Every day we find new ways to reduce our carbon footprint, and when it comes to cars, the electric vehicles with the longest range are a brilliant example. These automobiles do not generate any greenhouse gases at all, making them as friendly to the environment as notebooks or mobile phones. However, electric cars also have a huge disadvantage compared to fuel-powered vehicles: they run out of battery power (their “gas”) rather quickly, thus making long trips practically impossible. Nevertheless, this could all change very soon, as the following list of the ten electric vehicles with the longest range will demonstrate.
Over the years, the automobile industry has invested heavily in developing cars that produce fewer emissions and rely less on fossil fuels. This becomes evident if you take a look at one of our previous posts, where we listed the ten least expensive hybrid cars. Yet hybrid cars, which offer a far greater level of fuel efficiency, were just the first step in the right direction. The development of electric vehicles on the other hand, has completely revolutionized the industry. What seemed like a far-fetched dream is now a reality, thanks to a shift in consumer preferences and innovative companies. As this eco-friendly trend continues to gather momentum, more and more firms have dedicated resources to manufacturing zero-emission cars. Hence, whereas options were limited just a decade ago, today, there are enough electric vehicles out there to compile a list of those with the longest range!
As we have already established, electric cars are far less harmful to the environment than those powered by fossil fuels. However, they also offer further benefits to their owners, who no longer have to spend a lot of money on gas, but can charge their vehicles practically for free. The only problem seems to be the lack of infrastructure to support the wide scale use of electric cars. Considering these vehicles have a far shorter range than their gas-powered counterparts, creating more charging stations is necessary. This is where the ten electric vehicles with the longest range offer a greater advantage over their competition at present, since they are more likely to reach their destination before running out of juice.
So if you are looking to purchase an electric car, be sure to check out the following list, as it could mean the difference between an enjoyable drive home and waiting on a tow truck.
10. Smart ForTwo Coupe – 68 miles
The first vehicle on our list is the Smart ForTwo Coupe, which can take you as far as 68 miles with a single charge. It is the only convertible electric car, as well as the cheapest option on the market for those looking to go green.
9. Ford Focus Electric – 76 miles
If you like the Ford Focus, but want to save around $9,000 on gas over the next five years, then purchasing the electric version might be a sound choice.
8. BMW i3 – 81 miles
When BMW presented the i3, it demonstrated that it is capable of adapting to modern times. Their electric vehicle is designed to be used in urban areas and is highly sustainable and still affordable at $41,350.
7. Chevrolet Spark EV – 82 miles
Although Chevrolet has developed several electric vehicles, only the Spark EV has a range long enough to make the purchase worthwhile. Apart from having great fuel efficiency, it can be purchased for a very reasonable price of around $25,000!
6. Volkswagen e-Golf – 83 miles
When the engineers at Volkswagen developed the e-Golf, they had one thing in mind: creating an electric car that handles almost exactly like a fuel-powered vehicle. Two words: mission accomplished!
5. Nissan Leaf – 84 miles
Despite being on the market for quite some time now, the Nissan Leaf continues to be one of the electric vehicles with the longest range. Impressive, considering it costs less than $30,000.
4. Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive – 85 miles
After BMW presented the i3, Mercedes-Benz didn’t hesitate to follow suit. Although it costs about the same as its eternal German rival’s i3, the B-Class offers a greater range.
3. Fiat 500e – 87 miles
Like most of its other vehicles, Fiat’s 500e is small and stylish. Yet apart from looks, the 500e offers an 87-mile range, allowing you to save around $9,500 on fuel over a five year period.
2. Toyota RAV4 EV – 103 miles
As the largest automobile manufacturer in the world, Toyota could not fall behind in the electric vehicle sector. The RAV4 EV has an awesome range of 103 miles, yet at around $50,000, some consider it too pricey.
1. Tesla Model S 85D – 295 miles
Tesla’s Model S has a drive range which dwarfs that of its rivals. It comes as no surprise that Tesla is miles ahead of the competition, since they are basically responsible for making electric cars a reality.
