Which Electric Car Delivers the Best Driving Range for Your Dollar?
March 28, 2023If you drive a lot, it's worth it to invest in one of the longest range electric automobiles. The range of an electric vehicle is a significant consideration when shopping for a new vehicle. Not only for the sake of convenience, but also so that you won't be caught off guard by a lack of reliable charging options.
Thankfully, there is no shortage of long-range electric vehicles; some of them have a range of more than 500 miles. All you need to know about the most far-reaching electric vehicles is detailed here.
Finding the Value For Money
When debating whether or not to purchase an electric vehicle, price and range are typically at the top of the list.
For some, the decisive element will be how deep their pockets are, while for others it will be the value they receive for their money.
For this reason, we have compiled a helpful chart list showing which electric vehicle offers the greatest range for the money.
Surprisingly, the EVs at the top of the list are not always the ones with the tiniest batteries or the lowest range. If you split the MSRP by the WLTP range, you might expect to pay as low as $112 per km driven. Yet, the highest estimate for autos costing less than $80,000 is $327.
The caveat is that WLTP, the legally recognised range rating in Europe, is at best extremely optimistic and only possibly achieved under the most cautious driving circumstances.
BYD Atto 3
The first vehicle on the list is the BYD Atto 3, which starts at $44,382 before on-road fees. Yet, while the Atto 3 Standard Range is now Australia's cheapest EV, the Extended Range model, which costs $47,381, offers the greatest value per km.
The BYD Atto 3 Extended, which starts at $47,381 before on-road fees, features a 63.8kWh battery that provides an estimated 420km range. This indicates that for every $113 paid, one kilometer of potential driving range is offered.
The following three EVs are separated by only pennies in terms of driving range per dollar.
Hyundai Kona Electric
The second-place finisher is the Hyundai Kona Electric. It has a starting price of $60,900 and a range of 484 kilometers, which, according to reader feedback, is frequently exceeded. Our estimates indicate that the 64kWh Kona Electric costs $125.83 per kilometer of WLTP range, based on its WLTP range.
Hyundai Kona Electric Highlander 2019
Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 Long Range comes in third place, with a kilometer of driving range costing $126.58 according to our estimates.
Tesla has spent a significant amount of effort and money focusing on lowering the production costs of its electric vehicle, but it has also assured that its minimalist approach also results in frugal energy use. It is still the most efficient EV on the market in RWD configuration.
The Model 3 Long Range, which starts at $76,200 before taxes, features an 82kWh battery and a 124Wh/km energy usage. (It's worth noting that some testing show the Model 3 can reach as low as 119Wh/km energy efficiency under particularly cautious driving situations.
Polestar 2
Fourth place goes to the Polestar Long Range, whose 78kWh battery provides 540km of driving range (WLTP). This vehicle now costs $126.67 per kilometer at a base price of $68,400 before taxes and fees.