What to watch for when buying a long-range electric car
Charge to 80%: EV manufacturers typically recommend charging only 80 or 90 percent to maintain battery health. So, an EPA estimate of 350 miles could translate to 280 miles of usable range.
Climate has an impact: Cold temperatures can decrease the EV range from a single charge and slow down charging times. Operating the vehicle's climate control system also diminishes the range.
Watch out for flashy wheels: Manufacturers typically achieve range with an optimal set of wheels. Opting for bigger wheels can knock up to 40 miles off the expected range in some vehicles.
EPA Range is just one measurement: The EPA is just one body measuring EV range. Their testing is more stringent than other standards used abroad, like WLTP. Certain cars may perform better or worse in actual driving. And like with gas mileage, how you drive the vehicle will also have a significant impact.
The Electric Cars With the Longest Range in 2022
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Lucid Air: 520 miles
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The Lucid Air currently has the longest range of any electric vehicle on the market. Models range from 451 to 520 miles of range. The 520-mile version is the 933 horsepower Air Dream Edition Range with 19-inch wheels.
The Model S sedan is Tesla's highest performance and longest range model. The top range model is the dual-motor Model S, which earns 405 miles of range when fitted with the standard 19-inch Tempest wheels. The Tesla Model S Plaid can earn up to 396 miles of range.
The Model 3 sedan is Tesla's most affordable vehicle. The longest range version is the dual-motor Model 3 Long Range, which can travel up to 358 miles on a charge when fitted with the 18-inch Aero wheels.
The Mercedes EQS is the brand's new flagship full-size electric sedan, the EV equivalent of the S-Class. The single-motor EQS 450+ is rated for 350 miles, the most we've seen in EPA testing from a legacy manufacturer. Though the EQS 580, with nearly 200 more hp, is close behind at 340 miles.
The Model X is Tesla's larger SUV, which can offer more than 1,000 hp and has distinctive gull-wing doors. The dual-motor version provides the longest range of 348 miles with the 20-inch Cyberstream wheels.
The Model Y is Tesla's newest car and smaller crossover. It comes in two versions: the Model Y Long Range and the Model Y Performance. The Long Range version of the Model Y can achieve 330 miles of EPA range with the smaller 19-inch Gemini wheels.
GMC launched the Hummer EV SUT, its audacious electric super truck of the future. It can off-road like a Jeep Wrangler, accelerate like a Porsche and crab walk. It's also 9,000 lbs, making it too heavy for an official EPA rating. So the listed 329 miles of range is a manufacturer estimate.
The iX is BMW's all-new electric midsize crossover. Its looks are controversial, with a giant faux kidney grille. It's about the same length and width as the popular X5. The top 324-mile range comes with the base iX xDrive50 trim with the base 20-inch Aero wheels.
The F-150 Lightning is Ford's new electric pickup truck based on the current generation F-150 — America's best-selling vehicle. The F-150 Lightning comes with Standard Range (230-mile) or Extended Range (320-mile) battery packs. The Extended Range is optional on the XLT and Lariat trims and standard on the Platinum trim.
Rivian's R1S is a three-row SUV, the second vehicle after the R1T pickup truck. The SUV slightly edges the pickup, offering up to 320 miles of range. To max out the capacity to 316 miles, you need the Quad-Motor setup with the Large battery pack and 21-inch wheels. Rivian estimates the new Dual-Motor setup with the Large battery pack will surpass 320 miles, but results are pending.
