What’s the Real World Range of Popular New Electric Vehicles?
One of the most important parts of shopping for a new electric vehicle is choosing something with the range you need to tackle any drive. Modern EVs offer some pretty impressive range, but those numbers come under picture-perfect settings. But, to decide which EV is perfect for you, finding the real-world range is essential. Take a few moments to see what popular new EVs offer for real-world efficiency.
How are these numbers determined?
The team over at InsideEVs conducted a thorough test on many of the latest and most popular EVs to determine the real-world range of these models. InsideEVs completed this test at 70 mph on the highway, with the tires properly inflated, and entered the highway as soon as possible. The test is conducted on a long loop to return to the starting location. Finally, they attempt to complete these tests with multiple drivers for the most accurate data.
It is important to note that while the team works to keep everything consistent, variables such as weather and traffic are out of their control. Additionally, the group notes if they use climate controls. This test gave a realistic view of how long these models can last on a single charge.
Top performers in testing
Now, the fun stuff. There were 32 models in this test and some astonishing results. Firstly, segment stalwarts from BMW, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Tesla were peppered throughout the list. But, only some models were genuinely extraordinary in their performance. This is confidence-inspiring for shoppers looking to get one of the most impressive new EVs available.
Top performers, according to the difference between EPA and the real world:
| Model | EPA Range | Real World Results | Difference (Percent) |
| 2022 BMW iX xDrive50 w/ 20-inch wheels | 324 Miles | 345 Miles | +6.5% |
| 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E AWD Std Range | 211 Miles | 226 Miles | +7.1% |
| 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ | 350 Miles | 395 Miles | +13% |
| 2021 Porsche Taycan 4 Cross Turismo | 215 Miles | 252 Miles | +17.2% |
| 2021 Porsche Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo | 204 Miles | 246 Miles | +20.6% |
| 2021 Porsche Taycan RWD | 225 Miles | Test 1: 293 Miles Test 2: 297 Miles | +30% +32% |
| 2020 Porsche Taycan 4S | 203 Miles | 278 Miles | +36.9% |
These specific models are the highest-performers and offered the biggest jump between the EPA ranges and the real-world results found during this testing. One of the biggest surprises in the testing was that the Porsche Taycan models each showed an increase of more than 15%! This remarkable increase shows drivers can choose something ready to keep them on the road for much longer. It is important also to understand that many of these models, the 2020 and 2021 specifically, are older and have possibly lost total battery capacity.
EVs that suffered during this testing
While this testing was able to highlight some of the best new electric vehicles on the market, it also showed where specific models performed less than admirably. Undoubtedly, some surprising models ended up being on this side of the list. Shoppers assume that certain models, i.e., Tesla models, would immediately top the list but instead found a home near the bottom.
Electric vehicles that suffered, according to the difference between the EPA and the real world:
| Model | EPA Range | Real World Results | Difference (Percent) |
| 2019 Tesla Model 3 AWD | 322 Miles | 290 Miles | -10% |
| 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD w/20-inch wheels | 274 Miles | 245 Miles | -10.6% |
| 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 AWD SEL w/19-inch wheels | 256 Miles | 227 Miles | -11.3% |
| 2020 Nissan LEAF SL + | 215 Miles | 190 Miles | -11.6% |
| 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid w/21-inch Arachnid wheels | 348 Miles | 300 Miles | -12% |
| 2021 Tesla Model 3 AWD | 353 Miles | 310 Miles | -12.2% |
| 2020 Tesla Model Y AWD | 316 Miles | 276 Miles | -12.7% |
| 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV | 259 Miles | 226 Miles | -12.7% |
| 2022 Jaguar I-Pace EV400 w/22-inch Wheels | 234 Miles | 195 Miles | -16.7% |
| 2022 Rivian R1T Large Pack w/20-inch all-terrain tires | 314 Miles | 254 Miles | -19.1% |
| 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 AWD Limited w/20-inch wheels | 256 Miles | 195 Miles | -24% |
As shoppers dig into this list, there are some surprising results. For example, Tesla, one of the top EV manufacturers, suffered significant mileage losses during testing. But that doesn’t tell the whole story. Some differences could result from the battery loss these models naturally undergo, but the traffic and weather can also be a factor.
One model stands out from the rest
During this testing, there were, of course, models that stood out from the crowd. One particular model not only impressed this test but has made waves in general, the 2022 Lucid Air. The team at InsideEVs tested the Lucid Air Dream Edition Range with 19-inch wheels, and the EPA rates this model at 520 miles. During testing, this EV achieved 500 miles in real world range, which is under the EPA rating but still an impressive feat nonetheless.
The new 2022 Lucid Air Dream Edition, with its ability to travel 500 miles on a single charge, will make this high-end luxury car one of the top choices.
Choose the right new electric vehicle for you
If you are looking for one of the best possible new EVs around, you will surely want something that can keep you on the road for longer. Many of the electric vehicles on this list are ready to impress, even those that perform less than ideally. With that in mind, you can’t go wrong with most of these models. But, it may be a good idea to avoid something such as the 2015 Chevrolet Spark EV or 2018 smart Electric Drive, both of which can only be driven short distances.
Consider one of the top-performing EVs today if you want efficiency and comfort.
