Top 10 Leaders in Electric Car Range for 2021

Written by Nick Versaw

Updated January 4th, 2022

Long before they were even invented, the biggest fascination with electric vehicles was just how far they could go without a drop of gasoline. For today’s drivers, those dreams of hundreds of gas-free miles can now be enjoyed in real-world driving conditions. Best of all, the EV range of new electric vehicles continues to improve with each model year. 

Electric car range is just how far an EV can go on a full charge before it runs out. When a driver isn’t exactly sure when their battery will run out, range anxiety kicks in. “Range anxiety” refers to the angst drivers have when they are far from their destination and their car’s battery pack is close to empty. 

For EV drivers, it’s the new version of being alone on a deserted highway approaching “E” with no gas station in sight — a situation we’ve all encountered during our days driving a car with an internal combustion engine. 

The longer your EV’s miles of range, the more adventures you can fit in before returning home to your charger or stopping at a public charging station. Whether you drive an all-electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid, range anxiety is never far from mind.

The day electric vehicle owners don’t have to worry about re-charging at all might not be all that far in the future. Until then, check out these 10 vehicles that represent the longest range electric cars available from the 2021 model year.

10. Jaguar I-PACE

Manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP): $71,000

Range on a single charge: 234 miles

Fuel economy: 76 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe) combined city/highway

The Jaguar I-PACE is a terrific choice for commuting professionals who are in the market for an all-electric luxury hatchback. With over 234 miles of range on a full charge, the I-PACE packs enough power to visit your entire client list or make it to that conference and back without range anxiety entering the picture. 

The car’s recognizably sporty Jaguar-centric design complements an impressive 394-horsepower output. This all-electric SUV is also one of only a few EVs on the market that offer all-wheel drive capability.

Also consider: Polestar 2

9. Kia Niro EV

MSRP: $40,210

Range on a single charge: 239 miles

Fuel economy: 112 MPGe combined city/highway

Those in the market for a more reasonably priced crossover with an all-electric motor should certainly consider the Kia Niro EV. 

The Niro‘s starting price of around $40K makes it one of the most affordable EVs on today’s market, and coupled with an impressive 239-mile range, its value is even more incredible.

A six-color “mood lighting” system lets you set the scene in the vehicle’s interior, while the SUV’s 60/40-split-folding rear seats give you plenty of cargo space to haul groceries and work materials during the week. 

Safety features like an emergency braking system with pedestrian detection also give drivers an extra set of eyes on the road.

Also consider: Ford Mustang Mach-E GT

8. Volkswagen ID.4

MSRP: $41,190

Range on a single charge: 250 miles

Fuel economy: 97 MPGe combined city/highway

The Volkswagen ID.4 is a fun-to-drive, albeit quirky car. One thing is for sure, it’s tough to beat its 250-mile range on a full charge. 

All the expected Volkswagen perks appear in the ID.4, including the brand’s impressive suite of safety features and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.

The quirks that separate the Volkswagen ID.4 from other EVs with impressive range include its inability to carry a spare tire and lack of control knobs for the stereo system.

Also consider: BMW i3

7. Hyundai Kona Electric 

MSRP: $38,365

Range on a single charge: 258 miles

Fuel economy: 120 MPGe combined city/highway

The Hyundai Kona Electric is an electric SUV that’s as stylish as it is fun to drive, with an impressive 258 miles of range at full charge that make it a near-complete package. 

While the car’s paltry 201 horsepower output leaves a little bit to be desired, it features comfortable seating for five and an impressive 45.8 cubic feet of storage space. The Kona is ideal for that long range road trip you’ve always wanted to take, or just running errands around town.

Also consider: Audi e-tron Sportback 

6. Chevrolet Bolt EV

MSRP: $37,495

Range on a single charge: 259 miles

Fuel economy: 118 MPGe combined city/highway

Drivers are impressed by the Chevrolet Bolt EV‘s smooth, powerful driving experience. The car’s excellent driving range and array of technological features for rear passengers make it an ideal EV option for growing families. 

Available trim levels offer a 7-speaker Bose audio system that’s ideal for family singalongs. USB charging ports for those seated in the rear seats keep those precious phones and tablets powered up during long road trips.

Also consider: Nissan LEAF Plus

5. Ford Mustang Mach-E

MSRP: $43,995

Range on a single charge: 300 miles

Fuel economy: 100 MPGe combined city/highway

The Ford Mustang Mach-E packs the strong acceleration capability that its famed muscle car predecessors did. Although if you think the Mustang Mach-E is a powerful muscle car, think again.

The famed Mustang nameplate has now entered the fully electric crossover SUV class, and with impressive results. The vehicle’s 15.5-inch infotainment touchscreen allows impressive views of navigation and audio options. You’ll need it, considering the Mach-E can travel up to 300 miles on a full charge.

Also consider: Polestar 1

4. Tesla Model Y Long Range

MSRP: $41,190

Range on a single charge: 326 miles

Fuel economy: 129 MPGe combined city/highway

The Tesla Model Y Long Range‘s rapid acceleration capability and seven-passenger seating space make it ideal for commuters who are eager to make their carpool mates jealous. Don’t let the Model Y’s sedan looks deceive you — it’s actually classified as a compact crossover SUV. Although, its zero-to-60 MPH time of 5.3 seconds makes that a bit hard to believe.

And if workmates aren’t impressed by the Model Y’s speed and passenger comfort, they will be by Tesla’s “Smart Summon” system which allows the vehicle to navigate parking garages autonomously.

Also consider: Mini Cooper Electric Hardtop

3. Tesla Model 3 Long Range

MSRP: $39,190

Range on a single charge: 353 miles

Fuel economy: 141 MPGe combined city/highway

Tesla Model 3 Long Range‘s all-wheel drive option also makes it a terrific choice for those concerned about traction in poor weather conditions. The car also offers drivers 353 miles on a single charge complete with 447 horsepower that make it as performance-focused as it is efficient. In fact, it can reach top speeds of 140 MPH, fast enough to rival any internal combustion engine. 

And while Tesla’s uniqueness pays off in performance, the brand’s selectivity leaves Model 3 with a bit to be desired. Only two interior colors are available, there’s no option for a heated steering wheel. Common integration features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aren’t offered as well. 

Also consider: Hyundai IONIQ Electric

2. Tesla Model X Long Range

MSRP: $81,190

Range on a single charge: 360 miles

Fuel economy: 105 MPGe combined city/highway

Seating for up to seven, an impressive amount of cargo space and 360 miles of range separate Tesla Model X Long Range from other Tesla models. Drivers and critics consider it to be the premier all-electric luxury SUV for families for 2021, thanks in large part to its spaciousness and high ranking marks for safety. 

Unlike previous years, however, the 2021 Tesla Model X no longer comes with free use of a Tesla Supercharger, which is now an additional cost.

Also consider: Porsche Taycan 4s

1. Tesla Model S Long Range

MSRP: $79,990

Range on a single charge: 412 miles

Fuel economy: 117 MPGe combined city/highway

With a single charge range of 412 miles, you can drive clear across many of the smaller U.S. states and back and not run out of charge behind the wheel of a Tesla Model S Long Range. If there’s a cure for EV range anxiety, the Model S is it. 

Performance enthusiasts the world over are stunned by the acceleration capability of the Tesla Model S Plaid+ trim, which has been produced in limited quantities. That version of the Model S is capable of 1,100 horsepower and a zero-to-60 MPH time under two seconds. 

Those qualities make the Model S better suited to thrill seekers than those looking for a long-range daily driver.

Also consider: Audi e-tron GT

On the Road

The ability to travel long periods without a charge is how long-range electric vehicles can help stave off your range anxiety, whether you’re simply heading home from work or lost on a road trip.

Automakers are in constant competition to see who can hit the next big EV driving range goalpost. Automotive engineers are also always at work to reduce EV battery charge times and improve fast-charging EV technology. 

Before shelling out big bucks for increased electric car range, do a personal survey of your own driving habits to see if long-range driving capability is a feature you’re sure you need. After all, there’s no need to address range anxiety concerns if they’ll be rare given your driving style.

Consider your daily commute, holiday travel, the location of far-away friends you might visit, and potential road trips you might want to take. Also take some time to research the locations of public charging infrastructure within your region. 

While they might not be able to travel as far as long-range EVs, shorter range electric vehicles can still offer numerous benefits to drivers and the environment, most notably reduced maintenance cost and lower emissions.

Nick Versaw Managing Editor

Nick Versaw leads Compare.com's editorial department, where he and his team specialize in creating educational content about insurance and other related topics. As an award-winning writer, Nick has seen his work published in countless renowned publications, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and U.S. News & World Report. He graduated with Latin honors from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Digital Journalism.