When it comes to considering an electric vehicle purchase, many would-be buyers express concerns about the vehicles’ range. How frequently would the car need to be charged? How far can it travel between charges? What happens if I get stuck somewhere without a place to charge the vehicle and it runs out of power?
Fortunately, advances in technology have dramatically expanded the range capabilities of many electric vehicles, with some even boasting ranges comparable to the distance a similar gas-powered vehicle can travel on a single tank of fuel.
Still, the ranges of electric cars on the market today vary widely, and many factors can influence how far you can go on a single charge. Below, we’ll dive into electric car range comparisons from the most popular manufacturers and share helpful tips for maximizing your range.
Choosing a Vehicle with a Range that Fits Your Lifestyle
The range of an electric car plays a significant role in its price tag, so it’s important to balance your daily distance needs with your car-buying budget. If your commute to work is modest and you don’t make extended trips for shopping or other activities, a car with a lower range may suit you just fine.
On the other hand, if you do a lot of driving for work or children’s activities, it makes sense to spend a bit more to get a car with extended range. You should also research the locations of electric vehicle charging stations in your region, which may influence the model you choose to buy. Larger cities tend to have a more abundant supply of EV stations, while they may be few and far between in rural areas, which means you’ll have to rely mostly on charging your car at home.
Getting the Best Range from Your EV
Similar to your gas mileage with a traditional car, your electric vehicle driving habits can dramatically impact how much distance you can achieve before you need to “refuel.” The following recommendations from the U.S. Department of Energy can help you maximize both range and MPGe.
- Don’t overload accessories: Nonessential systems like air conditioning and media players use more power than you might think. Try to minimize their use if you’re concerned about range.
- Stay in economy mode when possible: Many electric cars feature an economy mode that streamlines the car’s energy use to conserve battery life.
- Handle climate control before leaving: Consider pre-heating or pre-cooling your car to your desired temperature while it’s still plugged in; your car will use far less power to maintain the temperature once you’re on the road.
- Plan ahead for braking: Hard braking not only wastes energy, it also prevents your regenerative braking system from functioning at its peak. Stay alert to road conditions and other drivers’ behavior so you can brake gradually as much as possible, which will charge your battery as you brake.
- Watch your speed: Efficiency plummets at speeds higher than 50 miles per hour, so observe the posted speed limit to extend your range (as a bonus, you’ll also avoid getting a speeding ticket).
- Keep your tires properly inflated and remove unnecessary cargo from the car. No matter what kind of car you drive, these habits will help you maximize your vehicle’s efficiency.
Comparing the Ranges of Today’s Electric Cars
Nissan Leaf
One of the first mass-market electric vehicles, the compact Nissan Leaf has evolved to meet growing consumer demand, offering an optional larger battery pack that markedly increased its power and range. The Leaf starts at just under $30,000 for the base model with the smaller 40 kWh lithium-ion battery, which delivers 147 HP and a 150-mile range.
For about $7,000 more, you’ll get the 62 kWh battery, which extends the power to 214 HP and range to 226 miles. The Leaf also provides three charging options: a 240V cable that provides a full charge in 8 hours for the small battery and 11.5 hours for the large one; a DC quick-charging option that gets the batteries to 80 percent in an hour or less; and a standard household 120V cable that lets you connect anywhere in a pinch.
Kia Niro EV
This affordable electric crossover seats five adults and starts at $38,500. It boasts a range of up to 239 miles on a single charge, thanks in part to its aerodynamically-designed exterior that’s designed to minimize resistance and an active air flap that helps cool the motor while limiting both drag and noise.
The Niro offers the same versatile charging options as the Leaf: Level 1 (120V) household outlets, Level 2 (240V) public charging stations and DC fast chargers. Its newly-enhanced drivetrain has a combined system output of 201 HP and 291 foot-pounds of torque as well as a zippy sport mode.
Audi e-tron
While the Audi e-tron occupies the middle of the pack with its 204-mile range, it gets top marks for safety and performance. The e-tron made the list of IIHS Top Safety Picks in 2019 and earned a five-star safety rating from NHTSA. Its five-mode suspension includes an off-road option, and the e-tron surges from zero to 60 miles per hour in 5.5 seconds.
The vehicle also comes with a home charging capsule that fully charges the battery in about nine hours with a 240V connection as well as a free 1,000 kWh at Electrify America fast-charging stations for use within the first four years of ownership. Prices start at around $75,000 for a basic model and $79,000 for premium trim.
Hyundai Kona Electric
The Hyundai Kona Electric leads most of its competitors with an impressive 258-mile range and a price tag that starts around $37,000. Comfort, Eco and Sport modes allow drivers to adjust for various road conditions, while push-button start, heated front seats and a 7-inch color touchscreen audio system with SiriusXM and HD radio come standard.
The vehicle also comes with Hyundai’s generous warranty: 10 years/100,000 miles for electric battery and powertrain and five years of 24/7 roadside assistance.
Polestar 2
Set to arrive in the U.S. in summer 2020, the Polestar 2 is a four-door hatchback with 300 kWh all-wheel drive and a powerful 78 kWh battery that’s expected to hit a 275-mile range. Polestar is a sub-brand of Volvo, so you can be confident in its safety and quality.
The vehicle is expected to deliver serious performance as well, taking less than five seconds to go from zero to 60 miles per hour. The estimated price of the Polestar 2 is expected to start at around $63,000.
Porsche Taycan
Drivers seeking the pinnacle of luxury and performance are sure to fall in love with the Porsche Taycan. With a pair of motors generating nearly 600 HP, the Taycan 4S hits 60 miles per hour in a blazing 3.8 seconds while still managing a maximum range of 192 miles and a top track speed of 155 miles per hour. Adding up base price, delivery and equipment, you’ll shell out nearly $115,000 for this enviable electric ride.
Chevy Bolt
Starting around $37,000, the compact Chevy Bolt promises 259 miles of range on a single charge. Charging options include 120V, 240V and DC quick charging, and the Bolt’s Target Charge Level mode allows you to set a charging range based on how much you need.
You can also save money with Location-Based Charging, which lets you program the car to charge at home during off-peak electricity hours. Inside, the Bolt offers impressive connectivity, with a 10.2-inch color touch-screen, Apple and Android compatibility and an optional 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot.
Jaguar i-Pace
Named both 2019 World Car of the Year and 2019 Green Car of the Year, the Jaguar i-Pace delivers a respectable 234-mile range coupled with muscular performance. Its powertrain provides nearly 400 HP and 512 foot-pounds of torque, and the i-Pace goes from zero to 60 in just 4.5 seconds.
Its muscular 90 kWh battery is designed to maintain extended periods of sustained maximum power, while its position in the wheelbase gives it a low center of gravity for improved handling and aerodynamics. With a base price just shy of $70,000, the i-Pace offers affordable luxury in a sleek, sporty package.
Tesla Model 3
As the OG of electric cars, it’s not surprising that Tesla vehicles far surpass their competitors in terms of range. With its long-range package, the Tesla Model 3 sedan boasts a 322-mile range and an acceleration from zero to 60 in 4.4 seconds, with a price starting at around $49,000.
Tesla Model S
If you’re willing to shell out a little more money, Tesla’s flagship Model S sedan delivers a 373-mile range and reaches 60 miles per hour in 3.7 seconds. Like all Tesla vehicles, the Model S comes with dual-motor all-wheel drive, adaptive air suspension, premium interior trim and sound at a base price of around $75,000.
If you’ve got some wiggle room in your budget, you can upgrade from long-range to performance trim for an additional $20,000; your Model S will go from zero to 60 in 2.4 seconds, maintaining a 348-mile range and include “Ludicrous Mode,” enhanced interior styling and a carbon-fiber spoiler.
