Are the ratings from EPA useful when it comes to fuel economy? Yes, but this might not be the most helpful information when trying to make an informed decision before buying an electric car. The MPGe numbers on the EPA reports will show you the efficiency of a vehicle. For instance, the MPGe for the Hyundai Ioniq Electric is 133 and for Chevy Bolt EV – 188. That means that the former is much more efficient, so the overall cost of charging throughout the car’s lifetime will be lower.
All this is good to know, but there are other important aspects when purchasing an electric vehicle. We might say that more crucial is how far you will be able to go without charging. For now, charging an electric car takes a lot longer than refueling the ordinary gas tank. Although this might change after years, nowadays this is how it is. This is why although the Ioniq is said to be more efficient than the Bolt, the former will go only 170 miles before running out of battery. The latter will run for an additional 89 miles.
This is why we came up with this list. You might learn that more affordable cars could last you longer before running out of the battery than some luxurious vehicles.
The Audi e-Tron Sportback was launched in 2020. It’s the same as the Audi e-Tron, but the only change is a more raked rear roofline. As a result, its range is less than the alternative – going for 218 miles, but the price is higher – $69,100.
It was released in 2021 after making some software and hardware improvements, increasing the range to 222 miles. This is an impressive addition to the original 204 miles in 2019. The price of this car has dropped slightly to $66,995.
If the range is essential to you, you should get the Plus version of the Nissan Leaf. The S Plus will go for 226 miles, while SL Plus and SV Plus for 215 miles. If you opt for the non-plus versions, you will drive for 149 miles before having to recharge. The starting price of the S Plus is $38,220, and you could apply for a total $7,500 federal tax credit.
The manufacturer has focused more on speed and performance than on long-range when it comes to this car. It has a 93 kWh battery 4s Perf Battery Plus model, which will last for 227 miles. However, as you might have guessed, it is pretty expensive. Its price is $103,800. There are even pricier models like the Turbo and Turbo S with shorter ranges at 212 and 201 miles.
Polestar is a new luxury brand, part of Volvo. The Polestar 2 is made on the platform of Volvo XC40 Recharge. The sedan has a longer range – 233 miles. The Polestar 2 has a lot of safety features, as well as a new Android Auto OS-operated infotainment system. The price is $59,900.
This vehicle has a good range of 234 miles. The price is higher at $69,850. You should know that the focus here is more on the performance and it was the winner in the ranking for best hybrid & EV SUVs!
This model from Kia has a range of 239 miles and another plus is that it is a bit more affordable. The price is $39,090 and also don’t forget that you will be able to apply for the full $7,500 federal tax credit.
This is said to be an electric vehicle for the masses, priced at $39,995. This model has an impressive range of 250 miles, the design is spacious and the price tag is good. All this is very promising and it might be a best-seller. Its arrival in the US is scheduled for the first quarter of 2021.
This is an affordable electric car, having a longer range than the model from Kia (258 miles). You can also get a full $7,500 federal tax credit. All this makes it a great option! It is priced at $37,390.
This car has the longest range currently offered on the market by a brand that is not Tesla. It can run for 259 miles which is just 1 additional mile, compared to the Hyundai in the seventh position. The retail price starts at $36,500, but you should be aware that this model is no longer available for the federal tax credit. However, you should do some research, since there are some other options for state incentives.
Finally, we have a fully electric Mustang. It is mainly focusing on performance and there are similarities to the popular Mustang sedan when it comes to the design. You might not believe it, but this model is actually affordable. If you get the Mach-E RWD Extended version you will be able to drive for 300 miles. This is the longest range from a brand, other than Tesla. However, the price of the cheapest version starts at $42,895 with which you will be able to go for about 230 miles.
This is Tesla’s newest model, but it is with the shortest range. The Long Range model can last for 326 miles and it will cost you $45,690. You won’t be able to get a federal tax credit if you choose a car by Tesla. For around $8000 less you can get the Standard Range with a range of 244 miles.
This model is the most popular one. The range is amazing and the price is affordable. The vehicle with the longest range lasts for up to 353 miles. This Long Range model is priced at $46,990. In case you are more on a budget, you can opt for the Standard Range Plus which costs $37,990, but the range is less – 263 miles. This is better than the Kia Niro EV which costs basically the same.
When it comes to the Long Range Plus version of this car, it manages to go for 360 miles before having to charge. It is more expensive ($84,690) and the signature wing doors are said to be a nightmare to maintain as well as a bit finicky.
If the range is very important to you, then you should definitely choose the Model S by Tesla. The distance it could cover before charging is 412 miles which is truly impressive. For reference, this is from Los Angeles to San Francisco without having to recharge. The infrastructure of charging stations is great. The starting price is $74,490. The company has said that there will be another model, called “Plaid +” which will be launched at the end of 2021 and will break all range records, going for 520 miles. However, the price will also be extreme – $139,990.
