Electric vehicles have significantly improved since their introduction. Cars like the Kia EV6 can now out-accelerate supercars. Yet range remains a major concern for many drivers. 

However, this issue is improving. The first-generation Nissan Leaf could only go 73 miles on a charge, but the latest model can now travel 168 miles, nearly 2.5 times longer. So, will we see a 1000-mile EV any time soon?

In this article, we’ll examine the EVs on sale and what the future holds for EV range numbers. 

Will EV Range Ever Reach 1000 Miles?

With top cars of 2023 reaching only 450 miles per charge, achieving a 1,000-mile range will require major advancements in battery technology. It's uncertain if this will happen soon or if it will be too expensive.

However, Toyota is working on it, planning to develop a 1,000 km EV using a new type of lithium battery. These upcoming ‘solid-state’ batteries are expected to cost 10% less than current lithium-ion ones.

Will EV Range Ever Reach 500 Miles?

Yes, it’s looking very likely that in the next 2-3 years we will see the advent of 500-mile range EVs using existing methods.  

MIT’s 2023 technology review suggests that lithium batteries will see further advancements soon. With ongoing improvements in cooling, charge movement, and energy density, we may experience 10-20% increases in capacity without significant changes in volume.

We may also see a 600-mile EV in 2027/28 from Toyota’s high-performance lithium-ion battery. The aim is to create a driving range of 1,000km, which is approximately 621 miles.

Electric Vehicles with the Longest Range

There might not be a 1000-mile EV yet, but some long-range electric vehicles are on the market right now. Wondering what electric car has the longest range? Here are the top options with over 350 miles:

Mercedes EQS - Range Of 452 miles

Thanks to its huge battery bank, storing over 107 kWh of power - that’s over five times the capacity of the original Nissan Leaf! - it will do 452 miles on a single charge. As the MQS is the electric version of the revered S-Class, it will also be 452 miles of comfort and luxury!

It’s nice to see manufacturers creating EVs by tailoring the styling slightly from the standard cars instead of only creating bizarre concept car-looking designs. With its accented trim and shiny grille, the EQS is simply a sleeker, more modern-looking S-Class.

Fisker Ocean - 440 miles Range

A relatively new player in the EV market and one that has focused on sustainability and longevity in its ethos, Fisker has multiple EVs either in production or planned to be released soon. The Ocean is an SUV that comes in multiple trim levels. The top model, the Ocean One, has a slightly smaller battery pack than the Merc' but still manages 440 miles between plug-ins. 

Fisker claims the Ocean is the world's most sustainable vehicle, with over 50kg of recycled, biodegradable materials being used. Hopefully, that won't mean the dash will disintegrate after 15 years of use!

Polestar 2 - Over 406 miles

Polestar has been in the UK for a few years now. After being bought by Volvo, they have cemented their place in the mid-to-high end of the EV market. The new Polestar 2 has achieved sector-topping performance, with over 400 miles range.  

As one of the more subtle EVs, the new Polestar could be mistaken for a new Volvo if it didn't have the green number plate stickers, aero wheels and shiny, flat front grille.

Tesla Model S - 394 miles Range

Around 10 years ago, Tesla would be dominating this lineup of EVs, it shows then the pace at which the competitors have innovated, that the Tesla only takes spot 4.  

Regardless, the tech crammed into the latest Model S cannot be overstated, and the figures back it up with a range of nearly 400 miles and a 0-60 of 3.1 seconds.

Tesla Model 3 - Range Of 391 miles

Very similar to the Model S, the Model 3 is built on the same motor, battery, and drivetrain ‘skateboard’. This means the stats are very similar, with the Model 3’s baby-SUV styling increasing the drag coefficient slightly, leading to a slightly worse range figure of 391 miles.

Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium RWD - Range of 372 miles

Another option with an impressive range is the Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium RWD. This car is popular for those looking for an electric vehicle with unique muscle car features. Cue an impressive range and engaging driving dynamics. 

The main drawback of this model is its poor infotainment system. However, if you can look past this you’re in for a great experience.

BMW i4 eDrive40 Sport - Range of 365 miles

The BMW i4 eDrive40 Sport is another EV that provides a long driving range. With a luxury feel and plenty of advanced tech, this model isn’t the longest on the list, but it gives a satisfying drive nevertheless. 

Two options were released in summer 2021 (eDrive40 and the more performance-focused M50). Both were then later joined by a more basic eDrive35 model. 

Do we need longer-range EVs?

Not necessarily. Instead of focusing on longer-range EVs, improving charging infrastructure in the UK would be more beneficial. 

For instance, the Mercedes EQS can travel over halfway from Land’s End to John o’Groats on a single charge and add 86 miles of range with just 15 minutes on a 200kW charger. This raises the question of whether the cost and weight of larger batteries are justified for the extra range. 

Reducing range anxiety is a key advantage of longer-range EVs. Fortunately, the government plans to increase ultra-rapid charging stations from 200 to 6,000 by 2035.

What is Range Anxiety?

Sceptics of electric vehicles often cite range anxiety—the fear of running out of battery during a journey. 

This concern is valid for two reasons: EVs can't be towed easily due to their complex drivetrains, and you can't simply walk to a charging station for a quick battery top-up like with petrol. 

Running out of power can mean costly recovery or rare services like EVBOOST outside major cities.

Other ways to increase EV range

To achieve a 1,000-mile range, EVs will likely need to differ significantly from current models, especially in terms of weight. 

Top EVs with large batteries often have complex features like automated seats and suspension. It would be interesting to see how far a simpler, smaller EV, like the early Nissan Leaf, could go with a 100 kWh battery from the Mercedes EQS.

1000 electric cars - Looking to the future

In conclusion, while the quest for longer-range electric vehicles (EVs) continues, current advancements suggest that increasing charging infrastructure may be a more practical solution than solely focusing on extending range. 

Advancements in battery technology and the expansion of ultra-rapid charging stations in the UK promise to alleviate range anxiety, making it easy to get from A to B without worrying about running out of charge.  

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Author - Joseph Law

Joseph has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his five cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.