The Mercedes EQS has been named the electric car with the longest range in the UK, according to a list compiled by Auto Express. The luxury saloon, priced at £105,000, boasts a WLTP combined range of 542 miles, surpassing competitors including the Volvo X60 (503 miles, £64,860) and the BMW iX3 (500 miles, £60,655).
Range Evolution and Current Leaders
Electric car technology has advanced significantly since the first mass-produced models debuted over a century ago, with ranges initially in double figures now exceeding 500 miles. The WLTP test procedure shows some EVs can cover distances equivalent to London to Edinburgh (around 400 miles). The Mercedes EQS, first released in 2021, achieves its range through a giant battery and aerodynamic design that minimizes air resistance.
Auto Express noted: "Of course, the EQS is a high end luxury saloon equivalent to the famous petrol Mercedes S-Class and prices starting from well over £100,000 reflect that. Optional steer-by-wire tech means there's no physical connection between the steering and the wheels but it allows a super-tight turning circle for such a large car."
Range Anxiety and Hybrid Alternatives
Despite these advancements, range anxiety remains a significant concern for British motorists. Many drivers opt for hybrids to enjoy zero-emission driving without the fear of running out of charge, even though some petrol cars have lower ranges than current EVs.
Charging Costs and Summer Price Cuts
The cost of charging is another critical factor, especially as the cost of living crisis affects household budgets. Motorway charging can be as expensive as filling a petrol tank. However, MFG, one of the UK's largest charging operators, has reduced prices at many of its chargers from 79p/kWh to 59p/kWh—a drop of over 20 percent.
Martin Symes, EV director at MFG, said: "This summer price drop is our commitment to British EV drivers: we are putting you first, cutting our ultra-rapid charging rate to just 59p/kWh so that your summer journeys are cheaper, greener, and hassle-free. With thousands of chargers across the UK and now one of the lowest rapid-charging prices in the country, there has never been a smarter time to go electric."
