Electric cars in Australia with the longest range

17 May, 2024 By Toby Hagon

How far a car can travel on a tank of fuel is rarely something motorists consider when searching for a new set of wheels.

But in the land of electric vehicles (EV), the distance it can travel between charges – its range – is one of the most appraised aspects that gains a lot of attention.

It’s easy to understand. Electric cars can take hours to charge, so the ability to cover big distances without having to stop has very real appeal.

But determining how far an electric car can travel on one charge isn’t always easy.

Yes, most manufacturers have a range claim somewhere in their marketing. But it’s not always very accurate.

RELATED: Will solid-state batteries change the future of electric cars?

Beware of EV range claims

There are various ways of measuring range, including the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) that the Australian government requires for local certification.

Car makers must provide a figure that adheres to the standard to certify a car for sale.

It’s a laboratory test that isn’t representative of what drivers will encounter in the suburbs and highways.

So it’s the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) that is now used in Europe and is turning into the industry default because it is the more realistic measurement of EV range.

So much so that in 2021 Tesla switched to WLTP measurements, in turn reducing the claimed range of its cars with one keystroke. Anyone perusing the Tesla website may have wondered what changed to suddenly make the cars appear they would not travel as far.

In reality, the cars hadn’t changed - only the methodology used.

Tesla’s thinking was logical: it gave buyers a more accurate assessment of how many kilometres they could expect between recharges.

Some other manufacturers have followed suit, deciding that the WLTP helps fend off negative customer sentiment about why their car gets nowhere near the quoted range.

However, many brands still stick to the NEDC figure. Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Subaru, for example, quote those NEDC figures. Others, including MG and BYD, provide both WLTP and NEDC.

And in other countries the waters can be even murkier.

Cars from China, for example, often quote the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC), which is wildly optimistic.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) range figures include more highway driving in the test cycle so can offer varying results, albeit in some instances providing a more realistic view.

But for an apples-to-apples comparison it’s best to stick to those WLTP figures.

 Understanding different measurements of EV range

While it’s possible to achieve those WLTP range claims in gentle suburban driving, many owners won’t get near them.

For around town driving, then, in our experience it’s best to knock 10 per cent off the WLTP claim for a vaguely accurate estimate for most drivers.

On a freeway – where an EV has much reduced access to energy from regenerative braking compared to stop/start urban driving – shave 20 per cent off that WLTP figure.

If the manufacturer only claims an NEDC figure, the calculations are trickier because it’s not a fixed relationship between the two measurements.

Our experience suggests slashing around 25-30 per cent off that NEDC figure for a more accurate representation.

EV range is getting better

Early electric cars were lucky to go a couple of hundred kilometres before needing to plug in. But these days engineers are continuing to optimise them to travel further.

There are two ways to improve the range of an EV. Firstly, you can increase the capacity of the battery so it can hold more charge and, secondly, you can improve the efficiency of the vehicle.

There are various ways manufacturers can realise efficiency improvements, including by fitting tyres with a lower rolling resistance, making the car lighter and even tweaking the software to optimise things such as regenerative braking. Reducing the electrical draw from systems such as the air conditioning and defroster can also help.

Efficiency gains can also be had from improved aerodynamics. The more easily a car glides through the air, the less energy is required to maintain its speed.

Tyres with a lower rolling resistance can add further to an EV’s range.

With its late 2023 update to the Model 3, for example, Tesla fitted new tyres and improved the aerodynamics.

For the entry-level rear-wheel drive, the WLTP range improved from 491km to 513km.

It was a modest 4.5 per cent improvement, but significant in an era where every kilometre counts. And it was a decent effort given there were no changes to the battery or electric motor.

EV batteries are getting bigger

The thing that powers an EV – its battery - is also getting bigger, and therefore they’re able to store more energy.

Advances in battery chemistries and manufacturing are often allowing a battery of the same physical size to hold more energy.

These battery changes typically accompany EV model updates that also introduce changes to styling, features and prices.

EV ranges are getting longer

Tesla is by no means alone in stretching the distance its cars go on a charge.

One of the most dramatic jumps was the updated Polestar 2 that went on sale in 2023.

The long-range dual motor added 104km of range – a whopping 21 per cent – to 591km.

The single motor model boosts its range to 654km, the longest of any EV currently on sale.

In each case the battery capacity only increased by 5 per cent, leaving the remaining gains to those hard-fought engineering efforts.

How far will EVs eventually be able to travel?

All of which begs the question of how much further the range wars will go.

Many have spruiked the idea of a 1000km battery. It’s an impressive figure, but it’s worth tempering those expectations with the realisation some of those brands are from China and they’re leaning on that wildly inaccurate Chinese range calculation.

Plus, we’re yet to see if buyers actually want an EV with 1000km of range. Car makers try not to build cars that buyers don’t want.

As petrol and diesel cars have become more efficient, for example, manufacturers have typically reduced the capacity of their fuel tanks. We’re likely to see similar moves in the EV space.

Rather than pack EVs with expensive battery packs that will give most buyers weeks of driving range, they’re likely to reduce the capacity of the battery, in turn reducing manufacturing costs and potentially providing more cabin space as a result.

Going the distance: The best EVs with a long driving range

Below $50,000

BYD Dolphin Premium: 427km

The most affordable model from emerging giant BYD is available as a price leading Dynamic or longer-range Premium.

As well as a bigger battery that extends the range to a thoroughly useful 427km, the Premium also gets more advanced multi-link rear suspension system.

While it’s not as sharp to drive as some, it’s at least smooth and comfortable, making city commutes a little more bearable. And it comes generously appointed with a raft of gear.

MG4 Excite 64: 450km

There’s no shortage of underwhelming EVs at the lower end of the market, but the MG4 isn’t one of them.

Engineered from the ground up as an electric car – rather than adapted from a petrol platform – the five-door hatch places key mechanical components in the ideal position, in turn maximising space for people.

Sending its drive to the rear wheels also sets the scene for an engaging driving experience.

While there are lesser models with sharp pricing, they have as little as 350km of range (for the $39,990 drive-away Excite 51). The Excite 64’s bigger battery extends its range to 450km.

Step up to the pricier Long Range 77 (the number represents the battery capacity) and there’s 530km of claimed range to play with.

$50,000-$80,000

BYD Seal Premium: 570km

The Premium sits in the middle of the three-tiered Seal line-up, providing plenty of mid-sized sedan for the money.

For that you’ll be getting a seriously well-equipped four-door that’s loaded with trinkets and technology. It’s also nicely finished with quality materials and an upmarket cabin.

Performance is thoroughly acceptable, but the finer points of suspension tuning take the gloss off the otherwise good driving manners. And the over-enthusiastic driver assistance systems can get tiring.

Cupra Born: 511km

Newcomer Spanish brand Cupra likes to do things a bit differently and the Born is an ideal example of that.

As part of the Volkswagen Group, there are familiar underpinnings beneath the skin like a stylish hatch body with copper design highlights.

Starting at a tad over $60,000, the rear-drive five-door exudes driving flair and the single electric motor provides some pep to continue the theme.

The Performance Pack adds to the driving talent but eliminates the centre rear seat, taking occupant capacity to four.

Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor: 654km

The first electric vehicle from the fledgling brand underwent a major change in 2023 that saw its claimed range extend to as much as 654km.

In single motor guise it also switched from front- to rear-wheel drive, in turn dramatically improving the driving experience.

A bigger battery, aero refinement and work beneath the skin to improve efficiency resulted in an EV with a full 654km of range.

The Polestar also has a thoroughly premium cabin with Scandinavian design touches and quality finishes throughout.

But its back seat is not as welcoming as others, something that is a hangover of its underpinnings that were adapted from a petrol car.

Hyundai Ioniq 6 RWD Extended Range: 614km

One look at Hyundai’s “streamliner” sedan is enough to realise it has been designed to slip smoothly through the air.

The tapered tail, smooth edges and mostly blanked out grille help give it one of the lowest drag coefficients of any car on the road.

So even with a 77.4Wh battery it manages an impressive 614km of WLTP range – and it does it with impressive driving credentials.

An 800V electrical architecture – double the voltage of most EVs – helps make it one of the fastest electric cars to charge, too.

There are compromises, though, including a compact boot opening and below par rear headroom.

Tesla Model 3 Long Range: 629km

The Model 3 has singlehandedly made four-door sedans popular again.

It’s easy to see why thanks to a deceptively spacious cabin, very sharp pricing and industry-leading technology that pushes the software boundaries for cars.

The Model 3 is also one of the most efficient EVs on the market, more so since a major update late in 2023.

That update also boosted the comfort levels of a car that always delivered on driving thrills but lacked polish.

While the Model 3 comes as the top-selling Rear-Wheel Drive and a recently announced Performance model, the Long Range that slots in the middle delivers great long distance credentials and brilliant performance courtesy of two electric motors.

Tesla Model Y Long Range: 533km

Sharing its underpinnings with the Model 3, the only thing that lowers the Model Y’s driving range compared with its sedan sibling is the taller and broader SUV body and some additional kilos associated with that.

That larger body makes for a more practical and accommodating cabin, especially if you want to pile adults into the back.

Throw in generous under-floor storage in the boot and a frunk (front trunk) under the nose and it’s easy to see why it’s now one of the top selling SUVs in the country.

The other not-so-secret weapon - Tesla has is its own charging network. It means there’s a whole lot more places to charge, something that makes those road trips easier.

$80,000-100,000

Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium: 600km

Forget what you thought you knew about Mustangs, because the Mach-E is a very different beast.

The five-door SUV is powered purely by electricity, with trademark Mustang design themes – including the pony badge – linking it to the iconic two-seat muscle car.

While straight-line acceleration lives up to the Mustang name, the way it tackles corners is less convincing.

Of three models in the Mach-E line-up, it’s the middle grade Premium that goes the furthest between charges, up to 600km claimed.

It only just sneaks in below $100,000 but comes with a suitably long list of equipment.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 RWD Extended Range: 507km

If it’s range you want, then the sleeker Ioniq 6 will travel further between charges.

But the Ioniq 5’s more spacious SUV body makes it the more popular choice, especially for families.

The retro-infused exterior opens up into a tech-laden cabin that is comfy front and rear.

In single motor rear-drive guise when paired with the extended range battery, it also sneaks past 500km on a charge.

It does so with thoroughly respectable performance and a relaxed yet engaging driving experience.

$100,000-plus

BMW i7 xDrive60: 625km

BMW’s largest and most luxurious sedan achieves its range with a big battery. The 106kWh unit is almost double that of some EVs and helps give the executive express the ability to travel big distances without charging.

Despite two electric motors making a hearty 400kW it can still travel up to 625km according to the WLTP cycle. And it does it in limousine style.

Porsche Macan 4: 613km

It’s Porsche’s top selling car and the new iteration of the mid-sized SUV that arrives late in 2024 does away with petrol altogether as the brand races towards a future where 80 per cent of its sales are electric.

The new model delivers big performance – especially in Turbo guise – but the Macan 4 also has up to 613km of range. Throw in ultra-rapid charging at up to 270kW and it positions the Macan nicely for road trips.

That it drives better than the outgoing petrol model is a testament to the gains being made in the EV space.