When it comes to electric vehicles (EV), the range is arguably the most crucial factor when deciding which car you buy. The last thing you want is to be stranded on the side of the road, unable to complete your daily commute or make it to the next public charging station.
Just how is max range determined, and what factors impact the range of your electric vehicle? Read on for a brief explanation and then a rundown of the top 10 electric vehicles for range.
What Is MPGe?
Most drivers are familiar with the term mpg (miles per gallon). Since electric cars do not consume hydrocarbon fuels, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) developed a new acronym, MPGe (miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent), to measure the fuel economy of electric cars. Higher MPGe ratings translate to lower costs of operation. MPGe is not directly related to range and only refers to how many miles the car will travel on a gasoline gallon equivalent.
The combined city/highway MPGe figure is the one most prominently displayed on the window sticker. Be advised that according to Car and Driver magazine, none of the vehicles they have tested thus far have achieved the ranges promised when tested in 75-mph highway tests.
Factors That Impact Range
In Car and Driver testing, cold weather was shown to impact the range dramatically. This will be an important consideration for buyers who live in colder climates.
Your use of climate-control systems will also impact the range of your vehicle. The biggest impact is heating the car and using features such as seat warmers. The reason this is so energy-guzzling is that the heat that the normal internal combustion engine produces is not present in an electric car. Normally, the hot water from the car’s radiator is channeled into the heater core, which then blows the heated air into the passenger compartment. This is not present in an EV.
Using the air conditioner and driving in hot weather also impacts the range of your electric car, but not as significantly as cold weather. Other minor factors include the weight of the vehicle’s occupants and the amount of cargo. A good rule of thumb is never to expect the maximum range.
Maximum ranges only occur at a 100% charge, which is also rarely achieved. The charging rate slows dramatically for the last 10-15% of the battery capacity. This is done by design to protect the batteries from the degradation of capacity.
When buying an EV, it is crucial that you understand that the maximum range is only achieved sporadically, under optimal driving conditions. You must consider these factors when planning a long-distance trip to ensure that you can make it safely to your next charging station.
Top 10 Models With the Longest Range
Whether you want a hatchback, a sedan, or an SUV, there are models available to satisfy your desires. With starting prices ranging from $37,000 to $152,000, there are models for a wide range of budgets. Maximum ranges run from 201 to 373 miles on a full charge. Charging times also vary, running from 9 hours to 12 hours.
#10 — 2020 Porsche Taycan
Range per full charge: 201 miles
93.4-kWh lithium-ion battery with an estimated charge time of nine hours at 240v
670-horsepower engine
EPA fuel economy equivalent: 69 MPGe (city/highway combined)
Starting price: $152,250
This sporty coupe has the most significant price tag on the list, the most powerful engine, and one of the shortest charging times.
#9 — 2020 Nissan Leaf Plus
Range per full charge: 226 miles
62-kWh lithium-ion battery with an estimated charge time of 11.5 hours at 240v
214-horsepower engine
EPA fuel economy equivalent: 108 MPGe (city/highway combined)
Starting Price: $39,125
This sporty hatchback is one of the least expensive on the list, has a small engine, and has one of the most extended charging times.
#8 — 2020 Jaguar I-Pace
Range per full charge: 234 miles
90-kWh lithium-ion battery with an estimated charge time of 12.9 hours at 240v
394-horsepower engine
EPA fuel economy equivalent: 76 MPGe (city/highway combined)
Starting price: $70,875
This luxury sedan has a mid-range price tag, a moderately powerful engine, and the longest charge time on the list.
#7 — 2020 Kia Niro
Range per full charge: 239 miles
64-kWh lithium-ion battery with an estimated charge time of 9.5 hours at 240v
201-horsepower engine
EPA fuel economy equivalent: 112 MPGe (city/highway combined)
Starting price: $40,210
This five-passenger sedan has a low entry price, a small engine, and one of the faster charging times on this list.
#6 — 2020 Hyundai Kona
Range per full charge: 258 miles
64-kWh lithium-ion battery with an estimated charge time of 9.5 hours at 240v
201-horsepower engine
EPA fuel economy equivalent: 120 MPGe (city/highway combined)
Starting price: $38,310
This subcompact SUV has a low entry price, a small engine, and one of the shortest charging times on this list.
#5 — 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV
Range per full charge: 259 miles
60-kWh lithium-ion battery with an estimated charge time of 10 hours at 240v
200-horsepower engine
EPA fuel economy equivalent: 118 MPGe (city/highway combined)
Starting price: $37,495
This stylish hatchback has the lowest price on this list, with a small engine and an average charging time.
#4 — 2020 Tesla Model Y
Range per full charge: 315 miles
75-kWh lithium-ion polymer battery with an estimated charge time of 10 hours at 240v
EPA fuel economy equivalent: 121 MPGe (city/highway combined)
Starting Price: $54,190
This seven-passenger SUV goes from 0-60 in as little as 3.5 seconds, has a moderate price tag, and has an average charging time.
#3 — 2020 Tesla Model X Long Range
Range per full charge: 328 miles
100-kWh lithium-ion battery with an estimated charge time of 10 hours at 240v
EPA fuel economy equivalent: 96 MPGe (city/highway combined)
Starting price: $89,690
This seven-passenger SUV can reach 60 mph in less than three seconds, is one of the highest-priced vehicles on this list, and has an average charging time.
#2 — 2020 Tesla Model 3
Range per full charge: 330 miles
75-kWh lithium-ion battery with an estimated charge time of 10 hours at 240v
EPA fuel economy equivalent: 130 MPGe (city/highway combined)
Starting price: $50,190
This moderately priced five-passenger luxury sedan has an average charging time.
#1 — 2020 Tesla Model S Long Range
Range per full charge: 373 miles
100-kWh lithium-ion battery with an estimated charge time of 12 hours at 240v
EPA fuel economy equivalent: 111 MPGe (city/highway combined)
Starting price: $81,190
This five-passenger sportback is one of the most expensive cars on this list and has one of the most extended charging times as well.
It comes as no surprise that the top four models come from Tesla. The company is, after all, the standard when it comes to electric cars. Electric cars are the only cars that the company builds, and the related products include home storage batteries and solar panels. You can’t go wrong with any of the models on this list, however. Models with a lower price may have a shorter range but could be more economical to operate in the long run.
