Electric car sales accelerate ahead of the big changes in vehicle ownership by the end of the decade. But one of the biggest obstacles to getting hooked up to electricity is worrying about running out of charge.
Although the public charging network is improving, the batteries take longer to charge than gasoline or diesel, and there are fewer charging stations than gas stations.
While many people can install chargers at home, not everyone can, so “range anxiety” is becoming a legitimate problem.
So, if you are looking for an electric car in 2022 but are traveling long distances, here are 10 current models to consider.
1. Mercedes-Benz EQS – 453 miles
Mercedes-Benz is a pioneer in electric cars – but at a price
The Mercedes-Benz EQS is currently the longest-range car in the UK. It’s essentially the electric version of the company’s S-Class model, one of the most luxurious, tech-heavy cars money can buy.
This continues with the EQS, which has the best features and technology that won’t be found on other models for years. It’s pricey, however, starting at a fiver under £ 100,000.
2. Tesla Model S – 405 miles
The Tesla Model S is one of the cars you need when you want range
(Image: Tesla)
Thanks to the efforts of US entrepreneur Elon Musk, few companies are as attractive to electric vehicles as Tesla. And while it’s the smaller, cheaper Model 3 that made headlines as the UK’s second best-selling car last year, it’s the Model S that you want when range is critical.
You have to opt for the dual-motor all-wheel drive model that accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h in 3.1 seconds. Impressively, the ridiculously fast three-engine Plaid model can still charge 396 miles, still well ahead of third-placed car on this list.
The disadvantage? Tesla is clearly prioritizing shipments of the sought-after Model 3 – they can put a £ 100 refundable security deposit on the Model S, but there is no delivery estimate or price, although they should start at around £ 75,000.
3. BMW iX – 380 miles
The BMW iX flagship has developed properly
(Image: BMW)
BMW may have been a little slow to really get its electric “i” brand off the ground, but with the iX as its flagship, it’s really made its way. Its looks are challenging but one thing cannot be denied, it has a fantastic interior and a wonderful driving experience.
As with Tesla and Mercedes, you have to pay for the privilege of long range – the iX xDrive50 version, which reaches up to 380 miles, starts at £ 93,905.
4. Ford Mustang Mach-E – 379 miles
The Mustang has one of the best cash-to-range ratios.
(Image: Ford)
First of the cheaper models on this list, the Mustang Mach-E might not be the best to drive, but it is stylish with a fantastic interior and one of the best value for money.
In order to achieve this maximum range, you have to opt for the less powerful model with rear-wheel drive and the extended range battery. Prices for this start at £ 47,580.
5. BMW i4 – 365 miles
The i4 has a familiar design, but with a large battery underneath
(Image: BMW)
Another BMW, but this time more of a sedan than an SUV. The i4 is loosely based on the popular 4 series and has a familiar design but with a large battery underneath.
Like the iX, it offers an excellent driving experience with one of the most comfortable suspension systems of all electric vehicles. It’s not quite as practical as the iX, but it’s a lot cheaper, starting at £ 51,905.
6. Tesla Model 3 – 360 miles
The Model 3 is the cheapest Tesla to date
(Image: Tesla)
The Tesla Model 3 broke all possible records for electric vehicles in the UK last year, only the hugely popular Vauxhall Corsa sold better. It’s the cheapest Tesla to date, bringing the company’s minimalist cabin and exhilarating driving experience to a wider market.
There are a few variants available, but it’s the long range, two-engine model that will get you the farthest between charges, with prices starting at £ 49,990.
7. Tesla Model X – 348 miles
The Model X has seven seats and a massive cabin
(Image: Tesla)
The third and final Tesla is the Model X. It’s the company’s only SUV and makes an excellent family car, with seven seats and an honestly massive cabin.
As with the Model S, if you left the security deposit now, it’s not entirely clear when you would receive your Model X, but once your car arrives you will see about 550 miles from the battery. Prices are not currently listed but are expected to start at over £ 80,000.
8. Volkswagen ID.3 – 340 miles
The ID.3 is Volkswagen’s attempt to shape the EV market
(Image: VW)
Volkswagen has developed what is arguably the best all-round family car in the Golf, and the ID.3 is the company’s attempt to do the same for the EV market. It also does a decent job in terms of sales.
There are attractive entry-level options with a smaller battery, but to get maximum range you need the Tour spec, which starts at £ 40,550 and gives you all the gear you could need.
9. Skoda Enyaq – 336 miles
The Enyaq has an excellent build quality and a stylish exterior
(Image: Skoda)
While the ID.3 is a great seller, the Skoda Enyaq might just be the more attractive version. Since Skoda is part of the VW Group, it shares many parts, with the Enyaq and the ID.3 sharing one platform.
Inside, however, the Skoda is more beautiful in many ways, with excellent build quality and a stylish exterior. Opt for the 80s model to get maximum range at almost the same price as the Volkswagen – it’s definitely worth taking a look.
10. Polestar 2 – 335 miles
Polestar is a newcomer to the car market
(Image: Polestar)
Polestar is a newcomer to the auto market and was previously Volvo’s low-power. Now it makes stylish electric cars loosely based on the Swedish automaker’s fundamentals.
The Polestar 2 has a unique appearance, so it really stands out on the road while getting the most out of Volvo’s minimalist interior. If you’re in the mood for something a little different from the norm, this model should be at the top of your list. The long-haul model is priced on par with others on this list, starting at around £ 43,000.
You can find more stories from where you live at InYourArea