Electric vehicles (EVs) are sneaking up on us and not just because their lack of engine noise means we don’t hear them coming. Europe-wide policies to ban fossil fuel vehicles by 2040, falling prices, more models and makes and greater driving ranges are all helping to fuel the revolution in electric transportation.
Here in Jersey, a trained eye will easily spot at least two EVs on the morning commute to work. The untrained eye, however, may struggle to spot the difference between the latest models of EV and a petrol or diesel car. With more affordable and practical models coming to market, EVs are finally making their mark – so much so that the WHATCAR? Car of the Year 2019 is the all-electric Kia e-Niro family SUV which is capable of taking you 282 miles on a single charge, according to the manufacturer’s figures.
So let’s look at how far EV driving ranges have come, or should we say take you, bearing in mind these figures will vary depending on outside temperatures, average speeds and how weighed down with luggage and passengers the cars are.
Tesla Model S 100D 335 miles
Tesla consistently produces models that deliver impressive range. The 100D version can travel up to 393 miles according to Tesla - though official figures are generated through the old NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) way of testing cars, rather than the new WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) measures, you can still expect the 100D to easily achieve 300 miles on a single charge.
Tesla Model X 100D 295miles
The Tesla Model X 100D uses the same basic platform as the Model S saloon. As a result of the added weight, it can't deliver quite the same range. Still, 295 miles seems plenty enough, while its SUV layout offers more interior space.
Jaguar I-PACE 292 miles
Jaguar's first attempt at an electric car, the I-Pace, has gained critical acclaim for its combination of performance, range and driver involvement. This big cat is capable of travelling up to 292 miles on a single charge, making it an excellent long-distance electric option.
Kia e-Niro 282 miles
Kia's e-Niro looks like any other crossover. But underneath lies a powertrain capable of pushing the e-Niro 282 miles on a single charge. You also get Kia's seven-year warranty.
(Image: Getty)
Mercedes EQC 280 miles
Mercedes’ futuristic-looking EQC is one of the latest additions to the electric car range. It combines low running costs with Mercedes’ premium touches. As well as delivering 280 miles between charges. Mercedes says that the EQC will also crack 0-60mph in under five seconds.
Hyundai Kona EV 279 miles
The Hyundai Kona Electric, priced from £27,250, it's capable of an all-electric range of 279 miles. Typically of Hyundai, there’s also lots of standard equipment inside.
Audi E-Tron 241 miles
As we said at the start, some EVs are now hard to differentiate from their combustion counterparts and the Audi E-Tron is hard to tell from any other SUV in Audi’s range.
Nissan Leaf 239 miles
The Nissan Leaf was one of the forefathers of the electric car revolution and, though others have now beaten it in terms of overall range, this latest model is an attractive proposition and Nissan claims it will manage 239 miles between charges.
Hyundai IONIQ Electric 174 miles
As well as the Kona Electric, Hyundai makes the IONIQ Electric based around a more traditional shape. It can also do a reasonable 174 miles so you’ll hardly get stranded in Jersey.
BMW i3 160 miles
Despite being on our roads for some time now, BMW's i3 still looks like it was built years in the future. It’s capable of 160 miles on a charge and the interior is as well-finished and cutting-edge as the exterior.
