Longest range electric cars in the UK – 2023

One of the key concerns when switching to an electric car is range anxiety, but with battery technology improving, you can find an EV with some serious range right now. That, combined with the silence and effortless performance of electric motors, makes the cars in this list some of the best long distance cruisers you can get.

Plus, rapid charging means once they do eventually run flat you’ll be back on the road in no time. You don’t need to drive a large EV to take advantage of long-lasting batteries either, as some smaller electric offerings are now providing some pretty decent range figures.

This list is one to watch in the future. Manufacturers such as Toyota are investing in solid state batteries, which could push the range of its future electric cars over 700 miles.

In no particular order, here are the best long range electric cars you can buy right now:

Mercedes EQS 450+

The clue is right there in the name: Mercedes’ flagship luxury electric car offers up to 452 miles of range between charges. That eclipses its premium rivals, and makes it one of longest range electric cars you can buy right now – that is, until the Lucid Air hits our shores.

This comes from a hefty 120kWh battery pack, which also comes with 200kW rapid charging capabilities. So when it does eventually run out, you’ll be back on the road in no time if you’re on an ultra-rapid chargepoint, going from 10-80% in 31 minutes.

The EQS is the electric replacement for the brand’s long-established S Class, with all the luxury you’d expect from a triple-figure Mercedes. Think swathes of leather, wooden trim, and more technology than you can shake a stick at.

Tesla Model 3 Long Range

The long range variant of Tesla’s popular Model 3 is another great choice in this sector, with a starting price of £50,990. This model will manage up to 374 miles between charges. Performance is decent too, with a 0-60mph time of 4.2 seconds – but you won’t want to try that out too often if you’re to keep to that near-400 mile figure.

Using one of Tesla’s superchargers, you’ll be able to add 171 miles of range in 15 minutes. Spend another £3,400 and you can add enhanced autopilot to the Model 3, making it even more of a mile muncher.

MG4 EV SE Long Range

This model proves that you don’t need to look to the higher end of the EV market to find an option with commendable range. Coincidentally, the MG4 is also one of the best cheap EVs you can buy, and the SE Long Range model has a range of up to 281 miles and starts at just £29,495.

At the time of writing (2 August), MG are also offering 0% interest PCP finance on this model.

Volkswagen ID.3 Pro S

The range on the Volkswagen ID.3 Pro S is seriously impressive, especially considering the car’s small footprint – going up to 347 miles between charges from its 82kWh battery. The ID.3 Pro S starts at £42,870 which makes it one of the cheapest long range EVs on this list.

The recent mid-life update to the ID.3 made it a more attractive option. This includes a tweaked and more intuitive infotainment system, improved cabin quality, and slight exterior styling tweaks.

Hyundai Ioniq 6

The Ioniq 6 can offer up to 338 miles of range, even on the entry level Premium RWD model which starts at £47,040. This is in part thanks to its streamlined shape giving it a drag coefficient of just 0.21 Cd – much lower than its hatchback-based sibling, the Ioniq 5. Hyundai shaped it on inspiration from streamlined vehicles of the 1920s and 1930s, which also makes it a good option if you’d like to stand out on the road.

Using the fastest supported 350kW rapid charger, the Ioniq 6 battery can also jump from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes.

Ford Mustang Mach-E

Electric SUVs are an ever more popular choice, and this list wouldn’t be complete without an option with commendable range. Opting for the RWD Extended Range, starting at £59,380, grants you a range of 372 miles.

Ford’s BlueCruise semi-autonomous tech comes as standard on the Mach-E, although you’ll need to pay £17.99 per month to enable it. This allows you hands and pedal free driving on 95% of the UK’s motorways, allowing you to lap up those 372 miles of range effortlessly.

Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor

Another alternative to the Ioniq 6 and Model 3 is the Polestar 2. A recent refresh of the range means that with the Long Range Single Motor variant, you’ll be able to manage a range of up to 406 miles, beating both the Hyundai and the Tesla. This particular model starts at a similar £48,950.

The Polestar 2 is also capable of towing up to 1500 kgs, though of course, range will drop accordingly with whatever you lug on the tow bar.