Real Range: Which electric cars do more than 250 miles on a charge?
Which electric cars can cover more than 250 miles on a charge?
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.
Audi Q4 e-tron
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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