When choosing an electric vehicle (EV), the accuracy of its range estimate is a key factor for consumers, especially given the developing state of charging infrastructure in the U.S. To provide clarity, Consumer Reports conducted tests to determine the real-world highway range of various EVs, using a methodology similar to the EPA’s for measuring miles per gallon.
Their findings revealed that while some EVs exceeded their range estimates, others didn’t live up to expectations. Take a look at which EVs turned out to be a fraud and which cars exceeded our expectations.
2023 Nissan Aryia Platinum + AWD
Nissan’s Aryia Platinum AWD represents a bold step in electric mobility, promising a range of 257 miles. In real-world testing, it achieved a respectable 253 miles, just four miles shy of its claim. This minor shortfall is noteworthy, suggesting Nissan’s close alignment with practical performance. The Aryia’s nearly accurate range projection demonstrates Nissan’s commitment to reliability and consumer transparency in the burgeoning EV market.
2022 Hyundai Ioniq6 SEL AWD
Hyundai’s Ioniq6 SEL AWD, with its sleek design and advanced technology, advertised a 270-mile range. Impressively, it managed to clock 265 miles in controlled tests, falling short by only five miles. This marginal difference is significant, indicating Hyundai’s precise engineering and realistic range estimation. The Ioniq6’s performance in these tests not only reinforces Hyundai’s reputation for efficiency but also reflects the brand’s dedication to delivering on its promises, establishing trust and reliability among eco-conscious consumers.
2023 Subaru Solterra Limited
Subaru’s foray into the EV segment with the Solterra Limited, claiming a range of 222 miles, resulted in 210 miles during testing, missing the mark by 12 miles. While this gap is noticeable, it underscores the challenges faced in the EV space, particularly for a brand venturing into new territory. Subaru’s Solterra, despite this range discrepancy, exhibits the brand’s focus on exploring sustainable mobility while maintaining its core values of safety and versatility, appealing to a loyal fanbase and new adopters alike.
2023 Kia Niro EV Wind
Kia’s Niro EV Wind, boasting a modern design and a 253-mile range, achieved 239 miles in tests, short by 14 miles. This shortfall, while not drastic, highlights the complexities of translating laboratory range estimates to real-world scenarios. Kia’s approach with the Niro EV Wind, nevertheless, showcases an ambition to blend practicality with sustainable technology. This model’s relatively close range performance is a testament to Kia’s evolving expertise in the EV market and its commitment to enhancing user experience through continuous improvements.
2022 Audi Q4 50 E-Tron Premium Plus
Audi’s Q4 50 E-Tron Premium Plus, part of the luxury brand’s electric lineup, promised a range of 241 miles but delivered 226 miles in tests, falling short by 15 miles. This difference, while notable, needs to be contextualized within the broader challenges of battery technology and range prediction. Audi’s venture with the Q4 50 E-Tron reflects a strategic shift towards sustainable luxury, merging advanced technology with environmental consciousness. Despite the range discrepancy, Audi continues to push the boundaries of electric mobility, striving to balance performance with eco-friendliness.
2023 Genesis Electrified GV70 Advanced
The Genesis Electrified GV70 Advanced, embodying luxury and innovation, claimed a range of 236 miles but achieved 220 miles, a shortfall of 16 miles. This gap, though present, showcases the nuances of translating theoretical range into real-world application. Genesis’s entry into the electric market with the GV70 emphasizes a blend of sophistication and sustainability. The brand’s approach to electric vehicles is indicative of an industry-wide trend of luxury automakers embracing green technology, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the electric luxury segment.
2023 Lexus RZ 450e Premium
Lexus’s RZ 450e Premium, a symbol of luxury and innovation, claimed a 220-mile range but reached 202 miles in testing, 18 miles less. This discrepancy points to the ongoing challenge of balancing battery efficiency with performance in the EV sector. Despite this, Lexus’s foray into electric vehicles with the RZ 450e is a significant step in integrating luxury with eco-friendly technology, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to pioneering advanced, sustainable solutions in the automotive industry.
2021 Tesla Model S Long Range
Tesla’s Model S Long Range, a benchmark in the EV world, boasts a substantial 405-mile range but managed 366 miles in tests, falling short by 39 miles. This significant shortfall raises questions about Tesla’s ambitious range claims and the real-world applicability of its battery technology. Despite this, Tesla’s Model S remains a cornerstone in the EV market, symbolizing the blend of high performance and zero emissions. Tesla’s pursuit of groundbreaking battery technology and software advancements continues to drive innovation and shape consumer expectations in the electric vehicle sector.
2023 Lucid Air Touring
Lucid’s Air Touring, with its cutting-edge design and a claimed 384-mile range, achieved 344 miles, missing its target by 40 miles. This gap highlights the challenges in achieving high range figures in real-world conditions, especially for newer entrants in the EV market. Lucid’s approach with the Air Touring is emblematic of its aspiration to redefine luxury electric mobility, merging exceptional performance with groundbreaking battery technology. Despite the range discrepancy, Lucid remains a key player in the luxury EV space, pushing the boundaries of innovation and sustainability.
2022 F-150 Lightning Lariat Extended Range
Ford’s F-150 Lightning Lariat, with its bold move into electric trucks, promised an impressive 320-mile range but achieved only 270 miles in tests, a shortfall of 50 miles. This significant gap suggests challenges in adapting electric technology to larger, more utilitarian vehicles like trucks. Ford’s foray into electric trucks with the F-150 Lightning symbolizes the brand’s commitment to sustainable innovation while maintaining its legacy in the truck market. Despite the range shortfall, the F-150 Lightning represents a significant step towards a more sustainable future in the automotive industry, blending utility with eco-conscious technology.
2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 350 4MATIC
On a brighter note, some EVs have pleasantly surprised with their range performance, exceeding their advertised ranges:
Mercedes-Benz’s EQE 350 4MATIC, part of the brand’s electric pivot, exceeded expectations by achieving a 332-mile range in tests compared to the EPA’s 260-mile estimate, an impressive surplus of 72 miles. This remarkable performance underscores Mercedes-Benz’s expertise in electric vehicle technology and its commitment to surpassing consumer expectations. The EQE 350 4MATIC represents a fusion of luxury and efficiency, setting new standards in the EV market and reinforcing Mercedes-Benz’s position as a leader in the transition to sustainable mobility.
2023 BMW i4 M50
BMW’s i4 M50, with its sporty design and 19-inch wheels, delivered a commendable 318 miles in testing against an EPA estimate of 324 miles, surpassing its promise by 47 miles. This achievement highlights BMW’s precision in electric powertrain engineering and its dedication to delivering performance that meets or exceeds expectations. The i4 M50’s performance is a testament to BMW’s strategic approach to electric mobility, blending the brand’s legacy of driving dynamics with innovative electric technology.
2023 BMW iX xDrive50
The iX xDrive50, another of BMW’s electric offerings, exceeded its advertised range, achieving 370 miles compared to the 324-mile EPA estimate, a noteworthy surplus of 46 miles. This performance illustrates BMW’s commitment to redefining the electric SUV segment, offering a blend of luxury, innovation, and efficiency. The iX xDrive50’s range success demonstrates BMW’s ability to balance the demands of electric mobility with the expectations of its discerning customer base, further establishing BMW as a frontrunner in the electric vehicle revolution.
