The longest range electric cars in Australia

So-called driving ‘range anxiety’ is a key perceived concern for Australians considering the electric vehicle switch. But, in reality, most models provide more than enough range for many – and it’s extending with new EVs.

Range – the distance an EV can travel on a single battery charge – remains the key factor important to most buyers, whether they’re choosing a budget-friendly BYD Atto 3 crossover SUV to a high-end Porsche Taycan sports sedan.

It’s especially a concern for Australians, even though the average motorist drives around 30 to 40 kilometres per day, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics [↗].

Yet, range is still a perceived barrier, with many Australians traversing this large nation for the odd road trip – when current battery technology simply can’t deliver the same range as many petrol or diesel-powered vehicles, and when current public EV charging infrastructure is still patchy (but quickly growing).

JUMP AHEAD

• 🤔 What determines range?
  • What is ‘WLTP’?
• 🛣️ What does real-world range mean?
  • How much range do you really need?
• ⚖️ What's the best value-for-range EV?

• ⚡️ Top 20 longest-range EVs in Australia

• 🤔 Time to make the electric switch?

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🤔 What determines an EV's driving range?

EV driving range is mainly dictated by the usable (net) battery size and energy density, vehicle design (the aerodynamics of cutting through air), total weight, and the efficiency of the electric drive unit (power electronics module, transmission, and electric motor/s).

In other words, the price doesn’t necessarily mean it can go further on a single charge.

An in-demand large, boxy electric SUV with a gigantic battery pack won't have substantially more range than a less popular aerodynamic electric sedan with a smaller battery size – a dilemma which carmakers are contending with.

As battery technology improves, car brands evolve electric drive units and designers maximise aerodynamic efficiency, newly-released EV models are improving and extending driving range capabilities.

It’s not limited to a new generation model either. For example, the facelifted 2024 Polestar 2 liftback has boosted claimed WLTP range by between 54 to 104 kilometres thanks to a new electric motor that’s moved from the front to rear axles for single-motor variants – improving energy efficiency.

MG’s chief designer also believes electric SUVs will become lower and sleeker to maximise electric range – a trend that’s already demonstrated in models, such as the Tesla Model Y, Kia EV6, and Renault Megane E-Tech.

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🛣️ What does real-world range mean?

The actual real-world driving range an EV can be impacted by factors such as; driving behaviour (eg: heavier acceleration), weather (i.e. low temperature, headwinds, rain), high speed, tackling inclines, and the use of air-conditioning.

Depending on how and where you drive, a general rule-of-thumb is to take about 10 to 20 per cent off the WLTP claim to estimate real-world range.

Also note that most carmakers recommend a charging limit for lithium-ion type batteries up to 80 per cent only to maintain good battery health and avoid prolonged charging wait times, except for situations when a full charge is necessary such as on long-distance trips.

Anything more than 300 kilometres should provide more than enough electrons for the average Australian weekly commute.

However, unlike combustion-engine powered cars, electric cars are more efficient and achieve better driving range when used in urban low speed, stop-start traffic conditions – since regenerative braking helps recoup some energy back into the battery.

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⚖️ Looking for the perfect mix of range and price?

The story you're reading right now focuses on the furthest-driving EVs, regardless of price. Check out our story below to refine your list to the EVs that provide range for the best possible price.

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⚡️ Top 20 EVs on sale in Australia, by driving range

These are the top-20 EVs available in Australia, or well on their way, with the longest WLTP driving range claims.

Yes, most are premium expensive models, but as battery material and mining costs lower, more mainstream EVs are emerging.

1. Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor – 654km
2. Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 4Matic – 631km
3. Tesla Model 3 Long Range – 629km
4. BMW i7 xDrive60 M Sport – 625km
5. BMW iX xDrive50 Sport – 620km
6. Hyundai Ioniq 6 Dynamiq RWD – 614km
7. Polestar 3 Long Range Dual Motor* – 610km (or 560km with Performance Pack)
8. Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium* – 600km
9. Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor – 591km (or 568km with Performance Pack)
10. BMW i5 eDrive40* – 582km
11. BMW iX M60 – 566km
12. BMW i7 M70 xDrive* – 560km
13. Mercedes-Benz EQE 300 sedan – 550km
14. Tesla Model 3 Performance – 547km
15. Tesla Model Y Long Range – 533km
16. Polestar 2 Standard Range Single Motor – 532km
17. MG 4 Long Range 77 – 530km
18. Kia EV6 Air RWD – 528km
19. Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 liftback – 526km
20. BMW i4 eDrive40 – 520km

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🤔 Is it time to make the electric switch?

If you'd like to know the claimed driving ranges of every new EV on sale in Australia today – plus everything you need to know about electric cars – check out our comprehensive guides below.

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