2018 Tesla Model 3: 220 – 310 miles
We’re in Tesla territory now. (Well, sort of, the remarkable Chevrolet Bolt is still to come.) Each Tesla on our list is in the running for longest range electric car.
With over 400,000 backorders, the Tesla Model 3 is perhaps the most anticipated vehicle launch ever. The Model 3 is designed to go after Audi (all of them), BMW (all of the “i” series), Acura ILX and TLX, Lexus IS, Mercedes-Benz C350e, and Toyota Camry XLE. The Tesla creams the other brands in 0-to-60 specs, equivalent mpg, range and even price. The Model S is going to be a big market maker in the $35,000 to $45,000 class.
Model 3 comes in two trims. The standard model has a range of 220 miles while the more expensive long-range trim gets an EPA-certified 310 miles. The Model 3 is not as luxurious as the Model S but it is plenty plush for the price point.
There is just one tiny issue though. In the fourth quarter of 2017 Tesla is only turning out an average of three cars per day due to production problems. By comparison, the 238-mile-range Chevy Bolt produced 2,632 units in a month.
2018 Chevrolet Bolt: 238 miles
The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt was named Motor Trend’s Car of the Year and it is unlikely that much of anything (except new exterior colors) will be changed on the 2018 model. It’s obvious that Chevy understood just how big an issue range anxiety is and didn’t roll out their EV until it could do 200-plus miles on a single charge.
Speaking of charges, the Bolt can get to a 90 percent full charge in 30 minutes when using a Level 3 charging source. It takes nine hours for a full charge using the more common Level 2 device. This charging station is what most EV owners purchase for refueling at home.
The Bolt is not a high-performance car, taking a full 7 seconds to get to 60 mph. It’s a commuter and has adequate get up and go for merging onto freeways. It’s priced at a little over $36,000 but with a MPGe of 128 city and 110 highway, owners will see significant savings on fuel costs.
2018 Tesla Model X: 238 – 295 miles
The Tesla Model X comes in three all-wheel-drive variants. Each one boasts its own impressive electric mile range. The “base,” the Model X 75D has a 238-mile range, while the mid-level 100D has a 295-mile range. There’s also a high-performance P100D, but that range comes in at 289 miles.
Charging times for the striking falcon-wing SUV takes about five hours using a 75 kWh home wall charger, three hours with a 100 kWh home wall charger. With a Tesla Supercharger, half an hour will give you 150 miles.
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