It’s the first question prospective buyers want to know, even if you likely won’t often need to take advantage of that maximum range. But if you’re adamant you want that long-distance capability, what are the models you should look at? Here are the electric cars on sale today with Swansway that boast the best ranges.
Volkswagen ID.7 – up to 435 miles
We should say that Volkswagen’s new ID.7 isn’t officially on sale yet, but the first deliveries are expected at the start of 2024, and if you want to travel as far as possible on one charge, this electric saloon is worth considering.
Set to be available with a huge 86kWh battery – the largest fitted to a Volkswagen EV yet – the ID.7 is said to be capable of up to a remarkable 435 miles on a charge. Combine that with an impressive level of technology and loads of space, and it’s likely to become one of 2024’s must-have EVs.
Volkswagen ID.3 – 347 miles
The ID.3 was the car that really helped to kickstart Volkswagen’s electric car offensive, with this Golf-sized hatchback impressing with the way it drives, its technology and its surprisingly spacious interior.
Volkswagen has also recently tweaked the ID.3, giving it a classier design and higher-quality interior. If you opt for the ‘Pro S’ version of this VW, which uses a 77kWh battery, it will be capable of a claimed 347 miles on a charge.
Audi Q8 e-tron – 343 miles
Similarly at Audi, it was the e-tron that helped to establish this brand’s impressive reputation for electric cars. Launched in 2019, Audi has recently revised it, and in the process renamed it as the Q8 e-tron, reflective of its high-end positioning.
As part of this change, Audi has equipped it with a far larger 106kWh battery, one of the largest available today, which unlocks a claimed range of 343 miles from the top-spec ‘55’ version. A sleeker Sportback model can also be had.
Cupra Born – 343 miles
Cupra is one of the fastest-growing car firms, and part of its success is down to the introduction of its first electric car – the Born. Based on the Volkswagen ID.3, it gets a more aggressive look and sportier driving experience to go with it as well.
Standard equipment is very generous on the Born too, while it’s also available with the large 77KWh battery that Cupra claims can mean this EV can travel 343 miles on a charge.
Audi Q4 e-tron – 328 miles
The Q4 e-tron was the first Audi to use the Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform, designed specifically for electric cars, with the key advantage of that being the generous claimed 328-mile range achievable from this mid-size SUV.
The Q4 e-tron is very practical for an SUV of this size while bringing a high-tech interior as well. You can have it as a coupe-like Sportback if you’d like something with a little more flair style-wise, too.
Volkswagen ID.4 – 328 miles
Matching the range of the Audi Q4 e-tron is the Volkswagen ID.4 – the firm’s mid-size electric SUV that is a particular hit with families. Though smaller battery versions are available, it’s the 77kWh unit you want, which allows for a claimed range of up to 328 miles.
The ID.4 is good value for a model of this size and it’s also available in various trim levels and guises depending on your preference.
Volkswagen ID.5 – 327 miles
If you’d like your electric Volkswagen SUV to look a bit more stylish, how about the Volkswagen ID.5? Managing to retain all of the great traits of the ID.4, it’s only marginally less practical yet brings a far more eye-catching coupe profile.
All versions use the large 77kWh battery, which Volkswagen claims allows for a 327-mile range. If you want something a bit sportier, there’s a GTX model, too, though the range isn’t quite as generous.
Audi e-tron GT – 305 miles
If you’re buying a GT car, you want it to be able to go the distance, and that’s exactly what Audi’s e-tron GT does. The German firm claims a range of up to 305 miles, but it’s also one of the fastest-charging EVs around, with a five to 80 per cent charge taking just 23 minutes if you can find a fast enough unit.
This Audi also has a stunning, high-end interior, while the overall design is superb. It’s a worthy range-topper in its electric car line-up.
BYD SEAL – 354 miles
For those looking for speed, the SEAL doesn't disappoint, boasting a 0-62mph acceleration in just 3.8 seconds in its all-wheel-drive version. What's more, its 354-mile WLTP combined range offers the freedom for long drives without the constant worry of recharging.
At its core, the SEAL is powered by an 82.5kWh battery, perfectly balancing power with endurance. If you're in the market for a car that combines beauty, speed, and the ability to go the distance, the BYD SEAL stands out as an excellent option among the best electric cars for range.