Range anxiety is one of the most common reasons people hesitate before going electric. But in 2026, it's increasingly hard to justify. The longest range electric cars in the UK can now cover over 500 miles on a single charge - comfortably more than most petrol cars manage on a full tank.
Whether you're a frequent motorway driver, a company car driver racking up serious miles, or simply someone who wants maximum flexibility between charges, this guide breaks down the ten longest range EVs available in the UK right now - and shows you how to get into one for significantly less than you might expect.
A note on range figures: All WLTP range figures in this article have been sourced directly from EV Database (ev-database.uk) and were correct at the time of writing (2nd March 2026). Real-world range estimates are also sourced from EV Database. WLTP figures represent official test cycle results; real-world range will vary depending on speed, temperature, driving style, and load.
At a Glance: The 10 Longest Range Electric Cars in the UK
All WLTP and real-world range figures sourced from EV Database, correct as of 2nd March 2026. Starting prices are approximate.
WLTP vs Real-World Range: What's the Difference?
Before diving into the cars, it's worth understanding what WLTP range figures actually mean - and what to realistically expect on the road.
WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure) is the standardised test used across the industry to measure electric car range. It replaced the older, more optimistic NEDC test and is significantly more representative of real-world driving - but it still doesn't tell the full story.
Think of it as the difference in how much you actually get from a tank vs. the advertised MPG for petrol and diesel cars.
In practice, most drivers achieve 10–20% less than the WLTP figure in everyday conditions. On a cold winter motorway run at 70mph, that gap can stretch to 20–30%. The main factors at play are:
- Speed: Aerodynamic drag increases sharply above 60mph, hitting range hard on motorway journeys
- Temperature: Cold weather affects battery chemistry and increases demand from cabin heating
- Driving style: Heavier acceleration and braking reduces efficiency; smooth driving and regenerative braking helps
- Load: Extra passengers, roof boxes, and towing all reduce range
The real-world figures in this article are sourced from EV Database and give a more honest picture of what these cars will actually deliver on a typical UK journey. Use WLTP to compare cars against each other; use real-world figures to plan your journeys.
The 10 Longest Range Electric Cars in the UK
1. Mercedes-Benz EQS - 511 miles WLTP | 425 miles real world
The Mercedes EQS holds the crown as the longest range electric car available in the UK, with a WLTP range of 511 miles and a real-world figure of approximately 425 miles - enough to drive from London to Edinburgh and back with miles to spare.
This is a full-size luxury saloon built for those who want the absolute maximum from their EV. Its aerodynamic "one-bow" body - one of the most slippery shapes in the automotive world, with a drag coefficient of just 0.20Cd - is central to how it achieves such impressive range. That aerodynamic efficiency also contributes to an unusually small gap between WLTP and real-world figures; the EQS is one of the most efficient long-distance EVs available.
Inside, the EQS is as lavish as any S-Class. The headline feature is the optional Hyperscreen: a vast curved display that stretches the full width of the dashboard, combining the driver's display, infotainment screen, and a separate passenger screen into one continuous piece of glass. Air suspension, rear-wheel steering, and an impressively quiet cabin complete the picture.
It's not a cheap car - prices start above £100,000 - but for high-mileage company car drivers, the salary sacrifice maths are compelling. With Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax on zero-emission cars set at just 3% for 2025/26, rising to 4% in 2026/27, even a car at this price point can represent exceptional value compared with a petrol or diesel equivalent.
- WLTP range: 511 miles
- Real-world range: ~425 miles
- Starting price: From ~£104,000
- Price with loveelectric: From £670/month, get a bespoke quote here.
- Best for: High-mileage executives who want the ultimate in range and luxury
2. BMW iX3 (Neue Klasse) - 500 miles WLTP | 375 miles real world
The new BMW iX3 - the first car from BMW's "Neue Klasse" electric platform - lands with a headline-grabbing 500-mile WLTP range and a real-world figure of approximately 375 miles, immediately establishing itself as one of the most capable long-distance EVs on sale.
Underpinning this is BMW's sixth-generation battery technology, which delivers higher energy density in a lighter and more compact package. The iX3 also supports DC charging at up to 400kW - one of the fastest rates available in any production car today - meaning a 10–80% charge can be completed in under 20 minutes at a compatible charger.
Visually, the Neue Klasse iX3 marks a significant design shift for BMW. Gone are the divisive oversized kidney grilles of recent years; in their place is a cleaner, more resolved exterior that has received a much warmer critical reception. Starting from around £57,750, it sits in a compelling salary sacrifice bracket - particularly attractive to higher-rate taxpayers who want near-maximum range without the six-figure outlay of the EQS.
- WLTP range: 500 miles
- Real-world range: ~375 miles
- Starting price: From ~£57,750
- Price with loveelectric: From £480/month, get a bespoke quote here.
- Best for: Premium SUV buyers who want segment-leading range with cutting-edge charging capability
3. Mercedes-Benz CLA - 492 miles WLTP | 360 miles real world
The Mercedes CLA Electric might be the most significant new EV of 2026. It achieves a remarkable 492-mile WLTP range and approximately 360 miles in real-world conditions - from a relatively modest 85kWh battery. That's a feat made possible by its MMA platform, which deploys silicon carbide motor inverters, a two-speed transmission, and an exceptionally aerodynamic body to extract every possible mile per kWh.
What makes the CLA particularly compelling is its price. Starting from around £45,000, it's the most affordable car on this list - and it nearly matches its far more expensive sibling, the EQS, on WLTP range. For salary sacrifice users, this is the standout value proposition: near-flagship range at a price point accessible to a much broader range of employees.
The interior is thoroughly modern - twin 14-inch and 10.25-inch screens dominate the dashboard - and the driving experience is notably comfortable on long motorway runs. DC charging at up to 250kW means fast charging performance is also strong, with the ability to add significant range during a short motorway break.
- WLTP range: 492 miles
- Real-world range: ~360 miles
- Starting price: From ~£45,000
- Price with loveelectric: From £367/month, get a bespoke quote here.
- Best for: Drivers who want near-maximum range at the most accessible price point on this list
4. Audi A6 e-tron - 470 miles WLTP | 370 miles real world
Audi's A6 e-tron brings the brand's signature build quality to the long-range EV space, with a 470-mile WLTP range and approximately 370 miles in real-world use - achieved through a 94.9kWh battery and one of the most aerodynamically efficient bodies in the segment, with a drag coefficient of just 0.21Cd in Sportback form.
The Sportback body is the headline: a sleek fastback silhouette that doesn't sacrifice practicality. Boot space is generous, rear seats are genuinely spacious for adult passengers, and the interior uses high-quality materials throughout. An Avant (estate) version is due later in 2026 for buyers who need even more boot space.
DC charging peaks at 270kW, which Audi claims can add 158 miles in just 10 minutes - making the A6 e-tron one of the stronger real-world performers on this list for drivers who cover serious distances regularly.
- WLTP range: 470 miles
- Real-world range: ~370 miles
- Starting price: From ~£65,000
- Price with loveelectric: From £487/month, get a bespoke quote here.
- Best for: Premium executive car drivers who want long range with discreet Audi build quality
5. Tesla Model 3 Long Range - 466 miles WLTP | 360 miles real world
The Tesla Model 3 Long Range has been a fixture in the long-range EV conversation for years - and the latest version, with a refreshed exterior, upgraded interior, and 466-mile WLTP range (approximately 360 miles in real-world conditions), continues to make a compelling case for itself.
Where the Model 3 stands apart from the cars above it is value. At around £44,990 for the Long Range AWD variant, it delivers one of the best price-to-range ratios of any EV on sale, and it remains one of the most popular vehicles chosen through salary sacrifice schemes.
Access to Tesla's Supercharger network - the UK's most extensive rapid charging infrastructure - is a significant real-world advantage. Charging from 10–80% takes around 25 minutes at a Supercharger, and route planning with automatic charging stops is seamlessly integrated into the navigation. For drivers who regularly cover 300+ miles, this network reliability is often as important as the headline range figure.
- WLTP range: 466 miles
- Real-world range: ~360 miles
- Starting price: From ~£44,990
- Price with loveelectric: From £323/month, get a bespoke quote here.
- Best for: Drivers who want the best range-per-pound on this list, backed by the UK's best rapid charging network
6. Volkswagen ID.7 - 441 miles WLTP | 325 miles real world
The Volkswagen ID.7 is VW's flagship electric saloon, and with a 441-mile WLTP range and approximately 325 miles in real-world conditions (Pro S Plus spec, 86kWh battery), it competes convincingly with the premium cars above it at a more accessible price point.
What distinguishes the ID.7 is how well-rounded it is. It's spacious enough to work as a genuine family car, refined enough for long motorway runs, and efficient enough to make the most of every charge. Parkers named it their Large Family Car of the Year for 2026 - recognition of how well it balances range, space, and everyday usability.
The interior is a significant step forward from earlier ID. models, with better materials, a cleaner layout, and improved software. A standard heat pump - which helps preserve range in cold weather - is a welcome inclusion that many rivals charge extra for.
- WLTP range: 441 miles
- Real-world range: ~325 miles
- Starting price: From ~£52,000
- Price with loveelectric: From £405/month, get a bespoke quote here.
- Best for: Families who want a long-range executive saloon without full premium-brand pricing
7. Polestar 3 - 395 miles WLTP | 310 miles real world
The Polestar 3 is a large performance SUV with a 395-mile WLTP range and approximately 310 miles in real-world conditions - seventh on this list, but carrying one of the biggest batteries here: a 111kWh pack in a car weighing over 2,600kg. For a vehicle of this size, that's a genuine achievement.
Polestar holds B Corp certification, reflecting its commitment to supply chain transparency and environmental accountability. For employers and fleet operators with sustainability commitments, this is a meaningful differentiator - and worth highlighting to employees who care about more than just running costs. As a fellow B Corp, loveelectric is well-placed to help businesses make the most of this positioning.
The 3 is a striking coupé-SUV that manages to combine a sleek roofline with a genuinely spacious premium interior. DC charging at 250kW supports a 10–80% charge in around 30 minutes, with an 800V architecture update expected to improve this further.
- WLTP range: 395 miles
- Real-world range: ~310 miles
- Starting price: From ~£74,900
- Price with loveelectric: From £505/month, get a bespoke quote here.
- Best for: Drivers who want a premium performance SUV with strong sustainability credentials
8. Volvo EX90 - 386 miles WLTP | 295 miles real world
The Volvo EX90 is the only full-size 7-seat electric SUV on this list. For families who need that third row, its 386-mile WLTP range (Twin Motor) and approximately 295 miles of real-world range is comfortably the best available in this segment.
Volvo has positioned the EX90 as the safest car it has ever made. An extensive array of cameras, radars, LiDAR, and ultrasonic sensors creates a 360° safety net around the vehicle, detecting hazards that many other systems would miss. For families, this is a compelling differentiator alongside the range and space credentials.
The interior is calm and Scandinavian - restrained, high quality, and logically laid out. Boot space with all seven seats up is 377 litres, expanding significantly when the rear rows fold. DC charging at 250kW supports a 10–80% charge time of around 22 minutes, per Volvo's UK specification page.
Prices start from £80,160, making it a natural fit for senior employees using salary sacrifice.
- WLTP range: 386 miles (Twin Motor)
- Real-world range: ~295 miles
- Starting price: From £80,160
- Price with loveelectric: From £622/month, get a bespoke quote here.
- Best for: Families who need 7 seats and want the best range in a full-size electric SUV
9. Hyundai IONIQ 6 - 382 miles WLTP | 305 miles real world
The IONIQ 6 is a car where charging speed arguably matters as much as its 382-mile WLTP range (approximately 305 miles in real-world conditions). Built on Hyundai's 800V E-GMP platform, it supports charging at up to 350kW, with a 10–80% charge in approximately 18 minutes - among the fastest on this entire list.
For drivers who regularly complete long runs, this real-world charging performance makes the IONIQ 6 more usable in practice than its headline range figure might suggest. In the time it takes to grab a coffee at a motorway services, you can add 150+ miles of range. The streamlined body - a drag coefficient of just 0.21Cd - is central to its efficiency, and the car is spacious and comfortable in everyday use.
- WLTP range: 382 miles
- Real-world range: ~305 miles
- Starting price: From ~£40,000
- Price with loveelectric: From £358/month, get a bespoke quote here.
- Best for: Frequent long-distance drivers who prioritise charging speed alongside range
10. Kia EV9 - 360 miles WLTP | 275 miles real world
The Kia EV9 rounds out this list as the second 7-seat option, with a 360-mile WLTP range and approximately 275 miles of real-world range. For families who need three rows of seating in an electric car, the EV9 is one of very few credible options - and a strong one.
Built on the same 800V E-GMP platform as the IONIQ 6, it supports rapid charging at up to 350kW (10–80% in around 24 minutes) and offers Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, allowing the battery to power external devices - useful for camping, outdoor activities, or powering equipment on the move.
Starting from around £65,000, it's the more accessible 7-seat salary sacrifice option compared with the Volvo EX90, and its three-row interior is genuinely spacious across all rows.
- WLTP range: 360 miles
- Real-world range: ~275 miles
- Starting price: From ~£65,000
- Price with loveelectric: From £520/month, get a bespoke quote here.
- Best for: Families who need 7-seat capability with rapid charging and V2L functionality
All WLTP and real-world range figures sourced directly from EV Database (ev-database.uk). Figures correct as of 2nd March 2026. Starting prices are approximate and subject to change - please verify current pricing with the manufacturer or your electric account manager.
Longest Range EVs by Category
Not every buyer is looking for the same thing. Here's how the shortlist breaks down by specific need:
Longest range EV under £50,000
Both the Tesla Model 3 Long Range (466 miles WLTP, ~360 miles real world, ~£44,990) and the Mercedes CLA Electric (492 miles WLTP, ~360 miles real world, ~£45,000) offer outstanding range at this price point. The CLA edges ahead on the official figure; the Model 3's Supercharger network advantage and longer track record make it the more proven choice for buyers who prioritise real-world charging convenience.
Longest range electric SUV
The BMW iX3 (500 miles WLTP, ~375 miles real world) currently leads among electric SUVs. The Polestar 3 (395 miles WLTP) is the pick for those who prioritise sustainability credentials or a more distinctive design, and the Volvo EX90 (386 miles WLTP) is the only option for buyers who need 7 seats in an SUV body.
Longest range electric family car
The Volkswagen ID.7 (441 miles WLTP, ~325 miles real world) is the pick for families who want a spacious, practical saloon format. For three-row capability, the Volvo EX90 (386 miles WLTP) and Kia EV9 (360 miles WLTP) are the standout choices - the EV9 at a lower entry price, the EX90 with greater range and Volvo's advanced safety technology.
Longest range EV through salary sacrifice
With BiK on electric cars at just 3% for 2025/26, salary sacrifice makes a significant difference to the real monthly cost of any car on this list. For most employees, the Tesla Model 3 Long Range and Mercedes CLA Electric are the natural starting point - both around £45,000 with real-world ranges of approximately 360 miles. For higher earners, the BMW iX3 and Audi A6 e-tron become compelling options where the tax savings are proportionally larger.
loveelectric's salary sacrifice scheme includes a Zero Risk Guarantee from Day 1, supporting employees if their circumstances change - with no early termination fees passed on.
👉 See which long-range EVs are available through loveelectric
How to Maximise Your EV's Range
Even the longest range EV on this list can see its figures drop significantly in the wrong conditions. A few practical steps make a real difference:
- Drive at lower speeds. Range drops sharply above 70mph as aerodynamic drag increases. Sitting at 60–65mph on the motorway rather than 75mph+ can meaningfully extend your range on a long run.
- Use regenerative braking. Maximising regen in urban driving recaptures energy that would otherwise be lost as heat. Most cars on this list allow you to adjust the intensity.
- Pre-condition the battery. Use your car's app to warm or cool the battery to its optimal temperature before setting off - especially in cold weather. This preserves range for the journey rather than using it to manage battery temperature on the move.
- Plan charging stops. For journeys over 200 miles, build in stops at the fastest available chargers on your route. Apps like A Better Routeplanner (ABRP) make this straightforward and can optimise your route around charger locations.
- Reduce unnecessary load. Roof boxes, heavy cargo, and running the climate system at full power all reduce range. Seat heating is typically more energy-efficient than heating the whole cabin from the blowers.
For a deeper look at the factors at play, see our guides on factors that affect EV range.
Longest Range Electric Cars: FAQs
Which electric car has the longest range in the UK in 2026? The Mercedes EQS currently holds the longest WLTP range of any electric car available in the UK, at 511 miles, with a real-world figure of approximately 425 miles, according to EV Database (figures correct as of 2nd March 2026). The BMW iX3 (500 miles WLTP) and Mercedes CLA Electric (492 miles WLTP) follow closely behind.
Is the WLTP range figure accurate? WLTP is significantly more realistic than the older NEDC test, but most drivers will achieve 10–20% less in everyday conditions. Motorway driving, cold weather, higher speeds, and heavy climate control use all reduce range below the official figure. WLTP figures remain the most consistent basis for comparing cars against each other; the real-world figures in this article give a more honest picture of everyday performance.
Does cold weather significantly affect EV range? Yes - cold temperatures affect battery chemistry and increase energy demand from cabin heating. In winter, range can drop by 15–25% compared with milder conditions. Pre-conditioning the battery while still plugged in before departure is the most effective way to minimise this. Several cars on this list - including the Volkswagen ID.7 and Hyundai IONIQ 6 - include heat pumps as standard, which improve cold-weather efficiency considerably.
Can I do a long road trip in one of these cars? Absolutely. A car with 425 miles of real-world range like the Mercedes EQS could comfortably complete London to Edinburgh without a charging stop. In practice, most drivers plan one short rapid charging stop for journeys over 200 miles - and with over 88,000 public charge points now across the UK, stops are increasingly quick and convenient.
Do I actually need 400+ miles of range? For most UK drivers, the answer is no. The average UK driver covers around 20 miles per day, meaning even a 250-mile EV is more than adequate for daily use with home charging. Where 400+ miles of range genuinely matters is for high-mileage professionals, those without home charging who rely on public infrastructure, and drivers who regularly make long cross-country journeys without wanting to stop. For everyone else, prioritising charging speed and monthly cost often makes more sense than chasing maximum range.
Can I get a long-range EV through salary sacrifice? Yes - several cars on this list are available through loveelectric's salary sacrifice scheme. Salary sacrifice lets you lease an EV from your gross salary, reducing your income tax and National Insurance contributions simultaneously. With BiK at 3% for 2025/26, the savings are substantial - particularly for 40% and 45% taxpayers. loveelectric's Zero Risk Guarantee also means employees are supported from day one if their circumstances change.
