Electric Vehicles With a 250-Mile-Plus Range on a Charge - Consumer Reports

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With more electric vehicles arriving each model year and the available cars, SUVs, and trucks becoming more mainstream, buyers who look at more affordable options aren’t necessarily saddled with a short driving range. You actually don’t have to pay a big luxury-car price for an EV that allows you to drive farther between charges. In fact, many of the EVs from luxury automakers have lower range estimates.

And on the horizon there are dozens of fully electric vehicles set to debut by the end of 2024, including models from Chevrolet, Honda, Kia, Lexus, and Nissan.

Each of the models below can travel more than 250 miles on a single charge, according to their latest ratings by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). That means owners don’t need to recharge them every day, and with planning, these vehicles can even be used for longer trips. And knowing that cold weather can reduce range, these have particular appeal for shoppers in northern states.

All of these models have CR’s Green Choice designation, which highlights the vehicles with the cleanest emissions.

The models below are listed alphabetically by automaker, and are broken into three buckets: more than 400 miles of range, 300 to 350 miles of range, and 250 to 300 miles of range. While all of them are available to purchase, we have not tested every one. That’s why some don’t have an Overall Score. Be aware that the Overall Scores change over time as new information, such as reliability data and the addition or removal of safety features, becomes available. The model pages always reflect our latest ratings. Models that have been announced but don’t yet have an EPA rating aren’t included, such as the BMW i7, Kia Niro, and Nissan Ariya.

If you’re a Consumer Reports member, the list below is available to you. CR members can also have full access to the results of our Annual Auto Surveys; first-drive reviews of the newest cars, SUVs, and trucks; and our full reviews and exclusive ratings for each vehicle we buy and test.

If you’re not a CR member, click below to join and see the full list of vehicles that can go more than 250 miles on a charge. As a CR member, you also get access to our exclusive ratings and reviews for every product that we buy and test, including cars, grills, mobile phones, and flat-screen TVs.

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The luxurious Air electric sedan is the first model to be offered by Lucid Motors, a Silicon Valley startup. The rollout started with a pricey, fully loaded Dream Edition that is no longer for sale. The Pure and Touring each have an EPA range of 406 miles, while the Grand Touring has a range of up to 516 miles and the Grand Touring Performance is limited to 451 miles. Both single- and dual-motor powertrains are available, which give the Air rear- or all-wheel drive. The 900-volt electric system enables rapid charging capable of taking on 300 miles of range in just 20 minutes. The roomy cabin is distinguished by a massive, curved 34-inch floating display ahead of the driver and a center console screen that can retract. The suite of active safety features is augmented by lidar, an advanced laser-based sensor system.

The sleek, fully electric Model S has impressive range capabilities, with EPA ratings between 272 and 405 miles, with the top range better than nearly every other non-Tesla EV, save Lucid. Charge times are long compared with fueling a gas car, but the ability to use Tesla’s supercharging network in public places is a major plus. Performance is exceptional, with quiet and thrilling acceleration, pinpoint handling, and a firm yet comfortable ride. The hatchback design aids versatility, and the frunk, or front trunk, is a bonus. But the controls are extremely unintuitive because Tesla has eliminated the steering-wheel stalks for the turn signals and wipers. Many common functions are performed through the yoke, which is a small, half steering wheel that brings serious compromises in usability and maneuverability.

BMW’s iX SUV has 516 hp and employs two motors to give it all-wheel-drive capability. According to BMW, it can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The driving range is estimated by the EPA to be between 305 and 324 miles, depending on tire size. It can add 90 miles of charge in 10 minutes of DC fast charging in public venues. Charging from empty on 240 volts will take 11 hours, which is similar to many EVs. The iX glides silently with very quick acceleration and a super comfortable ride. The airy interior is modern and uncluttered but controls are not the most intuitive. You can read more about the iX in our first drive.

Cadillac’s first electric-only model will soon start to trickle into dealerships in rear-wheel-drive configurations, with AWD versions due to arrive in early 2023. While the Lyriq’s overall dimensions are similar to those of the XT6 midsized SUV, the EV is lower, almost like a wagon. The 340-hp rear-drive model has a 100-kilowatt-hour battery with an EPA estimated 312 miles of range. The all-wheel drive version will have an estimated 500 hp. The Lyriq will offer the latest version of the Super Cruise active driver assistance system. Standard active safety and driver assist features include FCW, AEB with pedestrian detection, BSW, RCTW, LKA, and front and rear parking obstruction warning.

The Lightning name returns on an electrified F-150 crew cab truck with prodigious power and strong work capabilities. This pickup is offered in two power configurations, with 452 and 580 hp. The standard front and rear electric motors give the truck four-wheel drive. The standard-range battery has an EPA estimated 240 miles, and the extended-range battery is rated at 320 miles. Further, the F-150 Lightning boasts up to a 2,235-pound payload capacity (standard range) and 10,000-pound tow capacity (extended range). Power plugs in the frunk and bed add to the truck’s versatility. And familiar innovations carry over from the regular F-150, such as foldaway gear selector and deeply reclining seats.

The Mach-E is Ford’s first designed-from-the-ground-up electric vehicle. It draws some styling cues from the iconic Mustang muscle car, but the Mach-E is a five-passenger SUV with useful cargo room, and it’s available with all-wheel drive. According to ratings from the EPA, the Mach-E’s range estimates are between 224 and 314 miles depending on battery size and if the car has rear- or all-wheel drive. On a 240-volt home charger, it takes about 10 hours to fill the 88-kilowatt-hour battery from empty. The Mach-E is quick and quiet, with taut and agile handling, all of which make it fun to drive. A 15.5-inch vertical touch screen dominates the stark interior; the system has a steep learning curve before familiarity sets in.

The Ioniq 5 is Hyundai’s first EV designed from the ground up, and is related to the similar Kia EV6. This roomy, tall hatchback has an EPA-estimated maximum range of 303 miles for the single-motor, RWD version; 256 miles for the dual-motor, AWD version; and 220 miles for the RWD, standard-range version. Charging times can be quick in public DC fast-charging venues, thanks to 400- and 800-volt architecture that allows a maximum of 235-kilowatt charging power. It’s one of the most impressive EVs we’ve tested, with punchy acceleration, agile handling, a reasonably comfortable ride, and generous interior room. Despite its futuristic vibe, the Hyundai’s controls are mostly user-friendly.

The EV6 is Kia’s first car designed from the ground up to be electric. Mechanically related to the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Kia is offered in rear- and all-wheel-drive versions, and with different power outputs. EPA-estimated ranges are 310 miles for the long-range rear-wheel drive version, 274 miles for the long-range AWD version, and 232 miles for the standard-range, RWD one. The EV6 is compatible with 400- and 800-volt fast-charging stations in public places, enabling it to go from 10 to 80 percent charge in 18 minutes, according to Kia. In our tests we found the EV6’s ride to be taut, though steady and comfortable, and it demonstrated agile handling. It glides silently and accelerates briskly. Rear and side visibility are restricted.

Mercedes-Benz’s new flagship is available in two powertrains, the rear-wheel-drive 450+ with a single, 329-hp electric motor, and the high-end 580 4Matic with front and rear motors that produce 516 hp. Both versions have a 108-kilowatt-hour battery pack and EPA estimated ranges of 350 and 340 miles, respectively. The EQS is quick and super quiet. It rides comfortably and handles with agility. The hatchback adds versatility. It packs high-tech details like augmented reality and the passenger gets a screen so they can interact with the infotainment system without distracting the driver.

This American startup company is launching an upscale three-row electric SUV. Starting at $72,500 before any available tax credits, the R1S is priced like a luxury SUV. It has an EPA-rated range of 316 miles. A longer-range version, as well as a 250-mile model, will be available in 2024. Rivian also claims 0-to-60-mph acceleration in a brisk 3-seconds, and traction that adjusts to road conditions, useful for snow or off-road excursions. The high-quality interior is uncluttered and exudes a high-tech vibe, but many functions are accessed through the touch screen, including adjusting the air vents, which is distracting. A frunk, or front trunk, adds cargo space.

The R1T is a five-passenger crew-cab pickup truck about the size of a Honda Ridgeline. It has an EPA-rated range of 314 miles, with longer- and shorter-range versions expected in 2024. The truck is very quick, quiet, rides comfortably, and handles with relative agility. It is quite capable off-road. The high-quality interior is uncluttered and exudes a high-tech vibe, but many functions are accessed through the touch screen, including adjusting the air vents, which is distracting. The truck benefits from a large frunk, or front trunk, a transverse tunnel between the bed and cab for added storage, and a powered tonneau cover. You can read more about the R1T in our first drive.

The Model 3 proves that EVs can challenge conventional upscale sedans by offering invigorating performance with a high-tech vibe. As of this writing, it boasts a long range of 272 to 358 miles, depending on the version. The Model 3 has swift acceleration and remarkably agile handling. Though the front seats are comfortable, the ride is very stiff and choppy, and the rear seat is too low and uncomfortable. The controls are very distracting because even simple tasks, such as adjusting the mirrors, must be performed using the large center-mounted touch screen.

The Model X is rated by the EPA to go between 311 and 348 miles on a charge, depending on the version. The X is very quick and handles nimbly in corners. However, the excessively stiff ride and pronounced wind noise are not befitting the high price. The new yoke steering wheel makes driving very awkward, and controls are extremely unintuitive. Charge times are long, but the ability to use Tesla’s supercharging is a plus.

This Model 3-based raised hatchback is quick and agile, and has the same distracting control layout as the 3, and a similarly stiff ride. Depending on the version, the Model Y can travel between 244 and 330 miles on a charge. Charging from almost empty takes 10 hours on a 240-volt connector but it is quicker with Tesla’s wall charger, and the supercharger network makes long-distance travel easy. Rear-seat room is much better in the Y, and the hatchback layout provides more versatility. Both five- and seven-passenger seating configurations are available.

The i4 is a pure EV that uses a modified version of the 3 Series platform, and is available in two versions. The 335-hp RWD eDrive40 has an EPA-estimated range of 301 miles from its 81.5 kWh battery. The AWD M50, with 536 hp, delivers sports-car level of acceleration and cornering grip, but a lower range of 270 miles, or 227 with the optional 20-inch tires. The ride is taut yet compliant, the interior is beautifully finished, and the hatchback adds versatility. With an acceptance rate of 195 kilowatts at DC fast charging in public venues, the i4 can gain up to 90 miles of range in just 10 minutes. You can read more about the i4 in our first drive.

The Bolt is a relatively affordable EV with a driving range of 259 miles. It takes 10 hours on a 240-volt connector to fully charge the 66-kilowatt-hour battery pack. Even though the Bolt has a tall stance, the low-mounted battery pack contributes to the car’s planted feel. With 200 electrified horses on tap, the Bolt accelerates with gusto. The Bolt is very quiet, but the ride is choppy. Controls, including the unintuitive gear selector, take some getting used to. The driver’s seat is short on lower-back support, and interior quality is on the cheap side.

The Bolt EUV (electric utility vehicle) is a taller, roomier version of the Bolt EV. They share the same 200-hp electric motor that drives the front wheels, making for zippy acceleration. But the EUV lacks desirable SUV-like attributes, such as all-wheel drive and extra cargo space. Compared with the original Bolt, the EUV has a noticeably more comfortable ride but also slightly diminished handling agility. The EUV’s 247-mile EPA-rated driving range is robust. It took us more than 8 hours to charge it from near-empty on a 240-volt connection, which is pretty typical for EVs.

The Kona Electric was Hyundai’s first EV, and shares a platform with the conventional version. The 201-hp electric motor makes the Hyundai quick, with smooth and quiet acceleration. Its range is 258 miles, and it takes 9 hours to charge the 64-kilowatt-hour battery from empty on a 240-volt connector. The Kona Electric has nimble handling, but the ride is stiff. The controls are very straightforward, though the EV’s gear selector is challenging to use at a glance.

The Polestar 2 is a tall hatchback from Volvo’s electric-vehicle sub-brand. It’s based on the XC40 SUV and is Volvo’s first pure EV. Its 78-kilowatt-hour battery gives it an EPA-rated range of 270 miles for the single-motor, FWD version and 247 miles for the dual-motor, AWD version. It takes more than 10 hours to charge the battery from near empty. The Polestar is quick and handles nimbly, but the ride is very stiff and choppy. The interior is drab and suffers from a cramped driving position and a tight back seat. At least the car’s hatchback layout aids cargo-carrying versatility. The infotainment system is extremely distracting because of the convoluted menu structure.

The bZ4X SUV is Toyota’s first pure EV that’s not a conversion of a traditional model or a fuel-cell vehicle. It was designed alongside the Subaru Solterra and built on a shared platform. Sized much like the RAV4, the bZ4X comes in two powertrain configurations: The FWD version uses a single 201-hp motor and has a 71.4-kWh lithium-ion battery, good for an EPA estimated 252-mile range. The AWD version uses two motors, with a combined 214-hp output and a 72.8-kWh battery good for a 228-mile range. It’s a pleasant, comfortable, and functional EV but the range is a bit short compared with the competition. You can read more about the bZ4X in our first drive.

The ID.4 is VW’s first long-range EV. It is quiet, roomy, and nicely finished inside. Depending on the version, range estimates from the EPA are between 245 miles and 275. The standard, single-motor RWD version has tepid-feeling acceleration, while the more powerful, dual-motor AWD model we tested has quick acceleration, a comfortable ride, and a quiet cabin. Handling is responsive, but the ID.4 isn’t sporty to drive. The rear seat is generous, as is cargo capacity. Unfortunately the controls are unintuitive, and the slow-responding infotainment system is far too distracting. The car gains about 20 miles worth of range per hour of charging when plugged into a 240-volt connector.