Top Performers in Real-World EV Range
Range anxiety used to be a major concern with electric vehicles (EVs), often as common as tailgating with a gas-guzzler. While some EVs still offer ranges under 100 miles, most modern models surpass 200 miles on a full charge. However, government-estimated ranges can be optimistic. That’s why Car and Driver developed a rigorous 75-mph real-world highway range test. This test assesses how far an EV can travel at a typical highway speed on a single charge. For drivers seeking an EV that fits their road trip lifestyle, here are the top performers from our tests.
1. Lucid Air: 410 Miles
The Lucid Air dominates this list, with different trims securing several spots. The top spot belongs to the 819-hp Air Grand Touring we tested in 2022. While the Grand Touring’s price might be prohibitive, the Air Pure offers an appealing alternative. The all-wheel-drive 480-hp Air Pure achieved a real-world range of 310 miles which is still commendable compared to the Grand Touring. However, the 2024 Air Pure is now solely available in a 430-hp rear-drive configuration, which maintained a 300-mile range, despite sharing a 92.0-kWh battery pack with the all-wheel-drive Pure model.
2. Chevrolet Silverado EV: 400 Miles
Although Ford was first to market with a full-size electric pickup, the Chevrolet Silverado EV currently leads in terms of driving range. Leveraging the same 205.0-kWh battery pack found in the GMC Hummer EV pickup, the Silverado EV managed to achieve 400 miles in our 75-mph real-world highway test. Additionally, it offers rapid charging capabilities. The 754-hp dual-motor all-wheel-drive RST model saw average charging speeds of 198 kW during a 10 to 90 percent charge cycle. While the charging is fast, it still took 58 minutes to reach 90 percent from 10 percent.
2. Mercedes EQS: 400 Miles
For Mercedes-Benz EV buyers seeking maximum range, the EQS450+ is the vehicle to consider. In 2022, our team achieved 400 real-world miles with the entry-level rear-drive EQS450+. Impressively, a dual-motor all-wheel-drive EQS580 4Matic provided 350 miles of range, and the AMG variant offered a solid 290 miles.
3. Mercedes EQS SUV: 340 Miles
The Mercedes EQS SUV is the SUV counterpart to the EQS sedan. It shares similar design and infotainment features. While it doesn’t travel quite as far on a single charge as its fastback sibling, the EQS SUV leads among battery-powered SUVs with a third-row seating option. Our test of an EQS450+ SUV showed 340 miles on a full charge.
4. Tesla Model S: 320 Miles
Tesla currently offers the Model S in Long Range and Plaid trims. Earlier, the American automaker sold the flagship sedan in additional variants. The Long Range Plus was effectively replaced by what is now known as the Long Range. Both can travel over 400 miles based on EPA estimates. However, during our 75-mph real-world range test, the Long Range Plus fell short of these numbers by over 80 miles, still achieving a commendable 320-mile range result. Even more powerful Model S Plaid achieved 280 miles.
5. BMW i7: 310 Miles
BMW offers the i7 in three variants (eDrive50, xDrive60, and M70), but we have only tested the mid-level model in our 75-mph real-world highway range test to date. While the 310-mile result was 40 miles less than its direct competitor, the Mercedes-Benz EQS580 4Matic, the big Bimmer still offers substantial range for most buyers.
5. Tesla Model 3: 310 Miles
The Tesla Model 3 Long Range earned a spot on Car and Driver‘s 10Best Cars list. Starting at $43,880, the rear-drive Long Range is the most affordable Model 3 variant. It also offers the best range in testing, achieving 310 miles. The more expensive dual-motor Model 3 Performance managed 260 miles, which is also quite respectable.
6. Hyundai Ioniq 6: 300 Miles
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 boasts an accessible starting price, but the entry-level SE Standard Range version won’t deliver 300 miles on a full charge. To match the range we recorded with the Ioniq 6 in our highway test, you’ll need to upgrade to the SE trim, known unofficially as the SE Long Range. This trim swaps the Standard Range’s 58.0-kWh battery for a larger 77.4-kWh unit. This larger battery also leads to a rear motor that generates 225 horsepower, and it’s available with all-wheel drive. The 320-hp dual-motor all-wheel-drive Ioniq 6 delivers quick acceleration, but it loses some in overall range, returning 220 miles in our testing.
7. BMW iX: 290 Miles
For those prioritizing an SUV silhouette over the more aerodynamic design of a sedan, the BMW iX provides an excellent choice. This mid-size Bimmer SUV’s interior feels luxurious despite its high price point. It achieved 290 miles on a full charge in 516-hp xDrive50 form. BMW also offers an even more potent M60 guise, but the xDrive50’s range is still a benchmark.
7. Fisker Ocean: 290 Miles
Had the Fisker Ocean’s other aspects been as impressive as its driving range, Fisker might still be in operation. The all-wheel-drive Ocean One managed 290 miles in our testing.
7. GMC Hummer EV Pickup: 290 Miles
The GMC Hummer EV pickup shows that high correlation does not equal causation. This large, battery-powered pickup traveled an impressive 290 miles. The Edition 1 pickup’s large battery pack with 205.0 kilowatt-hours of capacity contributed to that performance. This pack stores over double the energy of the 300-mile-capable Lucid Air’s standard pack.
8. Genesis Electrified G80: 280 Miles
Converting a gas car to an EV can sometimes involve compromises, however, it can also be seamless. This is shown with the Genesis Electrified G80. That the Electrified G80 achieved 280 miles on a full charge only adds to its appeal.
8. Porsche Taycan: 280 Miles
The Porsche Taycan with the best real-world range is usually more affordable. This is the rear-drive Taycan equipped with the optional Performance Battery Plus.
8. Rivian R1T: 280 Miles
If your Rivian R1T predates the 2025 model year and has the brand’s “Large” battery pack and the right wheel and tire combination, your real-world driving range will be about 280 miles. We recorded this with a 2022 R1T Launch Edition and a 2023 R1T Dual-Motor Performance model.
Conclusion
As technology continues to evolve, expect even greater driving ranges in future EVs.
