW, 10%-80% in around 21 minutes
- Best for: Executive motorway driving
If you're after an electric car that can eat through motorway miles without breaking a sweat, the A6 Sportback e-tron ticks plenty of boxes. With a range of up to 468 miles, it's one of the best long-distance saloon cars on the market, and is well suited to commuters and business drivers.
Range is backed up by a seriously impressive charging speed of up to 270kW, which takes the battery from 10% to 80% in around 21 minutes.
And being an Audi, it's exactly what you'd expect inside. The cabin feels smart and upmarket, there's loads of tech to play with, and it's comfortable enough to make a long stint behind the wheel feel much easier.
6. DS No8
- Range: Up to 466 miles
- Charging speeds: Up to 160kW, 20%-80% in 27 minutes.
- Best for: Comfortable long-distance driving
The DS No8 might not be the first car that springs to mind when talking about long-range EVs, in fact, you might not have even heard of it. But trust us, this luxury saloon with up to 466 miles of range is one to consider.
It's designed with long-distance driving in mind and DS claims more than 310 miles of motorway range under its test conditions. When you do eventually need to stop, a suitable rapid charger can take the battery from 20% to 80% in around 27 minutes, while around 124 miles can be added in just ten minutes.
Where the No8 really stands out though, is its comfort. It's a premium car that's happy doing things differently from the usual crowd, making it a great shout if you want serious range and plenty of luxury.
7. Tesla Model 3
- Range: Up to 466 miles
- Charging speeds: Up to 250kW, up to 147 miles added in 15 minutes
- Best for: Everyday driving
It wouldn't be a longest-range EV list without a Tesla would it? The Model 3 has arguably been the benchmark EV for years, and it's not hard to see why, with the Premium Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive version offering up to 466 miles on a single charge.
It's no slouch when plugged in either. Tesla quotes charging speeds of up to 250kW, which adds up to 147 miles of range in around 15 minutes. Combine that with access to Tesla's Supercharger network, and it's a hard bargain to pass.
8. Peugeot e-3008
- Range: Up to 435 miles
- Charging speeds: Up to 160kW, 20-80% in around half an hour
- Best for: Families after plenty of range
Peugeot has been a staple on British roads for decades, and their EVs have been making serious moves in the last few years. The best example is the e-3008, which is a family SUV that returns up to 435 miles on the Long Range version.
It comes with a huge 96.9kWH battery that can charge at speeds of up to 160kW, topping up the battery from 20% to 80% in around half an hour.
Then there's everything you'd expect from a family SUV. There's plenty of interior space, a useful boot and a comfortable driving position, while the cabin looks properly modern.
9. Volkswagen ID.7 Hatchback
- Range: Up to 434 miles
- Charging speeds: 199kW, 10%-80% in 28 minutes
- Best for: High-mileage families and commuters
The Volkswagen ID.7 isn't the flashiest car on this list, but that's kind of the point. It's a no-nonsense electric car that's been designed to cover serious mileage in comfort, and with up to 434 miles of range, it'll do exactly that.
Go for the Pro S version and you get the larger 86kWh battery, as well as the ability to charge from 10% to 80% in around 28 minutes on a suitable rapid charger.
It's also big, spacious and really comfortable, which is exactly what you want from a long-distance car. For commuters, company car drivers or anyone who racks up plenty of miles each year, the ID.7 is one of the most sensible choices here.
10. Porsche Taycan Saloon
- Range: Up to 434 miles
- Charging speeds: Up to 320kW, 10%-80% in around 18 minutes
- Best for: Drivers after performance and range
If you thought choosing a performance car meant compromising on electric range, the Porsche Taycan says otherwise. Depending on the version, it can travel up to 434 miles while still delivering the sort of performance you'd expect from a Porsche.
Arguably even more impressive is how quickly it charges. The Taycan can accept up to 320kW and, on a suitable charger, go from 10% to 80% in around 18 minutes.
Of course, it's still a Porsche at heart. It's quick, brilliant to drive and looks the part, both inside and out. It certainly won't be the cheapest long-range EV you can lease, but if you don't want to choose between performance and practicality, the Taycan gives you the best of both worlds.
FAQs
Which electric car has the longest range?
The BMW i3 50 xDrive First Edition currently takes the crown, with a provisional WLTP range of up to 563 miles on a full charge. That puts it just ahead of the Mercedes-Benz EQS, which offers up to 542 miles.
Of course, that's the official figure rather than a guarantee you'll get 563 miles every time you head out.
What affects an electric cars real-world range?
A lot. Just like fuel economy of a petrol or diesel car, the actual range you get from an EV can change depending on how and where you drive.
Variables include the weather, the speed you're driving at, how you accelerate, the weight your carrying, and whether you're using in-car features like air conditioning.
What is WLTP?
WLTP stands for Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure.
It's simply the standardised test used to calculate an electric car's official range and energy consumption.
Is a 300-mile electric car range enough?
For most drivers, yes. Ask yourself the question of whether you're driving up to 300 miles a day, and in most instances, you're probably not.
For example, if your round-trip commute is 30 miles, you've theoretically got several days of driving available before you need to think about plugging in. And for longer trips, you can charge in preparation or stop off at a charging station along your route.
Does motorway driving reduce EV range?
Yes, motorway driving will usually reduce an electric car's range compared with slower driving around town.
That's because the faster you travel, the harder the car has to work against air resistance, which means it uses more energy to maintain its speed.
There's never been a better choice of long-range electric cars. There's numerous options on the market that can travel more than 400 miles, while models like the BMW i3 and Mercedes-Benz EQS can officially go beyond the 500-mile mark.
Yes, achieving these sorts of ranges on the road is unrealistic, but you never know, on the perfect day you might be able to drive the full length of England on just one charge!
But don't get too caught up chasing the biggest number possible. The best electric car for you is the one that works for the journeys you actually make.
If you're constantly up and down the motorway, plenty of range and fast charging will make life much easier. If most of your driving is a relatively short commute and family trips at the weekend, you might find a 250 or 300-mile EV does everything you need.
Trusted since 2002, with more than 180,000 leases arranged. At Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, we've helped thousands of UK drivers find a vehicle that works for them. Explore our latest electric car lease deals and find an EV that suits your journeys and your budget.
Guide Information
Originally published: 9th October 2019
Last updated: 11th August 2026
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