The range of an electric vehicle is simply the total distance (in miles or kilometers) the car can travel per charge. Essentially, it may also refer to a given distance an electric car can transverse using power from a fully charged battery, before requiring a recharge.
Understandably, most motorists will go for an electric car with the longest driving range hoping to travel a longer distance before having to charge their vehicles. However, what you might not know is that the range depends on a number of factors other than battery capacity. Seemingly, how you use your car and the terrain on which you are driving your EV can make all the difference in determining how far you can actually drive before recharging the vehicle.
The good news for motorists and EV enthusiasts is that the auto market is flooded with a wide range of electric cars with different driving ranges. This gives you the option to choose your preferred model from your favorite brand. Nevertheless, it is essential to note that the longer the range of the car, the more money it would cost.
Here is a comprehensive list of electric cars with the longest driving range.
- Tesla Model S
Tesla is a household name as far as luxury cars are concerned. It is therefore not surprising that the Tesla Models S is one of the most sought EVs to hit our roads. The car has all the top auxiliary features that you might be looking for in marquee vehicle.
Besides features like high impact protection and superior performance, the Tesla Model S has an impressive range of up to 370 miles per charge. This is undoubtedly the longest electric range of an EV on the road. Moreover, you can recharge the car at any of the 12,000 superchargers around the world, adding up to 170 miles in just 30 minutes.
- Tesla Model X
Another electric car with an impressive driving range is the Tesla Model X. This sport utility vehicle can reach up to 325 miles on a single charge. This range allows motorists to drive anywhere around the world with confidence, without worrying about losing charge midway through the journey. What is more surprising is that you may add up to 170 miles in 30 minutes at a designated supercharger location along major routes in the US and the rest of the world. With all these impressive features, it comes as no surprise that the Tesla Model X is one of the top all-electric SUV on the market. - Chevrolet Bolt
The Chevrolet Bolt EV made its debut in the motor industry back in 2016. Ever since then, this compact and budget-friendly vehicle has maintained its rank as one of the top utilitarian electric cars available today.
Most importantly, this all-electric car has an estimated range of up to 238 miles. Moreover, the car has DC fast charging capability allowing you to add up to 90 miles in just 30 minutes. In addition, its high capacity 60 kWh lithium-ion battery can store sufficient charge to last you through the journey before the next recharge.
- Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf does not require any introduction as far as electric vehicles are concerned. The 5-door hatchback electric car has been on the market ever since the first EVs came into existence.
The car is renowned for its superior acceleration, nimble handling, and instant torque. Above all, it has an incredible range of up 226 miles with faster and easier charge capabilities. You have the option to choose between the 40 kWh and the 62 kWh battery versions, allowing you to go further than ever on just a single charge.
- Volkswagen e-Golf
The Volkswagen e-golf is undoubtedly one of the most efficient electric cars on the market today. It is renowned for its exceptional acceleration and impressive handling for a powerful and sustainable performance.
With the ability to drive up to 125 miles on a full charge, the e-Golf might not have the longest range. However, it is capable of maintaining charge for long distances without requiring a recharge. Furthermore, the car comes with 7.2 kW DC Fast Charging capabilities that allow you to recharge your vehicle at any fast-charging station along your route.
How to choose an EV with the appropriate range
Choosing an electric car with the appropriate driving range for your needs might seem like a straightforward task. Unfortunately, this is not the case. With so many options available today, settling for a particular make or model might turn out to be overwhelming for most motorists. Here are a number of factors that you should consider to make the right choice.
- Driving habits
Your driving habits will determine the type of range you need. If you are looking for an EV to commute to work or run errands within town, then a car like the Volkswagen e-golf or the Nissan Leaf may be a good choice thanks to the comparatively low driving range. However, if you are planning to travel long distances, then you should opt for higher range vehicles like Tesla or the Chevrolet Bolt. - Topography
Besides your driving habits, the terrain or topography you will be driving the car will determine the type of range you need. Hilly or mountainous terrains require more engine power, meaning that you will need a vehicle with a higher driving range to make up for the power used. Conversely, vehicles that have a low range are ideal for flat terrains that do not require more engine power to maneuver. - Charging Stations
Another essential factor to consider is the availability of charging stations within your location. Apparently, the distance between these stations will determine how far you can drive before requiring a recharge. If you reside in a neighborhood with numerous charging stations, then buying a low range vehicle may prove to be a smart investment - Price
Buying an electric car is a long-term investment. Essentially, the car that you buy should serve you industriously for years to come. However, the price of the car that you choose depends on its range. Vehicles with a longer range are relatively more expensive in comparison to cars with a modest range rating.
How to boost your EV’s driving range
Hypermiling or energy efficient driving is a common trend globally. Essentially, motorists always look for ways to improve their cars’ energy efficiency, in order to get the most miles out of a liter of fuel. The same habit also applies to electric vehicles. Apparently, you can boost your driving range by hypermiling your electric car. Here are a few tips on how to maximize your EV range.
- Use cruise control
Driving on cruise control is one of the easiest ways of conserving energy and enhancing your car’s range. This mode allows you to drive at a constant speed without losing power. However, this can only be efficient on a flat highway rather than a hilly terrain. - Use the economy mode
Another way to boost your driving range is to use the economy mode. Most electric cars have an “economy mode” that saves battery life by reducing energy consumption around the car. - Stay within the speed limit
Driving just below the speed limit is a great way to maximize your EV range. According to research, energy efficiency tends to decrease at speeds above 50 mph. This will subsequently reduce the range of your car. - Avoid hard braking
Electric vehicles come with a regenerative braking system that seeks to recover and convert kinetic energy into a form that can be reused later. However, hard braking tends to circumvent this principle, hence it is advisable to avoid it in order to save more energy and increase your range. - Use accessories wisely
Accessories such as entertainment systems and air conditioners draw their energy from your battery pack. Continuous use of these devices significantly reduces your range. - Plan your moves well ahead
Plan ahead by pre-heating or pre-cooling your car when charging to avoid using excess power while on the road. Additionally, focus on the smoothest input on the throttle, steering and brakes to enhance energy efficiency and improve driving range. - Remove the roof rack
According to various studies, the roof rack on your car attributes to 0.8% loss of energy due to wind resistance. With this in mind, it is advisable to get rid of the rack unless you really have to use it. - Close the windows
Every motorist loves a cool, blast of fresh air when driving. However, driving with your windows open will not only increase wind resistance, but also reduce the energy-efficiency of your car. Apparently, driving with your windows open can reduce your range by up to 10%.
Take Away
Electric cars with the longest driving range might be expensive for now. However, since most auto manufacturers are trying to outdo each other in this aspect, it is just a matter of time before the prices go down.
In the meantime, you may maximize on your EV’s driving range by implementing some or all of the practices mentioned above.
