Slideshow

Real Range: Which electric cars do more than 250 miles on a charge?

Range anxiety can be a big barrier to choosing an electric car, but these models can all cover more than 250 miles between charges – and many can travel a lot farther

Which electric cars can cover more than 250 miles on a charge?

Summer real range test 2022 - Kia EV6 leading cars on hill route

If you're thinking about buying an electric car, the chances are that a lot of your research has focused on how many miles the models on your shortlist can take you between charges.

Range anxiety – the fear that you'll run out of juice before getting to your destination – is still one of the biggest barriers to drivers choosing electric cars, but the good news is that ranges are getting better all the time.

In fact, you might be surprised to learn that there are now 42 models available where at least one variant can officially go 250 miles or more without stopping. And while you might well achieve less than that in real-world driving conditions, they should still suit the vast majority of drivers. If you primarily use your car for your commute, for example, it could mean that you only have to charge it up once a week.

In this story, we'll look at every electric car that's officially capable of covering 250 miles between charges. If more than one version of a model can exceed that, we've highlighted the one with the longest range. Manufacturers are presented in alphabetical order.

advertisment

Audi Q4 e-tron

Grey Audi Q4 e-tron front cornering

Version 40 | Range 317 miles | List price from £49,930 | Target Price from £49,438

The Q4 e-tron is currently the smallest electric SUV Audi makes, but two versions – the 40 and the 50 – can cover more than 250 miles between charges, with the 40 model able to make it past 300 miles in official tests. We rate the Q4 for its comfortable ride, its classy and spacious interior, and the fact that, despite wearing a premium badge on its bonnet, it's well priced next to rivals.

Read our full Audi Q4 E-tron review or see our latest deals

Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron

Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron 2021 front right cornering

Version 40 | Range 323 miles | List price from £51,430 | Target Price from £50,923

The Q4 e-tron's slinkier sister is available with the same range of motor and battery option, but can actually go slightly farther on a charge, thanks to its more aerodynamic shape. You do pay more upfront, though.

Read our full Audi Q4 Sportback E-tron review or see our latest deals

Audi E-tron

Audi E-tron 55 2022 nose

Version 55 quattro | Range 252 miles | List price from £72,935 | Target Price from £69,324

If you go for the 55 quattro version of the Audi E-tron, you'll have a seriously punchy electric SUV. Its dual motors allow this big car to reach 62mph in 5.7sec. Don't think that the E-tron is all about speed, though – it's also luxurious inside and very quiet even by electric car standards.

Read our full Audi E-tron review or see our latest deals

Audi E-tron Sportback

LT Audi E-tron Sportback front cornering

Version 55 quattro | Range 258 miles | List price from £74,635 | Target Price from £71,493

The E-tron Sportback has a slightly slipperier shape than its regular E-tron sibling, and that helps it to eke out a few more miles of range in 55 quattro form. Otherwise, though, it's much the same, aside from a slightly less practical boot.

Read our full Audi E-tron Sportback review or see our latest deals

Audi E-tron GT

Audi e-tron GT 2022 front cornering

Version quattro | Range 298 miles | List price from £84,100 | Target Price from £83,167

When it introduced the E-tron GT, Audi showed that its electric car ambitions weren't just in the realm of SUVs. Indeed, even the regular E-tron GT is able to hit 62mph in just 4.1sec, while the RS model is faster still. The performance doesn't come at the expense of a healthy range, either, no matter which version you choose.

Read our full Audi E-tron GT review or see our latest deals

BMW i4

Used BMW i4 2021-present front cornering

Version eDrive40 | Range 365 miles | List price from £53,480 | Target Price from £52,954

Essentially an electric version of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé, the i4 combines punchy performance with a long range and an interior that feels special. You also get one of the best infotainment systems in the business.

Read our full BMW i4 review or see our latest deals

BMW iX1

BMW iX1 2022 front right tracking

Version xDrive30 | Range 270 miles | List price from £52,255 | Target Price from £51,485

Like the i4, this new electric SUV is quick and quiet, with a good quality interior. The maximum charging speed isn't particularly impressive, though, and the iX1 is priced quite close to the bigger and better iX3.

Read our full BMW iX1 review or see our latest deals

BMW iX3

LT BMW iX3 cornering in town

Version iX3 | Range 285 miles | List price from £65,865 | Target Price from £64,566

Speaking of which, simplicity is the order of the day with the iX3, because there's only one version available, and it can comfortably cover more than 250 miles between charges. It also comes loaded with kit and is as good to drive as it is practical.

Read our full BMW iX3 review or see our latest deals

BMW iX

BMW iX 40 2022 nose

Version xDrive50 | Range 380 miles | List price from £99,785| Target Price from £99,785

All three versions of BMW's flagship electric SUV, the iX, can sail past our 250-mile mark, with the xDrive50 version taking you more than 100 miles farther up the road before reaching its limit. This version is also more comfortable than the cheaper xDrive40, thanks to its standard air suspension. And while the looks of the iX won't be to all tastes, its interior is simply stunning.

Read our full BMW iX review or see our latest deals

Cupra Born

Cupra Born long-term test car cornering

Version 77kWh | Range 339 miles | List price from £40,215 | Target Price from £40,215

Our reigning Small Electric Car of the Year, the Cupra Born takes the very best bits of the Volkswagen ID.3, and adds extra agility and a smarter interior. Both the 58kWh and 77kWh versions can cover more than 250 miles between charges. And you can even specify the Born with a so-called e-Boost function, which briefly ups the power to 228bhp to make B-road overtakes a breeze.

Read our full Cupra Born review or see our latest deals

Ford Mustang Mach-E

Ford Mustang Mach-E front right driving

Version Extended Range RWD | Range 379 miles | List price from £59,380 | Target Price from £59,380

Every version of the Mustang Mach-E except the Standard Range AWD can cover more than 250 miles, and Extended Range versions should be capable of doing around 100 miles more than that. It's all the more disappointing, then, that the Mach-E suffers from a harsh ride and so-so build quality.

Read our full Ford Mustang Mach-E review or see our latest deals

Genesis GV60

Genesis GV60 2022 front left cornering wide angle

Version RWD | Range 321 miles | List price from £47,005 | Target Price from £47,005

Based on our reigning Car of the Year, the Kia EV6, the GV60 manages to feel worth its higher price, thanks to its seriously plush interior. There's lot of space for your passengers, too, but the boot is a bit on the small side.

Read our full Genesis GV60 review or see our latest deals

Genesis Electrified GV70

Genesis Electrified GV70 front

Version 180kW | Range 283 miles | List price from £64,405 | Target Price from £64,405

Blisteringly quick, nice to drive and with an attractive interior, the Electrified GV70 fixes the refinement issues that detract from the combustion engined model. It’s just a shame it’s much pricier than the superior BMW iX3.

Read our full Genesis Electrified GV70 review

Hyundai Kona Electric

Hyundai Kona Electric 2021 front

Version 64kWh | Range 300 miles | List price from £35,750 | Target Price from £35,136

If you specify the Kona Electric with the larger of its two battery options, you can breeze past 250 miles, even in the real world. This version also gets you more power than lesser models, with the 201bhp electric motor offering rapid acceleration and covering the 0-60mph sprint in about the same time as a Ford Fiesta ST hot hatch.

Read our full Hyundai Kona Electric review or see our latest deals

Hyundai Ioniq 5

Hyundai Ioniq 5 2021 front

Version 77kWh | Range 298 miles | List price from £48,650 | Target Price from £48,650

Most versions of the Ioniq 5 can do more than 250 miles on a charge, and range-topping Premium models stop just short of the 300-mile mark. Inside, you'll find a tech-heavy dashboard and plenty of space for your passengers. And you'll marvel at how quiet the Ioniq 5 is – as long as you avoid the larger alloy wheel options.

Read our full Hyundai Ioniq 5 review or see our latest deals

Jaguar I-Pace

Best used electric luxury SUV 2022 - Jaguar I-Pace front

Version EV400 | Range 292 miles | List price from £66,350 | Target Price from £63,554

There's only one version of the I-Pace, but the good news is that it can officially cover almost 300 miles between charges. Its dual electric motors produce a combined 395bhp, which is enough to propel this hefty SUV to 60mph in just 4.5sec. And the I-Pace blends entertaining handling with a comfortable ride.

Read our full Jaguar I-Pace review or see our latest deals

Kia Soul EV

Best electric small SUV 2022 - Kia Soul EV front

Version Maxx | Range 280 miles | List price from £34,995 | Target Price from £34,995

Some people may find the ride of the Soul EV a touch firm, but it has strong performance, an impressively long range given its price, and comes very well equipped. Just bear in mind that, while its compact size will be a boon for many, the boot is on the small side.

Read our full Kia Soul EV review or see our latest deals

Kia Niro EV

Kia Niro EV 2023 front

Version Niro EV | Range 285 miles | List price from £36,745 | Target Price from £36,294

The Kia e-Niro changed the game for electric cars – in fact, it became the first electric car ever to win our overall Car of the Year Award. This new version, renamed the Niro EV, isn't quite as transformative, but it still impresses with a comfortable ride, fairly practical interior and strong performance from its electric motor.

Read our full Kia Niro EV review or see our latest deals

Kia EV6

Kia EV6 front cornering

Version GT Line RWD | Range 328 miles | List price from £45,195 | Target Price from £45,195

Welcome to the best electric SUV money can buy, and also our 2022 Car of the Year. What makes the Kia EV6 so good? Well, as well as a long range, it's also capable of charging at an ultra-fast rate, so you'll spend less time plugged in to chargers, and it has loads of room for your rear passengers. Add in the fact that it's good to drive and comes with the reassurance of a long warranty, and the EV6 is a fantastic choice.

Read our full Kia EV6 review or see our latest deals

Mercedes EQA

Used Mercedes EQA 2021-present front cornering

Version 350 | Range 264 miles | List price from £54,510 | Target Price from £53,571

The EQA is the smallest electric SUV Mercedes makes, and while it doesn't have as big a battery as some of the larger alternatives, every version is still officially capable of travelling more than 250 miles between charges. We like the EQA's tech-heavy interior and the fact that it has decent rear space by small electric car standards, but a high price and poor ride count against it.

Read our full Mercedes EQA review or see our latest deals

Mercedes EQB

Mercedes EQB 2022 front

Version 350 | Range 257 miles | List price from £56,810 | Target Price from £55,831

One step up from the Mercedes EQA is the aptly-named EQB, and while it offers more space inside for people and luggage, it only just gets over the 250-mile range marker according to official figures. Again, the interior is fantastic and you get a lot of kit, but lots of rivals are quicker and prices are a bit too high.

Read our full Mercedes EQB review or see our latest deals

Mercedes EQC

Mercedes EQC 2021 front cornering

Version Sport | Range 255 miles | List price from £72,335 | Target Price from £71,084

Sitting above the EQB in Mercedes' electric SUV range is – you guessed it – the EQC. It has even more space inside than its smaller siblings, but only top-end Sport models can travel for more than 250 miles on a charge, and even then only just. We like its comfortable motorway ride and how incredibly quiet it is, but rivals such as the BMW iX3 and Jaguar I-Pace are more fun to drive.

Read our full Mercedes EQC review or see our latest deals

Mercedes EQS

Mercedes EQS 2022 front

Version 450+ | Range 453 miles | List price from £105,610 | Target Price from £105,610

The EQS is to electric cars what the Mercedes S-Class is to combustion-engined models – an incredibly luxurious example of the breed. The interior of the EQS impresses with its comfort and technology, plus you get a huge range and punchy performance for something truly special.

Read our full Mercedes EQS review or see our latest deals

MG 4 EV

MG4 front right tracking

Version 150kW Long Range | Range 281 miles | List price from £28,495 | Target Price from £28,495

MG's latest model is decent to drive, comfortable and, if you go for the Long Range version, offers a good range between charges. Yes, there are other electric cars that are more polished and practical, but they're all much more expensive.

Read our full MG 4 EV review or see our latest deals

MG 5 EV

MG5 2022 front right tracking

Version Long Range | Range 250 miles | List price from £30,995 | Target Price from £30,995

The MG 5 is the only electric estate car currently on sale, while its low price means it represents good value for money. You'll need to opt for the larger of the two battery options to get a 250-mile official range, though.

Read our full MG 5 review or see our latest deals

MG ZS EV

Blue MG ZS EV front right driving

Version Long Range | Range 273 miles | List price from £31,495 | Target Price from £31,029

As with the MG 5 we've just seen, you'll need to spring for the larger of the two available batteries if you want to travel more than 250 miles on a charge in the MG ZS EV. Ride comfort isn't great and there's a fair amount of noise on the motorway, but the long list of standard equipment and low price make these things easier to forgive.

Read our full MG ZS EV review or see our latest deals

Nissan Ariya

Nissan Ariya 2022 front cornering

Version 87kWh | Range 310 miles | List price from £51,895 | Target Price from £50,729

Think of the Ariya as aiming to do for electric SUVs what the Nissan Qashqai has done for family SUVs. And while it's not quite as genre-defining as that car, it impresses with a high-quality interior and smooth driving manners. An Evolve version of the Ariya with the larger 87kWh battery fitted can sail past 250 miles. In fact, range-topping versions can cover substantially more, ticking over 300 miles before needing to top up, according to official test results.

Read our full Nissan Ariya review or see our latest deals

Polestar 2

Polestar 2 front cornering

Version Long Range Single Motor | Range 336 miles | List price from £46,450 | Target Price from £46,450

Every version of the Polestar 2 can cover more than 250 miles on a charge according to official figures, but the single-motor model has the longest range. We also like the 2's classy interior, and the fact that it scores well for safety, but the ride is overly firm.

Read our full Polestar 2 review or see our latest deals

Porsche Taycan

Porsche Taycan 2021 cornering

Version GTS | Range 313 miles | List price from £106,055 | Target Price from £106,055

The Taycan uses its electric nature to boost performance as well as your green credentials. It's huge fun to drive, with punchy acceleration and agile handling, plus it has a fine interior, and all versions can travel for at least 250 miles between charges. As a result, it's both an excellent performance car and an excellent electric car.

Read our full Porsche Taycan review or see our latest deals

Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo

Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo 2022 front

Version GTS | Range 304 miles | List price from £107,055 | Target Price from £107,055

We named the Taycan Cross Turismo our 2022 Performance Car of the Year. In Sport mode it feels like it was specifically designed for British B-roads, because it somehow manages to feel locked into the surface like a proper sports car, while also being able to pad out stretches of lumpen Tarmac. It also offer a bigger boot, roomier rear seats and greater visibility than the regular Taycan.

Read our full Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo review or see our latest deals

Renault Megane E-Tech

Renault Megane E-Tech Electric 2022 front tracking

Version EV60 Optimum Range | Range 260 miles | List price from £35,995 | Target Price from £35,995

This is not a normal Renault Megane. For one thing, it's got the kind of chunky styling and raised ride height loved by SUV drivers, and for another, it's electric. The larger of the two available battery options allows you to travel close to 300 miles on a charge, and while rivals are more practical and fun to drive, the Megane E-Tech impresses with a comfy ride and a user-friendly infotainment system.

Read our full Renault Megane E-Tech review or see our latest deals

Skoda Enyaq iV

Skoda Enyaq front

Version 80 | Range 331 miles | List price from £42,925 | Target Price from £42,925

The Enyaq was Skoda's first electric SUV, and it's a hugely impressive car. Not only can all versions officially cover more than 250 miles between charges, but it's also extremely practical for families, comfortable on long trips and easy to drive. That it's well priced is the cherry on top of a very tempting cake.

Read our full Skoda Enyaq iV review or see our latest deals

Skoda Enyaq Coupé

Skoda Enyaq Coupé iV 2022 front left tracking

Version vRS | Range 323 miles | List price from £54,370 | Target Price from £54,370

As you'd expect, the Enyaq Coupé offers a sleeker roofline than its Enyaq SUV sibling, and while it's a lot more expensive, that's because it's currently available only in sporty vRS form. We like that it has masses of interior space and is comfortable and easy to drive.

Read our full Skoda Enyaq Coupé review

Tesla Model 3

Red Tesla Model 3 front cornering

Version Long Range | Range 360 miles | List price from £57,490 | Target Price from £57,490

Tesla's cheapest model makes good sense for private buyers and company car users alike. It's great to drive, packed full of tech, fast and surprisingly practical. Factor in a competitive price, especially given its sheer pace, and it’s not only the best all-round electric car on sale today, but one of the best cars full stop.

Read our full Tesla Model 3 review or see our latest deals

Tesla Model Y

Tesla Model Y 2022 front

Version Long Range | Range 315 miles | List price from £57,990 | Target Price from £57,990

The Tesla Model Y is fast, has a long range and is very practical. However, it's let down by a choppy ride and noisy cruiser manners, so the cheaper Model 3 is a better choice.

Read our full Tesla Model Y review or see our latest deals

Toyota bZ4X

Toyota bZ4X 2022 front right tracking

Version FWD 160kW | Range 315 miles | List price from £50,180 | Target Price from £50,180

When it comes to electrification, Toyota is better known for hybrid models than pure electric ones, but the bZ4X is actually the brand's second fully electric car, following a limited-run version of the Toyota RAV4 more than 20 years ago. The bZ4X offers a long range, with every version able to travel for more than 250 miles between charges, plus it's roomy and good to drive.

Read our full Toyota bZ4X review or see our latest deals

Volkswagen ID 3

Blue VW ID.3 right driving

Version 77kWh | Range 336 miles | List price from £36,990 | Target Price from £36,335

If the What Car? Award-winning Cupra Born didn't exist, the ID 3 would be the best small electric car you can buy. Every model can do more than 250 miles on a charge, while our recommended Life models come with all the kit you're likely to want, including heated front seats, adaptive cruise control and rear parking sensors.

Read our full Volkswagen ID 3 review or see our latest deals

Volkswagen ID 4

Used Volkswagen ID 4 2021-present front cornering blue

Version 77kWh Pro | Range 322 miles | List price from £45,900 | Target Price from £45,109

The ID 4 is Volkswagen's large electric SUV, and most versions can break through the 250-mile barrier between charges. We like that it has lots of space in the back for your passengers, plus a big boot, and that it's ranked well for safety by the experts at Euro NCAP. However, the best rivals are smarter inside, have much better infotainment systems and take less time to charge.

Read our full Volkswagen ID 4 review or see our latest deals

Volkswagen ID 5

Volkswagen ID.5 2022 front

Version 77kWh Pro | Range 322 miles | List price from £52,100 | Target Price from £51,586

Take the Volkswagen ID 4, give it a more aerodynamic shape and – hey presto! – you've created the ID 5. It comes with the same motors and battery sizes, and most versions can cover the same number of miles as their ID 4 counterparts. However, they also suffer from the same failings.

Read our full Volkswagen ID 5 review or see our latest deals

Volkswagen ID Buzz

VW ID Buzz 2022 front left tracking

Version 77kWh | Range 258 miles | List price from £57,115 | Target Price from £57,115

The ID Buzz MPV features a retro design that draws heavily on the Volkswagen Microbus of the 1950s. However, it appeals to the head as well as the heart, because it's good to drive, quiet and is predicted to hold on to its value incredibly well. Right now, it's available only as a five-seater, but later versions will have room for up to eight people.

Read our full Volkswagen ID Buzz review or see our latest deals

Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric

Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric 2021 front tracking

Version 69kWh Recharge Twin | Range 261 miles | List price from £57,000 | Target Price from £56,500

The regular Volvo XC40 is a former What Car? Car of the Year. And while this all-electric version isn't quite as impressive – not least because it's much more expensive – there's still plenty to like, including its high quality interior and strong performance.

Read our full Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric review or see our latest deals

Volvo C40 Recharge

Volvo C40 Recharge 2022 front

Version 78kWh Recharge Twin | Range 274 miles | List price from £58,350 | Target Price from £57,350

Last but not least, the C40 is the first electric coupé SUV from Volvo, and like the XC40 on which it is based, it's a classy and practical choice. All versions can cover more than 250 miles on a charge, and even entry-level models get 19in alloy wheels, cruise control and keyless entry as standard.

Read our full Volvo C40 Recharge review or see our latest deals


For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here

Read more: The best and worst electric cars 2022 >>

advertisment

News and advice

News

New BYD Shark plug-in hybrid to attack UK pick-up truck market

News

2027 Dacia Striker to offer full hybrid power and 600-litre boot for less than £25k

News

XPeng X9 MPV to arrive as seven-seat VW ID Buzz rival for £75k

Feature

New Kia Stonic vs Seat Arona

Best of

Best-selling cars 2026: EV sales reach new heights in June

News

New Bentley Torcal: name confirmed for brand's first all-electric car