Longest Range EVs in 2026

Range in electric cars has long been discussed since the launch of the Nissan Leaf way back in 2011, but just 15 years later is 2026 the year that these conversations end as the electric car enters petrol car range?

When Nissan launched its Leaf it had a real-world range of 70-80 miles. Back then it was the NEDC test cycle that determined EV range, but it was on the wildly optimistic side and this didn’t help with trust in the cars capabilities.
And in winter customers soon found out that their range reduced significantly meaning for longer drives people would wrap up warm and switch off the heating. Thankfully now, there is an abundance of chargers (see story here) making for easy passage up and down the country whatever EV is driven.

However, with electric cars now reaching 500 miles on the WLTP test cycle, we take a look at the most rangiest EVs on sale this year.

Volvo EX60
Due to launch later this year, the Volvo EX60 boasts a headline grabbing range of 503 miles on the WLTP test cycle and can add 211 miles of range in just 10 minutes on a 400 kW ultra rapid charger. Range anxiety is now officially dead, buried and completely forgotten about.

Volvo EX60 Cross Country

BMW iX3

In second place losing out by just three miles, the iX3 can push 500 miles of range on a single charge, but it trumps the Volvo for charging speed adding 249 miles of range in 10 minutes, which is 4 hours of driving charged in the time it takes to use the facilities if you’re a fast walker. Grab a coffee as well and you’ll find that over 300 miles has been added. Ultra-rapid charging is getting close to filling-up speeds at the pumps.

BMW iX3

Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ

The entry level electric CLA starts from £45,615 and packs an almighty 484 miles of range from this compact four-door coupe. Not only that, but it also adds 201 miles of range in 10 minutes thanks to its 800v architecture.

The CLA EQ offers the best range for the money, beating even the Tesla Model 3. Just.

Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ

Mercedes-Benz EQS
Chasing the Mercedes is their flagship electric car, the EQS. Priced from just under £100,000 it doesn’t come cheap and sits at the opposite end of the Mercedes scale to the CLA. However, it can stretch to 481 miles on a single charge despite its now relative age, 5 years after it originally launched.

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD Premium and DS No. 8

In joint 5th place are the Tesla Model 3, priced at £44,990 for the Long Range RWD Premium and the all-new DS No. 8, the strikingly styled new electric saloon from premium Stellantis brand DS Automobiles.
Both cars top out at 466 miles of range with the DS starting at £50,790.

However, the Tesla Model 3 represents the lowest entry point to an ultra-long range electric car capable of 400 miles of range or more, or 466 miles in the case of the Tesla, for under £45,000 thanks largely to a strategic focus on lowering weight, improving efficiency and cutting costs from their cars.

DS No. 8

There are many more EV’s that can top out at over 400 miles on the WLTP test cycle meaning an easier ownership experience and fewer stops required at those sometimes expensive ultra-rapid chargers.
And not only that, but a huge improvement in charging speeds can add 200-300 miles in 10-15 minutes, which is quicker than it takes to grab a coffee or sausage roll at the services.

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About the Author

Graeme Cobb is a lifelong car enthusiast with a passion for writing about cars, EVs, industry updates and more. You can find Graeme on 𝕏 at @graeme_cobb or YouTube @REV-EV.