Which Electric Car Has the Longest Range

When it comes to buying an electric car, range is often one of the first questions that drivers ask. How far can you go on a single charge? Can you drive from London to Manchester without stopping? And which model can truly go the distance? With advances in battery technology and aerodynamics, electric vehicles now offer ranges that were unimaginable just a few years ago. Understanding which electric car has the longest range, how range is calculated, and what it really means in everyday driving is key to finding a model that suits your needs.

What Does Range Really Mean?

The range of an electric car is the distance it can travel on a full charge before the battery runs out. This figure is usually calculated using the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure, known as WLTP. The WLTP gives a standardised measure of how far a car can drive under mixed conditions, including city, suburban, and motorway speeds. However, it is important to remember that WLTP range figures are based on ideal test conditions, not the real world.

Real-world range depends on many factors, such as driving style, speed, temperature, use of air conditioning or heating, and how full the car is. Cold weather can reduce battery performance, and high-speed motorway driving uses more energy than city travel. For this reason, most drivers can expect to achieve around 80 to 90 percent of the official range figure in everyday conditions.

The Electric Car with the Longest Range in the UK

As of 2025, the Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ holds the title for the electric car with the longest WLTP-rated range in the UK. It can travel up to approximately 481 miles on a single charge. This remarkable distance is achieved through a combination of a large 118kWh battery, advanced aerodynamics, and efficient power management. The EQS is a luxury saloon designed for long-distance travel, and it represents the pinnacle of electric vehicle engineering in terms of endurance.

The EQS achieves this range thanks to its slippery body design and innovative battery technology. Its drag coefficient is among the lowest of any production car, meaning it slices through the air more efficiently and wastes less energy. The car’s power management system ensures that every kilowatt is used effectively, whether you are driving through the city or cruising on the motorway.

While this figure makes the EQS the current range leader, it is worth noting that several other models are close behind. Vehicles such as the BMW i7, Tesla Model S Long Range, and Polestar 3 offer ranges between 400 and 450 miles, depending on driving conditions and configuration.

Is a Long-Range EV Always the Best Choice?

Although owning an electric car with an extremely long range sounds appealing, it is not always the most practical or cost-effective choice. The longest-range cars often come with larger battery packs, which increase the overall weight and price of the vehicle. In many cases, you may be paying for capacity that you rarely use.

Most UK drivers travel less than 30 miles per day, which means even an EV with a modest 250-mile range can easily cover daily needs with plenty to spare. If you can charge at home or at work, you may never need to use a public charger except on long trips. For many households, a mid-range electric car with strong efficiency offers the best balance between cost, practicality, and performance.

That said, if you frequently drive long distances or live in a rural area with limited charging options, a long-range EV provides valuable flexibility and peace of mind. It reduces the need for frequent charging stops and ensures you can comfortably handle motorway journeys without worrying about battery levels.

What Affects an Electric Car’s Range?

Several key factors influence how far an electric car can travel on a full charge. Temperature plays one of the biggest roles, as batteries operate less efficiently in cold weather. Wind resistance and driving speed also make a difference, with higher speeds consuming more energy.

Driving style is another major factor. Gentle acceleration and smooth braking can extend range considerably. Many EVs also feature regenerative braking, which recovers energy that would otherwise be lost and feeds it back into the battery. Using eco modes can help the car prioritise efficiency over performance.

Weight matters too. A car loaded with passengers or luggage will require more energy to move. Similarly, roof boxes or bike racks create extra drag, reducing overall range. Keeping tyres properly inflated and maintaining your vehicle also helps maximise efficiency.

Charging Infrastructure and Its Role

One of the biggest advantages of modern electric cars is how fast they can recharge. Ultra-rapid chargers are now capable of adding hundreds of miles of range in under half an hour. The Mercedes EQS, for instance, can take advantage of up to 200kW charging, which allows it to replenish its battery quickly during long trips.

In the UK, the number of rapid and ultra-rapid charging stations is growing steadily, with thousands already in operation and many more planned. This expansion makes range anxiety less of a concern than it once was. Even if your EV does not have the largest battery on the market, a well-placed charging stop can easily extend your journey.

Range Versus Efficiency

It is important to distinguish between range and efficiency. A car with a huge battery may travel farther, but it might also use more electricity per mile. Efficiency is measured in miles per kilowatt-hour (miles/kWh). Smaller cars with efficient designs can often achieve excellent real-world mileage even if their total range is shorter.

For example, a compact electric hatchback like the Hyundai Kona Electric or Tesla Model 3 can deliver impressive range figures because they use energy efficiently, not necessarily because they have enormous batteries. When comparing models, look at how many miles they achieve per kWh as well as their total range. This will give you a clearer picture of how much energy they need and how cost-effective they are to run.

Future Developments in Range Technology

Battery technology is improving quickly, and the range of electric cars is expected to rise dramatically over the next decade. The next major innovation will be the introduction of solid-state batteries. These promise higher energy density, faster charging times, and greater safety. With solid-state technology, electric cars could soon reach 600 to 700 miles on a single charge without adding extra weight.

Manufacturers are also improving vehicle efficiency through software updates and aerodynamic design. Some models can already receive over-the-air updates that optimise performance, extend range, or enhance regenerative braking. Meanwhile, lighter materials and better motor efficiency will help future vehicles travel farther on the same amount of power.

Choosing the Right Electric Car for Your Needs

When deciding which electric car is right for you, consider your driving habits and charging options. If you travel long distances regularly, a car with 350 miles or more of range, such as the Mercedes EQS or Tesla Model S, may be ideal. If your journeys are shorter and you can charge frequently, a smaller, more affordable EV might suit you better.

It is also worth considering how you plan to charge your vehicle. Home charging remains the most convenient and economical method for most drivers. A dedicated 7.4kW wall charger can fully charge a typical EV overnight, allowing you to start each day with a full battery. For those without off-street parking, public charging networks offer increasing reliability and availability.

Conclusion: Finding the Balance Between Range and Real Use

The Mercedes-Benz EQS currently leads the field with an impressive 481-mile range, making it the top long-distance EV in the UK. However, the best electric car for you may not necessarily be the one with the largest battery. Instead, it should fit your lifestyle, budget, and driving habits.

With technology improving rapidly and charging networks expanding, range anxiety is fading into the past. Whether you prioritise efficiency, luxury, or practicality, the UK’s growing range of electric vehicles offers an option for every kind of driver. In the near future, we can expect even greater ranges, faster charging times, and more affordable models, making electric cars an even more compelling choice for everyday motoring.