Since the advent of the electric car, range has been an essential variable to ensure its adoption. While the first models struggled to reach 200 km a decade ago, the multiplication of the offer and the development of new technologies are now pushing the limits to more than 500 km for several models. Here are the leaders of the pack for certain key segments, according to data provided by ÉnerGuide*.
Contents
Compact cars: Polestar 2 – 515 km
With a maximum range of 515 km, the newly rear-wheel drive version of the Polestar 2 leads the compact car class. Its larger battery than the dual-motor version (82 kWh) helps it achieve this feat. Its starting price of $54,950 also makes it a very interesting model, as do its 299 hp and its well-honed chassis. Its interior remains rather cramped, however, but it makes up for it with a trunk accessible via a fairly large hatchback.
Midsize cars: Hyundai Ioniq 6 – 581 km
PHOTO PROVIDED BY HYUNDAI
The Hyundai Ioniq 6
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 finishes just ahead of the Tesla Model 3 in terms of its range. Taking advantage of its extremely smooth body with a drag coefficient of only 0.22 cx and its 77.4 kWh battery, the sedan can travel up to 581 km, or 32 km more than a Tesla Model 3 with extended range. However, the Korean achieves this result with a single engine, while the American has two.
Full-size cars: Lucid Air – 832 km
PHOTO PROVIDED BY LUCID
The Lucid Air Grand Touring
The Lucid Air Grand Touring takes the prize for the longest-range electric vehicle currently available on the Canadian market. This large sedan, which competes directly with the Tesla Model S, can travel 832 km before having to stop at a charging station. That's 185 km more than the Tesla Model S. This feat is all the more impressive since this car can reach 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds thanks to the 819 hp generated by its two electric motors, one per axle. This obviously comes at a price: $150,800 to be precise.
Compact SUVs: Chevrolet Equinox EV – 515 km
PHOTO PROVIDED BY GENERAL MOTORS
The Chevrolet Equinox EV
Here's one that has piqued curiosity since its arrival on our market. Slightly smaller than the electric Blazer, the Chevrolet Equinox is now the brand's electric gateway since the production of the Bolt subcompact was discontinued. It promises 515 km in front-wheel drive for $48,199. A very competitive performance in addition to being able to recharge its 85 kWh battery rather quickly thanks to a power of up to 150 kW. Its 748 L trunk also makes it quite practical.
Midsize SUV: Rivian R1S – 644 km
PHOTO PROVIDED BY RIVIAN
The Rivian R1S
Comparable in size to a Ford Explorer, the Rivian R1S still has a confidential distribution in Quebec due to a late arrival of the young brand in the province. The product nevertheless impresses with its 644 km of autonomy in Dual Max variant with two engines producing 533 hp. In addition to its proven off-road prowess supported by its air suspension, this $132,000 SUV (in Dual Max version) can tow up to 3493 kg (7700 lb).
Pickup trucks: Chevrolet Silverado EV – 724 km
PHOTO PROVIDED BY GENERAL MOTORS
The Chevrolet Silverado EV WT
While we wait for the official arrival of the Tesla Cybertruck in Canada, which promises a range of 755 km with the additional battery, it is the Chevrolet Silverado EV that occupies the top of the ranking among electric pickup trucks. Operating in a segment that is essential for ensuring the electric transition of energy-intensive vehicles, Chevrolet's highly anticipated contender can theoretically travel up to 724 km. This puts it in second place among the electric vehicles with the greatest range currently offered in Canada. To hope to drive as much on a full charge, you have to opt for the mid-range 4WT version of 510 hp (two motors) that can tow a maximum load of 4,534 kg (10,000 lb). Its price: $83,870.
*For 2024 model year electric vehicles
