5 EVs With the Best Driving Range
One adjustment drivers go through when switching from an internal combustion engine (ICE) to an electric vehicle (EV) is understanding good charging practices. It’s no longer as simple as finding the nearest gas station for a quick fill-up. But luckily, there are a few EVs that’ll keep you from frequently stopping, thanks to impressive range numbers. Here are the EVs with the best driving range, per U.S. News.
1. Lucid Air Dream Edition R
- Driving range: 520 miles
The Lucid Air is a new entrant into the luxury EV segment, with its first model debuting in 2022. There are multiple trims for the luxury EV sedan: the base Pure, Touring, Grand Touring, Dream Edition R, and Dream Edition P.
The “R” in Dream Edition R stands for range. This specific trim has the best driving range figures at 520 miles. That figure’s even more impressive, considering the 118-kWh battery pack gives you 933 hp. It’s not too lofty of an estimate, either. Edmunds’ range testing got to 505 miles, meaning you can get from Kansas City to Chicago on one full charge. Though the base Pure can’t quite match those numbers, Lucid estimates you can get 406 miles of range on a full charge.
You’ll be comfortable for long journeys, too. U.S. News reviewers highlight the Air’s minimalist cabin design providing lots of space and great technology. The Dream Edition R also comes with upgraded leather upholstery to give you extra comfort.
2. Tesla Model S Long Range
- Driving range: 405 miles
Until Lucid came along with the Air sedan, Tesla held the standard for the best range figures, especially with the Long Range trims. The Model S Long Range can’t quite match the Air Dream Edition R’s range, but it still gives you 405 miles on a full charge. For the 2022 model year onward, the Long Range is simply the Model S.
This comes in a sedan package that gives you 670 combined horsepower from dual electric motors. You can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds. And suppose you’re looking for technology features. In that case, the Model S has plenty: WiFi hotspots, wireless charging pads in the front and rear, a 22-speaker sound system, 17-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a rear-seat entertainment display with a gaming computer. Tesla has set the standard with technology and range, and the Model S is one of the EVs with the best driving range you can buy.
3. Rivian R1T
- Driving range: 400 miles
Another new entry into the EV market, Rivian’s made a splash with the R1T pickup truck. Though it had some production problems in 2022, the R1T remains one of the market’s best EVs for driving range. You can get a maximum range of 400 miles when you opt for the 180-kWh Max battery pack. That’s a lot more than the 314 miles on the base battery pack.
Like the Lucid Air, the R1T gives you impressive power in addition to that driving range. The truck has four electric motors (one for each wheel) that combine for 835 hp and 908 lb-ft of torque. It doesn’t have as many tech options as the Model S but does offer you heated seats, a 16-inch touchscreen display, panoramic glass roof, adjustable air suspension, and synthetic leather seating. U.S. News reviewers tout the cabin for its mixture of luxury and outdoor-friendly materials. Along with the benefits of having a truck bed, the R1T also has a built-in air compressor and tow hooks to cover more needs.
4. Tesla Model 3 Long Range
- Driving range: 358 miles
Tesla’s more affordable sedan option, the Model 3, gives drivers impressive driving range as well. At nearly half the price of the Model S, you can make it 358 miles on a full charge. It doesn’t sacrifice speed for that range, though; you can 0 to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds.
Like the Model 3, you get a lot of comfort and technology inside the spacious cabin. Heated front and rear seats, panoramic glass roof, and synthetic leather upholstery make it a nice place to be while enjoying that long range. With the Long Range trim, the onboard charger is bumped up to 11.5-kW, and you get a 13-speaker premium sound system.
5. Mercedes-Benz EQS 450
The first non-EV company entry on this list comes from Mercedes-Benz. The EQS 450 takes a lot of cues from Mercedes’ S-Class sedan with a lot of luxury and impressive technology. A single electric motor powers the EQS 450+, but the 580 4Matic trims come with dual motors and all-wheel drive. Both powertrains can get you to 350 miles of range, but the latter gives you more power at 516 horsepower and 631 lb-ft of torque. Per Edmunds, that range number might be underselling the EQS, as reviewers there got to a total of 381 miles in a real-world test.
Each powertrain has three trims: the base Premium, Exclusive, and Pinnacle. The base model sets you up very well with adaptive air suspension, heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic glass roof, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 12.8-inch infotainment display, and a suite of advanced driver aids. Bumping to the Exclusive or Pinnacle trims adds features like massaging front seats, wireless smartphone charging pads, and an air filtration and fragrance system. U.S. News rates the EQS as the best luxury electric car on the market.
Which EV has the best driving range?
Without question, it’s the Lucid Air Dream Edition R. Even the base model of the Lucid Air stands up well to the competition, comfortably outpacing everyone except for the Model S. If you’re not looking for a sedan, the R1T fits the bill the best. However, it lacks quite as many features as the other models on the list.