Best electric cars 2022: the 10 EVs with the longest range on sale now - from BMW iX to Tesla Model 3
As battery technology rapidly improves these are the new EVs that will travel the furthest between charg
For a long time range anxiety has been quoted as one of the biggest barriers to drivers considering buying an electric car.
Early EVs were capable of covering pretty feeble distances before needing a charge, putting many people off.
However battery and motor technology has moved on a lot and many modern EVs can cover far more miles on a single charge than most drivers need on a daily, or even weekly, basis.
2021 saw several new cars easily break the 300-mile barrier and we’re now entering the realm of 400-mile-plus EVs.
For many people, especially those without a home charger, public infrastructure is more of a concern than maximum range but it’s reassuring to know you’ve got a big battery should your first choice of charger be out of action.
The market and technology are moving quickly and this year’s list already looks significantly different to last year’s. Undoubtedly that will change again as we move through 2022 but at the moment here are the 10 EVs with the longest range, including models from BMW, Tesla, Skoda, Polestar and Ford.
1. Mercedes-Benz EQS – 453 miles
Mercedes has taken a while to get going with its EV programme but it’s making up for lost time now and the EQS is the current flagship of the all-electric EQ family. Essentially an electric version of the firm’s prestigious S-Class, this massive saloon is packed with cutting-edge technology and luxury equipment. It’s also packed with batteries, allowing this £100,000 luxury limo to cover more than 450 miles on a charge. Like most of the cars on this list, that figure is an official WLTP testing statistic and real-world range will differ.
2. Tesla Model S – 405 miles
Think EVs and you immediately think Tesla. The American firm has left established brands playing catch up when it comes to electrification, and the Model S is part of the reason for that success. The large saloon has been around for almost 10 years now and has been updated several times in that period. According to Tesla, the latest updates give the dual motor long range version of the S a maximum range of 405 miles, although there’s no WLTP confirmation of that. You can reserve a model S now but the firm’s UK site isn’t quoting delivery times, meaning you could be in for a long wait as it prioritises the better-selling Model 3.
3. BMW iX – 380 miles
The iX caused a bit of a stir when it was unveiled thanks to its “challenging” styling. The big SUV actually looks better in the metal than in pictures but its design is never going to be its key appeal. Rather, the 380-mile range, futuristic interior and excellent driving experience are more likely to win buyers over. Of course, the biggest range commands the biggest asking price and to get the maximum distance from an iX you’ll need to go for the xDrive 50 variant, which costs from just under £94,000. If that’s too steep the 257-mile xDrive 40 starts at around £70k.
4. Ford Mustang Mach-E – 379 miles
You can argue about whether an electric SUV should carry the Mustang name but you can’t argue with the Mach-e’s impressive mix of range, ability and value. Like all EVs, value is a relative term but compared with the BMW and Tesla above, the £47,580 Mustang Mach-e gives a lot of range and decent performance for the money. Unlike some others on this list, the longest-range version isn’t the most expensive either being a single motor extended range variant rather than the more powerful but less frugal dual-motor models.