For over a decade, one of the biggest hurdles to for people considering an EV was "range anxiety", the fear of running out of battery before getting to your destination. It's a valid fear and over time, both charging point infrastructure, as well as the batteries inside EVs have improved to help overcome this. Over the years, we've guided thousands of clients through the transition to electric but it seems that for 2026, the conversation is starting to change.

EVs have always come with some great benefits, reduced tax for businesses, ridiculously cheap running costs, fewer repairs, as well as great performance. But one caveat to all of this has almost always been that you'd have less range than the ICE equivalent, but this isn't the issue it once was. Several new models of EVs are now claiming WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure) ranges of 500 miles or more, meaning that even the UK's longest commutes are now well within a single charge's reach.

What EVs have the highest ranges right now?

While WLTP figures are laboratory tested, they provide a vital benchmark for comparison. Here is the current leaderboard for the cars that really are going the extra mile(s).

5. Audi A6 e-tron Avant (Performance) - 443 Miles

The A6 e-tron brings Audi's famous "Avant" practicality into the long-range field. While it sits at #5, it still brings with it a hefty amount of mileage.

Looking inside the A6, its 443 miles of range is thanks to it's 94.9kWh (usable) battery capacity, with such a large battery, it's great to see that it also supports up to 270kW DC rapid charging. This speed will give you an extra 158 miles in 10 minutes, or 10%-80% in just 21 minutes. Moving on to the electric motor itself, this gives the A6 362bhp (270kW), which gets bumped up to 380bhp with Launch Control. All in all, this gives the A6 an impressive 0-62mph time of 5.4 seconds.

4. Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ Electric - 484 Miles

Typically, EVs have a one-speed transmission. The CLA changes this by using a two-speed transmission, helping it to stay super efficient whether you're doing low-speed city driving, or a 70mph motorway journey.

Under the bonnet of this CLA is an electric motor generating 272bhp (203kW), which gives it a 0-62 time of 6.7 seconds. You might note that the 85kWh usable capacity of the battery is lower than that of the Audi, but the two-speed gearbox is where it creates that extra range. Despite the smaller battery, the CLA offers charging speeds up to 320kW, which will give you 200 miles in 10 minutes, or 10% to 80% in just 22 minutes. A great benefit of the CLA is just how cheap it is to run. Because the two-speed gearbox makes it so efficient (at around 5.2 mi/kWh), it means it costs significantly less to charge than some other vehicles offering the same range.

3. BMW iX3 50 xDrive (Neue Klasse) - 500 Miles

Now we're getting to the real heavy hitters that can give some petrol and diesel cars a run for their money. The first of the Neue Klasse BMWs to hit the UK, the iX3 uses new cylindrical battery cells that offer 20% higher energy density than the previous generation.

Inside, you'll find a whopping 108.7kWh (usable) battery powering a 469bhp (345kW) electric motor. All that power moves all of that weight at an incredible speed, hitting 62mph in just 4.9 seconds. Another point to boast about the iX3 is the charging speed. 400kW. Making it one of the fastest charging EVs in the country. That speed lets you charge the iX3 from 10% to 80% in just 21 minutes, adding nearly 50% (231 miles) in just 10 minutes.

2.Volvo EX60 P12 AWD - 503 Miles

Barely scraping past the iX3, the EX60 is the first Volvo to use "cell-to-body" technology, meaning the battery isn't just a component, but is part of the car's structural integrity. Doing this increases energy density, boosts driving range, lowers costs and actually improves the vehicle safety by providing better structural integrity.

This Volvo packs some pretty impressive specs. Firstly, it has a staggaring 680bhp (500kW) and hits 62mph in a whiplash-inducing 3.9 seconds. Powering all of that is a very large 112kWh (usable) battery, with a peak charging speed of 370kW. Whilst not as fast as the iX3, it can still give plenty of juice, around 211 miles in 10 minutes. And a 10%-80% charge takes roughly 19 minutes. Realistically, this is a supercar disguised as a family SUV.

1. Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ (Facelift)- 511 Miles

Here it is, the EV with the highest range right now. The EQS has always had fantastic aerodynamics, but the latest facelift has pushed it over the 500-mile mark thanks to a larger battery and new motor-disconnect technology, which allows the electric motor to 'relax' whilst cruising.

The EQS is for those that really need to go the extra mile. For the specs, the 511 mile range is achieved using a 118kWh (usable) battery. Whilst not as impressive as others on this list, the electric motor produces 355bhp (265kW), which gives it a 0-62mph time of 6.2 seconds. Now for the charging. It offers a very respectable 200kW peak speed. This will take you from 10% to 80% in 31 minutes. Whilst this certainly isn't the fastest charging speed here. It goes without saying that public charging will likely be a very rare occurance, especially considering you could drive from Leeds to London, and get back all on a single charge.

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EVs have been rapidly improving for many years now, and it seems that this isn't slowing down at all. With range being one of the biggest blockers to many drivers adopting an EV, they're becoming more attractive by the day. Are you considering an EV? We've got plenty of EVs to suit everyones needs, whether you need one for weeks through Rent, months through Subscribe, or years through Lease. If you'd rather buy your own EV, check out DriveHub and Redline Specialist Cars.