Which electric cars have the longest range?

Electric Vehicles (EV) have come a long way over the last few years, steadily improving in all aspects of their operation. They're currently used as the introduction of new technology and innovations but that doesn't fix one of the largest limiting factors that one will encounter with one; range. Much of the disdain for EVs is rooted in their limited range, especially when compared to diesel vehicles that are often capable of single-tank ranges in excess of 900 km.

Related: Why are electric cars the future?

The current batch of EVs on offer in South Africa have certainly improved but many South Africans are still concerned with long-distance travel and the frequency at which they will be required to recharge, a process that - admittedly - takes longer than your regular fuel stop. Despite the fact that South Africa has a fairly extensive public charging infrastructure and that the running costs are still a fraction of those associated with internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, the buying public isn't embracing the EV as they possibly should.

Can an electric car be charged at home?

The high initial purchase costs of EVs are to be expected as the new technology, research and development, and manufacturing still have to cover their costs but overall, we can expect EVs to become more affordable in the future.

 

Locally available EVs with long range

The concern around EV range is understandable, but many are unaware of how far EVs have progressed in a relatively short space of time. From approximately 200 km on a full charge in the initial BMW i3 that South Africa saw (the first EV to have mass adoption) to comfortably accepting 400 km as being the range of an EV, much progress has been made in the last 10-years.

South Africa now has no fewer than 37 different EV models on offer for you to choose from but we know what you're like, you'd like the one with the most range. Here are the Top 5 EV on sale now with the most range. These are the claimed range maximums as tested on the WLTP cycle. Individual ranges will vary depending on driving style, battery status and temperatures.

 

1. Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ sedan

The new Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ sedan range, available in AMG Line trim as well, is one of the latest kids on the block and features a raft of new technologies - as one would expect from a Mercedes-Benz S-Class offering. This limousine-like offering is fitted with a 400V 108 kWh battery system that makes it good for an electric range of up to 782 km.

Battery: 108 kWh

Range: 631 to 782 km

 

2. BMW iX xDrive50

The BMW iX xDrive50 is the most powerful of the iX range and produces 385 kW and an astounding 765 Nm torque to help this futuristic-feeling SUV hit the 100 km/h mark from a standstill in only 4.6-seconds.

Battery: 111.5 kWh

Range: 549 to 630 km

 

3. BMW i7 xDrive60

The latest EV to be released (at the time of writing), this luxury sedan is the sort of car that you may want to be driven in, rather than drive yourself. It too is the benchmark for BMW technology and innovation.

Battery: 101.7 kWh

Range: 591 to 625 km

 

4. Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ sedan

The same, but different, the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 is a performance version of the regular EQS for those that want to be sure they're making a statement. This 484 kW luxury sedan will rocket to 100 km from a dead stop in only 3.8 seconds thanks to the colossal 950 Nm torque output.

Battery: 120 kWh

Range: 529 to 586 km

 

5. Porsche Taycan GTS

Sharing technology with the Audi RS e-tron GT, the Taycan lights the wick and dials things up to 11 with an electric sports car that's everything you've come to expect from the Stuttgart brand. It will do 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.7 seconds and still manage to offer you a very respectable range.

Battery: 93.4 kWh

Range: 439 to 504 km

 

To see how all 37 vehicles currently available fare, scan through this list below.