HL Auto: Top Ten Electric Car Models With the Most Range

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Electric Car

Electric cars will continue to play a significant role in the automotive marketplace, as evidenced by the massive appeal of the Tesla Model 3. Aside from price and charging availability, the biggest concern for prospective buyers lies with a model’s electric range.

To help you find the best performing models, the experts at AxleGeeks, part of the Graphiq network, examined the base models of all 2016 electric cars by their battery range. Then we ordered a list in ascending order, starting with the electric models with the least range up to those that offer the most mileage between charges.

Note: In the case of a tie, the cheaper model was ranked higher.

#10. 2016 Ford Focus Electric 4-door Hatchback

Battery-Only Range: 76 miles

This hatchback falls at the bottom of the list, trailing electric offerings by Chevrolet and Kia. Part of the reason for this is its hefty curb weight of 3,622 pounds, making it 643 pounds heavier than its immediate competitors.

#9. 2016 BMW i3 Electric 4-door Hatchback

Battery-Only Range: 80 miles

Not only did BMW create a hatchback with an impressive electric range, it did so without compromising on performance. BMW used carbon fiber-reinforced plastic in the framework of this hatchback to make its body lighter, contributing to this model's agile driving performance and excellent range.

#8. 2016 Chevrolet Spark EV Electric 4-door Hatchback

Battery-Only Range: 82 miles

The 2016 Chevrolet Spark EV has better range than electric offerings from Ford and BMW, and with a starting price of $25,120, it is the most affordable model to make this list.

#7. 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf Electric 4-door Hatchback

Battery-Only Range: 83 miles

The 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf touts impressive affordability, three regenerative braking modes to enhance its electric range and 52.7 cubic feet of cargo space, making it the total package.

#6. 2016 Nissan Leaf Electric 4-door Hatchback

Battery-Only Range: 84 miles

Its aerodynamic body design and regenerative braking help this hatchback achieve an electric range of 84 miles, surpassing records set by electric cars manufactured by Volkswagen and BMW.

#5. 2016 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive Electric 4-door Hatchback

Battery-Only Range: 87 miles

Mercedes Benz crafted a luxury hatchback that delivers 177 horsepower and has an electric range of 87 miles, giving it the versatility and performance that appeals to modern buyers.

#4. 2016 FIAT 500e Electric 2-door Hatchback

Battery-Only Range: 87 miles

Fiat's electric hatchback has better range than some of its counterparts — most notably the 2016 Chevrolet Spark EV.

#3. 2016 Kia Soul EV Electric Wagon

Battery-Only Range: 90 miles

The 2016 Kia Soul EV Electric Wagon has a best-in-class range of 90 miles, and its electric drivetrain ensures a responsive drive. Its lone drawback is its limited availability in the United States.

#2. 2016 Tesla Model X AWD

Battery-Only Range: 250 miles

The Tesla Model X delivers more than two times the range the 2016 Kia Soul EV does. Of course this range does come with a cost, as the P90D model is the most expensive vehicle to make the list with a starting price of $115,500.

#1. 2016 Tesla Model S AWD

Battery-Only Range: 253 miles

With a range of 253 miles, the 2016 Tesla Model S tops the list, easily exceeding the ranges of electric cars produced by Ford, Chevrolet and BMW.