The range of an electric car is one of the most crucial aspects to take into consideration. The range is a concern and talking point for consumers, critics, and enthusiasts alike. In the race for the longest range, which electric vehicle (EV) comes out on top in 2022?
The current EV with the longest range is the new 2022 Lucid Air Dream Edition R, with an EPA-estimated 520 miles per charge. The runners-up belong to Tesla, with the Model S at 405 miles per charge and the Model 3 at 353. For most, 150-220mi of range is enough, though.
With an option boasting over 500 miles of range, the situation range may seem in pretty decent shape. However, the average consumer is still looking at ranges between 200 to 300 miles. Thankfully, we’ve compiled a list of EVs that top out over 300 miles of range for nearly every budget. Read on for everything you need to know about the longest-range EVs in 2022.
What Is Electric Car Range?
EV range is the number of miles an electric vehicle can travel per charge. The range of an electric car is vital to its performance, efficiency, and practicality. An electric vehicle’s range will affect your commutes, how far you can travel, and when you need to find the next charging station.
Electric vehicles get a lot of flack for their range, especially because many EVs can only travel half the distance of a traditional gasoline engine before they need to be charged.
Most people use the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) combined range as a primary measurement of an EV’s range. However, EPA ratings can vary across the same vehicle and can be a bit confusing for newcomers.
What Is EPA Combined Range?
The EPA combined or estimated range rating is the number you’ll most likely see advertised when searching for electric vehicles.
The EPA range is the approximate number of miles an EV can travel before needing a “fill-up.” This number is combined for city and highway driving, with 45% to 55% split respectively.
How Does the EPA Test EV Range?
When testing an electric car, the EPA uses a dynamometer, which is commonly referred to as a dyno. Think of the dyno as a treadmill for cars. The EPA places the EV on a set of rollers, so the car can “drive” while staying in place. The dynamometer gathers various data sets and metrics, such as horsepower and fuel efficiency.
Vehicles are put through different tests and driving cycles to simulate different variables. EVs are put through the Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule (UDDS) and the Highway Fuel Economy Driving Schedule (HWFET).
UDDS and HWFET Driving Cycles
Electric vehicles are tested in a simulated stop-and-go urban driving environment during the UDDS test. This test measures the fuel efficiency and economy for city commutes.
On the other hand, electric vehicles are measured in a simulated highway test during the HWFET test. This test requires the vehicle to get up to speed and fluctuate between speeds of 30-60 miles per hour. The HWFET test is used to measure highway fuel efficiency.
Determining Electric Vehicle Range
To determine the range of an electric vehicle, the EPA uses the Multi-Cycle City/Highway Test Procedure. During this test, the EPA fully charges an EV, leaves it parked overnight, and places it on the dynamometer the next morning.
The EPA puts the EV through numerous UDDS and HWFEET cycles until the battery is completely dead and the car can’t travel. The EPA uses how many miles the electric vehicle “traveled” during the procedure as a preliminary range value.
The EV is then plugged into the charger provided by the manufacturer and completely charged. The EPA uses a meter to measure the electricity of the charger, does some calculations, and then determines the efficiency of the car using the miles per gallon-equivalent (MPGe).
Because these tests are simulated, most electric vehicles have higher range estimates than they would have in normal driving conditions.
To counteract this, the EPA multiplies the preliminary range and metrics from the tests by 0.7. For example, one EV received a preliminary 451-mile rating on the testing procedure, but with the final calculation was just 316 miles of range. This provides a more realistic estimate for consumers in real-world conditions.
With these tests in mind, you get the EPA-estimated range for an electric vehicle. However, these values are only estimates derived from simulated environments. Many people are skeptical when it comes to EPA estimates because of these factors. Still, the EPA-estimated range rating is typically a good starting number for most consumers.
What’s the Average Range of EVs?
Generally speaking, the average range of an electric vehicle is going to be somewhere between 200 and 300 miles. However, if we look at median range values, we get different results.
In 2020, the median EPA estimated range for all-electric vehicle options exceeded 250 miles. The exact median range was 259 miles, and the maximum range in 2020 across all-electric vehicle models was 402 miles.
However, this number dropped in 2021. The median range across all EVs was 234 miles in 2021. The top-rated EPA range in 2021 was the new Tesla Model S, coming in at 405 miles, inching its way above the 2020 model’s 402-mile maximum.
Keep in mind that these are median values, not the average value. Some electric vehicle models will be below or above the median. This means that your mileage will vary depending on a wide array of factors. That being said, the EPA median value provides us with an idea of where the current technology is and what to expect.
Is EPA-Estimated Range Accurate?
Depending on who you ask, the EPA-estimated range rating might not be accurate or trustworthy. Different websites and companies have conducted their own tests and received different results, making it even more confusing. So, should you actually trust the EPA-estimated range?
When it comes to testing any vehicle under real-world conditions, it can be challenging to have a stable testing environment. For example, the temperature can dramatically affect an electric vehicle’s performance.
According to different studies, EVs can lose 12% to 40% of their effective range in cold weather. Other factors such as the manufacturer’s recommendations and charge levels can also skew results.
The EPA-estimated range might not be the most accurate number for real-world conditions. However, the test is conducted in a stable environment under simulated settings that are the same for each vehicle.
The numbers are adjusted to account for real-world conditions as far as the technology allows. The EPA-estimated rating is generally a good number for the average consumer, but you might want to subtract a few miles to be sure.
The Top 11 Longest-Range Electric Cars
It’s important to know the longest-range options, with the range being one of the biggest concerns for EV consumers. All the ranges below are based on the EPA-estimated values.
Keep in mind that these are estimates and not real-world figures. This means your mileage will vary depending on the circumstance. Here are the top 11 EVs with the longest range:
2022 Lucid Air
The new 2022 Lucid Air has taken the lead in the race for the longest range. Coming in at a maximum of 520 miles of range, the Lucid Air Dream Edition R with 19-inch wheels has officially beat the Tesla Model S.
On top of that, every 2022 Lucid Air variant has a longer range than all other EVs on the market. The lowest-range model, the Lucid Air Dream Edition P, has an estimated range of 451 miles. The starting MSRP is $169,000, excluding additional fees. Here are the ranges for each Model:
- 2022 Lucid Air Dream Edition R (19-inch wheels): 520 miles
- 2022 Lucid Air Grand Touring (19-inch wheels): 516 miles
- 2022 Lucid Air Dream Edition R (21-inch wheels): 481 miles
- 2022 Lucid Air Dream Edition P (19-inch wheels): 471 miles
- 2022 Lucid Air Grand Touring (21-inch wheels): 469 miles
- 2022 Lucid Air Dream Edition P (21-inch wheels): 451 miles
2022 Tesla Model S With 19-Inch Wheels
Although the 2022 Tesla Model S is no longer the longest range EV, it still boasts pretty impressive metrics. This spacious and elegant all-electric sedan offers 405 miles of effective range with the inclusion of 19-inch wheels.
That means you can travel from Los Angeles to Las Vegas on a single charge and even have a bit of juice left in the tank. If you select the Plaid variant with smaller wheels, you’ll receive a healthy maximum range of 396.
The Tesla Model S has a starting MSRP of about $100,000 before additional fees and specifications.
2022 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD With 18-Inch Wheels
The 2022 Tesla Model 3 might not be as impressive as the Model S, but it still holds its own in the EV market. The variant that offers the most distance per charge is the appropriately named “Long Range” version.
The Model 3 Long Range version with 18-inch wheels offers up to 353 miles of range with a starting MSRP of $47,000. If you opt for the Standard Range Plus Model 3, you’ll get about 263 miles. The Performance variance offers about 315 miles of range per charge.
2022 Tesla Model X With 20-Inch Wheels
The 2022 Tesla Model X is an all-electric SUV like no other. The massive windshield, Falcon Wing doors, and the option of a tiny third-row seat make the Model X a particularly interesting offering. The standard 2022 Model X delivers an EPA-estimated range of 351 miles.
Not to mention, you’ll reach 60 mph in under 3 seconds in the Plaid variant. The standard Model X has a starting MSRP of around $115,000, while the Plaid variant starts at about $139,000.
2022 Mercedes-EQ EQS 450 Plus
The 2022 Mercedes-EQ EQS Sedan 450 Plus model might be a mouthful, but it still offers a fairly impressive EPA-estimated range of 350 miles. The RWD 450 Plus model has the most range of the new Mercedes lineup.
The 580 model loses a bit of range for more power, all-wheel-drive, and other features. The 2022 Mercedes-EQ EQS 450 Plus can be purchased starting at around $102,000.
2022 Tesla Model Y Long Range With 19-Inch Wheels
Who would’ve guessed there would be another Tesla EV on the list? The 2022 Tesla Model Y SUV uses the same platform and powertrain as the new Model 3 sedan. You’ll notice the Model Y offers agility, power, and style, just like the other Tesla options.
The longest range and most powerful option is the Long Range option, clocking in at 318 miles of range per charge. The Performance variant loses about 15 miles of range in favor of a higher maximum speed and faster acceleration.
The 2022 Tesla Model Y Long Range has a starting MSRP of around $63,000, while the Performance variant starts at around $68,000.
2022 Rivian R1S
The 2022 Rivian R1S is another all-electric SUV to keep your eye on. What makes Rivian’s EV offerings so unique is their focus on all-terrain capabilities, utility, and performance. The R1S is Rivian’s flagship electric SUV with an EPA-estimated range of 316 miles.
However, depending on the battery and electric motor you select, this number might vary from 260 to well over 320 miles of travel per charge. The starting price for the new Rivian R1S Explore model is $72,500. The Adventure model starts at $78,000, while the special green Launch Edition has a starting price of $90,000.
2022 Rivian R1T
Another excellent offering by Rivian is the 2022 R1T all-electric pickup truck. Made for the outdoors, the 2022 R1T pickup can traverse nearly any terrain, with capabilities of handling temperatures from -25 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
The R1T comes just behind the R1S with an EPA-estimated range of 314 miles per charge. Just like Rivian’s other offering, this number will depend on the wheel, tire, electric motor, and battery you select. With these factors in mind, you might expect anywhere from 260 to over 400 miles of range per charge.
The starting price for the new Rivian R1T Explore model is $67,500. The Adventure model starts at $73,000, while the special green Launch Edition has a starting price of $85,000.
2022 Kia EV6 RWD GT-Line
The 2022 Kia EV6 RWD is the company’s first electric vehicle on a specially designed battery EV platform. The EV6 has an odd look and style. You can’t really say for sure whether the 2022 Kia EV6 is a hatchback, SUV, or station wagon.
That being said, the longest range model is the RWD GT-Lin, coming in at an EPA-estimated range of 310 miles. Unfortunately, the standard Kia EV6 Light model only boasts 232 Miles of EPA-Estimated Range.
The 2022 EV6 RWD GT-Line has a starting MSRP of $55,900, while the standard EV6 Light Model comes in at a relatively affordable price of $40,900.
2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E California Route 1 RWD
The 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E might be the second to last option on our list, but it still offers quite impressive results. The Mustang Mach-E in the rear-wheel-drive California Route 1 variant has an estimated range of 305 to 314 miles.
However, the base 2022 Mach-E Select model only has an estimated range of 247 miles per charge. You can purchase the standard Ford Mustang Mach-E Select for a starting price of about $44,000. The Mustang Mach-E California Route 1 edition will cost you around $52,500 to start.
2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Rear-Wheel-Drive Long Range
Finally, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 provides 303 miles of range with the RWD Long Range variant. Hyundai also provides less and more powerful options that vary in capability.
That being said, each option offers 225 horsepower and a healthy 74 kW battery. The Standard Ioniq 5 model has a starting MSRP of $44,000, and the more premium Limited variant starts at around $51,000.
Wrapping It All Up
Electric vehicles have come a long way since their first foray into the automobile industry. According to EPA data, the median range for an EV was an unimpressive rating of 68 miles back in 2011. Nowadays, most EVs have a range somewhere between 200 and 300 miles per charge, with high-end models topping 400 miles with ease.
Currently, the longest-range EV is the 2022 Lucid Air Dream Edition R, clocking in at 520 miles. The runner-ups belong to Tesla, with the Model S at 405 miles and the Model 3 at 353 miles per charge. All the other models on this list top out over 300 miles, with prices ranging from $50,000 to well over $100,000.
As technology progresses and electric vehicles gain more popularity, we can expect the estimated range values to rise. It’s safe to say the future is bright for EVs and their performance.