Review: Best EVs with the longest driving range

Driving range is one of the most important factors for most shoppers in the market for an electric vehicle. The term “range anxiety” has been synonymous with EVs for most of their existence, but that shouldn’t be the case anymore. Many EVs can now drive about 300 miles or well north of that. And if you can charge daily at home or at work, then you should have sufficient EV driving range.

Edmunds has conducted its real-world driving range test on over 40 EV models. The test is a mixture of city and highway driving. Below is a list of five EVs that have driven the farthest in our testing, starting with the longest. We also include EPA-estimated driving ranges as well.

2022 LUCID AIR DREAM EDITION RANGE

The Lucid Air Dream Edition Range is the current champion of long-range EVs. It currently dominates Edmunds EV range leaderboard by driving a very impressive 505 miles in Edmunds’ real-world test, proving that electric cars can go the distance.

But its driving range isn’t the only impressive number. The Air Dream Edition Range produces an incredible 933 horsepower and rocketed to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds during testing. If you take it on a road trip, Lucid says the Air can add up to 300 miles of range in just 20 minutes using an appropriate public DC fast charger.

EPA-estimated driving range: 520 miles

Starting price: $170,500

2022 MERCEDES-BENZ EQS 450+

The EQS is Mercedes’ largest electric sedan and the all-electric equivalent to the S-Class. The 450+ model currently sits at the number two spot on Edmunds EV range leaderboard. It drove a lengthy 422 miles when tested, much longer than its EPA estimate. The more powerful EQS 580 went 381 miles, which is also one of the longest distances we’ve recorded.

Unlike some high-dollar electric rivals, the EQS prioritizes comfort and technology more than outright speed. The available Hyperscreen consists of three large displays behind a massive glass panel that spans the entire dashboard. Traveling out of town? Mercedes says the EQS can charge from 10% to 80% battery capacity in 31 minutes with a powerful enough fast charger.

EPA-estimated driving range: 350 miles

Starting price: $103,360

2022 BMW IX XDRIVE50

The iX is BMW’s first electric SUV and the only luxury SUV on this list. The xDrive50 model drove farther than any electric SUV we’ve tested so far: 377 miles. That’s a lot more than its EPA-estimated range. There is now an even more powerful M60 version that carries an EPA rating of up to 288 miles.

The iX is about the size of an X5 and boasts some of BMW’s latest technology including a navigation system with an augmented-reality video overlay. It also sports some of the most distinctive-looking upholstery on the market. When it comes to fast charging, BMW says the iX can add up to 200 miles in 30 minutes.

EPA-estimated driving range: 324 miles

Starting price: $85,095

2022 TESLA MODEL 3 LONG RANGE

The Model 3 Long Range is the smallest and most affordable EV on this list. Like with all Teslas Edmunds has tested, it didn’t reach its EPA estimate. The 2021 model we tested drove 345 miles, tying the Model S Plaid. The Performance and base rear-wheel-drive models have shorter driving ranges.

Public charging is easier with the Model 3 thanks to Tesla’s extensive network of Supercharger stations. All other EVs have to rely on various third-party charging stations. Tesla says a Supercharger can add roughly 175 miles of range in 15 minutes when charging a Model 3.

EPA-estimated driving range: 358 miles

Starting price: $59,190

2022 FORD MUSTANG MACH-E CALIFORNIA ROUTE 1

The Mach-E offers an Extended Range model that provides the longest driving ranges. The Standard Range and GT models have shorter ranges. The California Route 1 model has the highest EPA estimate and also surpassed it by driving 344 miles in our real-world test.

The available BlueCruise drive system can make road tripping easier by automatically adjusting the Mach-E’s speed and keeping it centered in its lane. You can even let go of the steering wheel on select highways. At a fast-charging station, Ford says the Mach-E can add about 59 miles of range in 10 minutes.

EPA-estimated driving range: 314 miles

Starting price: $64,875

EDMUNDS SAYS:

If the EVs above are over your budget, there are more affordable options with slightly shorter driving ranges. Today’s EVs provide long enough driving ranges for most people’s needs, especially if you’ll rarely head out of town. In addition, driving ranges and charging speeds will improve over time, along with the public charging infrastructure.

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