After a shaky start, electric vehicles (EV) have come of age as new models enter the arena. The days of modifying existing cars to fit the technology have long gone and now the EV’s available to buyers are built as such from the ground up. The question mark hanging over this relatively recent form of automotive engineering has always been range; the distance travelled on a single charge.
Well, worry no more. Battery technology has improved in leaps and bounds and there are plenty of models available now that can reach and even exceed 300 miles of driving before a fresh charge is needed. For most of us, most of the time, this is ample for everyday driving and, more to the point, around town owners are not contributing to local emissions.
Here at MHH international, electric cars are beginning to feature more. Using our comprehensive service, buyers can import their next car, VAT free, from the UK to other global destinations but the final choice of vehicle is down to you. Here then is just a selection of ten of the best, long range, electric cars on offer today:
Lucid Air
This new car-making kid on the block will this year be making inroads into the prestige EV market with claims that their models offer the longest range yet, topping all competitors; up to 517 miles (company figure) to be precise. The entry model is striking enough with its 34 inch combined dashboard and information screen, 19 inch aero wheels and faux-leather seating, but there are several models in the range all offering an increasingly high level of sophistication.
With its sleek headlight bar, one-piece windscreen, glass roof, aerodynamic creased bonnet and side panels, and short rear-end (like a BMW saloon) this prestigious car is starting to make the otherwise excellent Tesla Model 3 (also worthy of this list and less expensive) look a little pedestrian.
From the Pure model up, all versions offer Lucid’s ‘DreamDrive’ suite of driver assistance with all-wheel-drive, right up there with the best, and power across the range starts at 480hp from a 92kW battery pack. For other models of the Air, power increases through the range to a massive 819hp. This is electric travel at its best.
Tesla Model S
It’s perhaps a little unfair to list Tesla straight after the above, but the Model S really holds its own against all-comers; after all, it is getting on for ten years now since the brand entered the arena and boss Elon Musk is not one to shy away from a battle.
Standard Model S cars can manage up to an impressive 405 miles of range. Perhaps more impressive, however, is that sporty Model S Plaid cars can sacrifice nine miles of range for a 200+mph top speed and a 0-62mph time of less than two seconds; what’s more, Tesla claim that the latest Plaid version can rival the Lucid with over 500 miles.
This is a Tesla so the level of included technology is very high and the interior is full of novel features like the space-age steering wheel. This model is also a world leader in autonomous driving.
BMW iX
We very recently featured the range topping M60 version of this big car, but the regular version is no slouch either. In true SUV style and featuring the German brand’s real drive ability, the iX can travel up to 380 miles from a single charge.
With a whopping 516hp from it’s 105kW battery pack, the BMW iX doubles up as a motorway master with family friendly features like plenty of passenger and cargo space for everyday practicality all cushioned by adjustable air suspension. It’s the ideal all-rounder.
Hyundai Ioniq 6
The unique, sleek Ioniq 6’s ‘Streamliner’ design not only stands out from the crowd, being almost retro-looking, it also features Hyundai’s lowest drag coefficient of just 0.21. This delivers a clear advantage for energy efficiency, and thus allows for an increased driving range of up to 382 miles with the rear-wheel drive version. All-wheel-drive cuts this to 250 miles but that’s still a useful distance.
Inside, the practical, modern cocoon-inspired interior, the car raises the bar for mainstream comfort and usability thanks to advanced features and innovative stylistic solutions. The boot (trunk) is roomy as the battery pack is buried low in the car. Further, the Ioniq 6 can charge from ten to eighty per cent in as little as 18 minutes, at speeds of up to 350kW.
Mercedes EQS
The EQS is the current flagship of the Mercedes EV selection. It’s a luxury car that can move passengers over long distances on a single charge. For example, the mid-range 450+ rear-wheel-drive model has 453 miles of range. That’s a day’s driving; long distance indeed.
On the inside this car is appointed to a typically high Mercedes standard featuring leading edge in-car technology. The full width ‘Hyperscreen’ infotainment system is truly groundbreaking. Coupled with an opulent interior befitting the premium car’s price, the EQS is one of the best EV’s currently available.
Mercedes EQE
Mercedes again. The German brand doubles up on this list thanks to the EQE. Yes, it does look like its bigger brother but that’s part of the brand image. In fact, it’s slightly smaller and not so costly. Consider it the fully electric equivalent of the company’s E Class model.
The EQE 350+ version offers over, unsurprisingly given the name, 350 miles of range, and there’s the usual selection of trim and options. It’s possible to reach up to 394 miles but only on the 19” rims. Whichever model and trim is chosen this car will easily top 300 miles on one charge. In comfort too. The EQE can charge at up to 170kW, and a slightly less powerful charger will top up the battery to 80% in around half an hour. Just time for a coffee.
Ford Mustang Mach e
The original thought was that this electric SUV was somehow not a Mustang. Certainly it isn’t like the ‘pony car’ of blessed memory but the Mach-e has proved the doubters wrong. It’s a family-sized electric car that is becoming a familiar sight on the roads, driven by that historic reputation.
It does not disappoint. The performance is still there but to maximise the brilliant 372-mile range, well, take it easy on the throttle. The Mach-e delivers an engaging, sporty drive and the interior is well featured. A great electric SUV with a legend behind it.
Polestar 3
Polestar began life as an adjunct to Volvo; now the brand is an entity in its own right. With typically Scandinavian minimalism, this sport utility vehicle, is a defining SUV in the electric sphere. This third offering from the company features a new aerodynamic and very striking profile with a wide stance. The key words here are aerodynamic optimisation: There’s a front aero wing integrated into the bonnet, an aero wing integrated into the rear spoiler, plus rear aero blades. The ‘Long Range’ version will deliver up to 379 miles on one charge.
The prestige interior comes with animal welfare-certified leather and fully traceable wool upholsteries. On the technology front this Polestar 3 offers a NVIDIA DRIVE core computer, running software from Volvo Cars, processing data from the car’s multiple sensors and cameras to enable advanced driver-assistance safety features and driver monitoring. It also follows the Volvo trend by being one of the safest EV’s on the road.
BMW i7
The BMW 7 Series has been the flagship model for this German brand through six generations. Now, in its 7th iteration, it has been electrified and becomes the i7. This car is the epitome of luxury motoring. Just one of many talking points is the massive 31.3in panoramic television (‘theatre’) screen that folds out of the roof for rear-seat passengers. The interior is second to none and carries all the very latest in technology for infotainment and safety.
It is indeed a big car so underneath all that luxury is a beating electric heart comprising a 105.7kWh battery with no less than 536bhp from two electric motors. Range is quoted as being up to 387 miles on a single charge, more than enough, even for a limousine.
Fisker Ocean
We began this list with one new brand and it makes sense to end with another. This very striking car is the Fisker Ocean, available in the UK from 2023. It is sleek and stylish; a thoroughly modern SUV design. Dramatic styling features an exterior with an aggressive stance, clean lines, smooth surfaces and ultra-slim lighting. Fisker tell us that the Ocean combines a sports car dynamic with a durable and configurable SUV and, looking at it, who are we to disagree?
The interior is equally dramatic and offers ‘Revolve’, Fisker's revolutionary 17.1" rotating central touchscreen (available on Extreme and Ocean One trims). Interior fabrics are made from recycled materials, including carpets.
On the Extreme and Ocean One models, the Hyper Range battery pack is standard, offering range of 390 miles. On the Sport trim with the Touring Range battery pack, Fisker suggest a range of 275 miles.
EVs are increasingly popular cars to import. EV duties are often lower too, so it’s worth checking your current duty levels versus petrol and diesel engines. Get in touch with the team and we’ll be happy to advise you on importing an electric car to you.
