Top 10 longest range electric cars 2024

​One thing that might dissuade potential EV buyers is the thought of running out of juice before getting to your destination – commonly called 'range anxiety'. And although charging infrastructure in the UK has improved immensely in recent years, it’s still not quite as easy to locate a plug as it is to find a petrol pump. Plus, not everyone has a wallbox charger installed at home.

A few weeks of running an electric car in the real world is usually enough to quash most people's range anxiety, as a lot of people will realise they probably don't do as many long-distance journeys as they thought, and that it only takes a little pre-planning to ensure you're able to top up if necessary when out and about.

Nonetheless, a big range number can still bring peace of mind, and there are those who genuinely need to cover long distances in one hit on a regular basis. With that in mind, we've assembled this list of the top 10 longest-range electric cars that you can buy in the UK right now. That last bit is important because while the Lucid Air has the longest official range of any production EV – up to 520 miles – it’s not available in Britain just yet. There are also upcoming models like the Polestar 3 and Audi A6 e-tron that are due to arrive in the coming months and both promise a circa 400-mile range figure.

The range figures quoted are from official WLTP testing and are for the longest-range version of each model. These numbers aren’t always achievable in the real world, but the standardised test does at least allow for a clear comparison between different EVs. In the real world, factors such as temperature, traffic, driving style and what type of roads you use can all impact the range you'll get. Bear that in mind, and give yourself some leeway with any potential journey, and you’ll be fine.

If you don't need such a long range, check out our list of the best small electric cars on sale today and don't forget to follow DrivingElectric on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

10. Renault Scenic – up to 379 miles

If you’re looking to travel longer distances frequently, the Renault Scenic offers near unrivalled value for money in terms of range for your well-earned change. Starting from just over £40,000, all versions get a hefty 84kWh battery that offers a range of up to 379 miles – more than even the Tesla Model Y Long Range which starts from around £10k more. Renault’s reimagined Scenic also gets a superb Google-powered infotainment system, plenty of family-friendly features and a long list of standard equipment, meaning there’s little reason to upgrade from the long-legged and well-equipped Techno base model.

Read our full Renault Scenic review to find out more.

9. Mercedes EQE – up to 380 miles

The electric equivalent to the E-Class, the EQE is the smaller sibling of the EQS below, and in its longest-range form gets tantalisingly close to the 400-mile mark with its maximum range of 380 miles. It offers most of what the EQS does in a slightly smaller and less expensive package, prompting the question of whether you really need to fork out the extra cash for the range-topping model at all. That's why it won our Best Long-Distance Electric Car Award for 2023.

Read our full Mercedes EQE review to find out more.

8. BMW iX – up to 382 miles

BMW has been rapidly expanding its range of zero-emissions cars recently, also launching the iX1 crossover, the i4 saloon and the i7 limousine. The iX is the marque's technological flagship, and it makes an impressive statement about what we can expect from future electric BMWs. The luxury SUV is also great to drive, quiet, comfortable and available with two battery sizes: 71 and 105.2kWh. The larger of the pair is standard in the more expensive xDrive50 model and offers up to 382 miles of range from a charge.

Read our full BMW iX review to find out more.

7. Volkswagen ID.7 – up to 384 miles

VW promised a range of over 400 miles from its new flagship electric saloon car and while the Volkswagen ID.7 Launch Edition isn’t quite capable of this feat, longer-legged versions are coming down the line. For now, even the launch spec can do up to 384 miles before needing to be plugged-in, while 175kW DC ultra-rapid charging allows for quick top-ups. Given there’s only one spec for now, all ID.7 examples come highly equipped as standard, however, you’ll still need to pay extra for a heat pump – a necessity if you wish to get as close to the above figure as possible during the colder months.

Read our full Volkswagen ID.7 review to find out more.

6. BMW i7 – up to 388 miles

The i7 is one of the latest additions to BMW’s EV line-up, as well as the brand’s Mercedes EQS and Lucid Air rival. The zero-emissions 7 Series features a vast amount of technology, including a 31.3-inch 8K screen for rear passengers, as well as a huge 101.7kWh battery. BMW also integrated heat pump technology into the car's heating and cooling systems for the cabin and powertrain to boost efficiency, and as a result the i7 has an official range of up to 388 miles.

Read our full BMW i7 review to find out more.

5. Tesla Model S – up to 405 miles

It has been on sale for years, but because of regular updates, the Model S is still one of the longest-range electric cars. In descriptively named 'Long Range' guise, it just creeps over the 400-mile mark for its potential maximum range. And using a Supercharger, the Model S can do a 0-80% top-up in around 40 minutes. The caveat is that Tesla's current focus on the cheaper Model 3 and Model Y means the Model S is now only available in left-hand drive form in the UK – as is the larger Model X SUV. That’s not as bad as it seems, though, especially given the Tesla’s extensive list of driver aids.

Read our full Tesla Model S review to find out more.

4. Polestar 2 – up to 406 miles

The Polestar 2, while an appealing package in its own right, has long lived in the shadow of its Tesla Model 3 rival. That is, until recently when Polestar announced a new facelifted version with over 400 miles of range. That, alongside 205kW rapid charging and a well-built, minimalist interior means the Polestar 2 is, on paper, the ideal motorway mile muncher. Make sure to try before you buy, though, as we’ve found it to have a rather firm ride – not ideal if you’ve got a bit of a bad back!

Read our full Polestar 2 review to find out more.

3. Tesla Model 3 – up to 421 miles

The arrival of the Model 3 marked a big change for Tesla because it spearheaded the company’s push to make EVs more affordable, however, sales have since been overshadowed by the larger, and more practical, Tesla Model Y SUV. A recent facelift means the Model 3 may soon regain the spotlight as, if specified with the Long Range powertrain and 18-inch  wheels, Tesla says the updated car is capable of up to 421 miles on a charge – yes, even more than the flagship Model S! Even the entry-level Rear-Wheel Drive Model 3 is capable of 344 miles though, and all versions get full, cut-price access to Tesla’s superb Supercharger network.

Read our full Tesla Model 3 review to find out more.

2. Fisker Ocean – up to 440 miles

Fisker may be somewhat of an unknown name at the moment, but its upcoming range of sustainable, tech-filled EVs are certain to take the world by storm. The Fisker Ocean is the first of these, coming in the form of a fashionable family SUV with an astonishing range of up to 440 miles on top models. Notable features include a retractable rear windscreen and a rotating touchscreen, but perhaps more important is that an entry-level model is due in the future with a competitive £35,000 starting price. Your move, Tesla.

Read our full Fisker Ocean review to find out more.

1. Mercedes EQS – up to 453 miles

The Mercedes EQS set a new benchmark for EV range thanks to both its 107.8kWh battery and its slippery shape, which reduces wind resistance. The result is a range of up to 453 miles, however you pay for the privilege, as the EQS starts from over £100,000. But it's also a fantastic means of tackling long-distance jaunts on electric power, with loads of interior space up front, exquisite materials and an enormous three-screen dashboard featuring the latest version of the MBUX infotainment system.

Read our full Mercedes EQS review to find out more.