Versatility more important thanautonomy
Why does a good electric highway car need to be versatile?
These elements involve :
- Driving style
- Speed
- Interior parameters
- Weather conditions
- Battery life
You'll have noticed that most electric city cars are cars that don't always meet the dual needs of an urban lifestyle and long-distance travel. Nor is it a question of spending a fortune on an electric sports car.For example, if your long-distance journeys involve family vacations, comfort may not be a priority, or regular business trips, where the battery could cost you dearly in wear and tear.
If your aim is to find a good compromise between an electric car for everyday use, and one that will be able to handle long journeys without the slightest hassle, and without your journeys being very expensive, then this article is for you.
Some cars won't have enough range to get you to your final destination, so your electric car will need to be as versatile as possible.
What criteria are used to assess the versatility of an electric car?
- Useful battery capacity etween useful capacity (80%) and total capacity (100%) : The useful capacityrepresents the amount of battery energy that can actually be consumed out of the total capacity. The difference is simply a margin to avoid overcharging the battery when refueling.
- Freeway fuel consumption : La freeway consumption represents the average energy consumed by an electric car over a given distance. It depends on a number of factors, such as the car's technical properties, driving speed and external circumstances. It is calculated on the basis of KWh per 100 km covered.
- Freeway range : Battery autonomy is the main source of affliction when it comes to arriving at your destination on a long electric car journey. The long distances you can cover with a maximum battery charge will be determined in advance by the vehicle's capacity in kW (kilowatts).
- Maximum charging power : Lhe charging power is a factor specific to each model of electric car, and determines the speed at which you can "fill up". It depends on the size of the battery and the voltage of its electrical system. This factor can slow down charging when the useful capacity is full.
- Maximum mileage recovered per hour of charging : Lhe maximum mileage recovered represents the speed at which the electric car recovers its range per hour of charging. If the car has a low consumption tendency, you'll be able to cover a greater distance than a high-consumption car, all with the same amount of energy.
- Charging time at 100% / 80%. : Le charging time expressed at 80% is the threshold that compromises charging time and recovered range. Beyond this limit, the charging speed slows down, and charging to 100% can take twice as long as charging from 0 to 80%.
- Fast charging port : Lhe connectors between charging points and electric cars must match, if you want to draw the maximum charge. For example, CCS models can't draw their heaviest load from Type 2 sockets.
- GPS route planning : An itinerary suggested by GPS can be very effective for planning a long journey. The car's built-in GPS calculates range and stopping times for recharging, identifies stations and the status of charging points in real time... In short, if your car's GPS is relevant enough, it will evaluate every last detail of the journeys you wish to make, in order to offer you the best option.
- The recommended network : If the car is suitable for several networks, that's a very good point. And if the network is one of the most highly-developed on the market, you can be sure of fast, efficient service for frequent recharging of an electric vehicle.
- Cost per 100 km : The cost of recharging varies according to the charging station chosen and the car's battery. Knowing the cost of recharging allows you to anticipate the potential budget you'll need to set aside for recharging. This is an important factor, if you take it into account over the long term.
Beev selection: Top 10 freeway electric cars
Which one is best suited to your needs?
You will notice that the most powerful electric cars That's why Beev has selected for you in this article, models with power that can handle high speeds too, but at prices that are more affordable for the vast majority.
In this ranking, you'll be able to distinguish the specific strengths of each model, based on which their versatility is assessed.
Now it's your turn!
Tesla Model S: most useful battery capacity
Constantly innovating, the Tesla Model S offers the most comprehensive range of qualities on the market. With a high starting range and the installation of the Tesla Model 3's rear engine at the front of the vehicle, it is the car that strikes the best balance between range and fuel consumption.
Its only constraint is that charging could be completed more quickly. But its network of Superchargers is dense enough to overcome this slight difficulty.
|
Useful battery capacity |
95 kWh |
|
|
Highway fuel consumption |
21 kWh/100 km |
|
|
Autonomy on freeways |
430 km |
|
|
Maximum load power |
130 kW |
|
|
Maximum range per hour of charge |
630 km |
|
|
80% charge time |
55 min |
|
|
100% charge time |
1h20 min |
|
|
Fast charging port |
Type 2 Tesla + CCS adapter |
|
|
Route programming on GPS |
5/5 |
|
|
Recommended network |
Supercharger |
|
|
Cost per 100 km |
0 € |
|
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Hyundai Kona 64 kWh: lowest freeway fuel consumption
Then there's the Hyundai Kona, with its undeniable range, which meets all the necessary criteria for an enjoyable freeway experience. A decent range, if we take into account its fairly low energy consumption. The only slight constraint is its maximum charge of 77 kW, which is still sufficient for a long journey. Finally, the charging rate for its network is not definitive and will soon be discussed downwards.
|
Useful battery capacity |
64 kWh |
|
|
Highway fuel consumption |
22 kWh/100 km |
|
|
Autonomy on freeways |
270 km |
|
|
Maximum load power |
77 kW |
|
|
Maximum range per hour of charge |
350 km |
|
|
80% charge time |
50 min |
|
|
100% charge time |
1h30 min |
|
|
Fast charging port |
CCS |
|
|
Route programming on GPS |
1/5 |
|
|
Recommended network |
||
|
Cost per 100 km |
10.80 (Ionity tri-standard) or €18.30 (Ionity) |
|
Tesla Model 3: longest freeway range
Thanks to its autonomy, low consumption, charging power, dense network at reasonable prices, and well-developed route planning.
The Tesla Model 3 would be an almost excellent choice, considering its versatility.
We still have to resolve the same weakness: speed at the end of charge. However, this model represents the most reliable electric car for the freeway.
|
Useful battery capacity |
70 kWh |
|
|
Highway fuel consumption |
19 kWh/100 km |
|
|
Autonomy on freeways |
350 km |
|
|
Maximum load power |
190 kW |
|
|
Maximum range per hour of charge |
1,000 km |
|
|
80% charge time |
25 min |
|
|
100% charge time |
60 min |
|
|
Fast charging port |
CCS |
|
|
Route programming on GPS |
5/5 |
|
|
Recommended network |
Supercharger |
|
|
Cost per 100 km |
4,50 € |
|
BMW i3s 120Ah: Most powerful maximum load
The BMW i3s 120Ah is a rather good alternative for long-distance driving. Being more of an urban electric car, it remains versatile enough to ensure a good trip on board this model. Its range isn't the greatest, and its high fuel consumption may seem limiting, but don't worry. Its maximum power supports the vehicle's range, so the size of the battery won't really slow you down. Only the number of stops for recharging will be a little more frequent.
|
Useful battery capacity |
37.5 kWh |
|
|
Highway fuel consumption |
25 kWh/100 km |
|
|
Autonomy on freeways |
140 km |
|
|
Maximum load power |
44 kW |
|
|
Maximum range per hour of charge |
180 km |
|
|
80% charge time |
40 min |
|
|
100% charge time |
55 min |
|
|
Fast charging port |
CCS |
|
|
Route programming on GPS |
2/5 |
|
|
Recommended network |
Ionity tri-standard |
|
|
Cost per 100 km |
12,30 € |
|
Kia Niro EV: km recovered per hour of charging
This multi-purpose electric car stands out from the crowd thanks to its design and more family-friendly comfort. It shares the same powertrain as the Hyundai Kona. And although it performs well enough on the freeway, it's still not up to the level of the other models, as far as route programming is concerned. However, the charging stations are an asset for this model, and the cost of fast charging is reasonable in relation to the car's initial price.
|
Useful battery capacity |
64 kWh |
|
|
Highway fuel consumption |
22 kWh/100 km |
|
|
Autonomy on freeways |
270 km |
|
|
Maximum load power |
77 kW |
|
|
Maximum range per hour of charge |
350 km |
|
|
80% charge time |
50 min |
|
|
100% charge time |
1h30 min |
|
|
Fast charging port |
CCS |
|
|
Route programming on GPS |
1/5 |
|
|
Recommended network |
Ionity tri-standard |
|
|
Cost per 100 km |
10,80 € |
|
Porsche Taycan Turbo: 80% and 100% charge times the best
Another very complete model, to ensure a departure hundreds of kilometers from home. Somewhat expensive, with a price range between €155,552 and €189,152, the cost of this model could be the only thing holding you back from buying this vehicle.
Ambitious performance figures which, despite slightly higher fuel consumption than competing models, are justified by a very fast full charge at 800 volts - a criterion not sufficiently prioritized by other manufacturers apart from Tesla.
|
Useful battery capacity |
37.5 kWh |
|
|
Highway fuel consumption |
25 kWh/100 km |
|
|
Autonomy on freeways |
140 km |
|
|
Maximum load power |
44 kW |
|
|
Maximum range per hour of charge |
180 km |
|
|
80% charge time |
40 min |
|
|
100% charge time |
55 min |
|
|
Fast charging port |
CCS |
|
|
Route programming on GPS |
2/5 |
|
|
Recommended network |
Ionity tri-standard |
|
|
Cost per 100 km |
12,30 € |
|
Audi e-tron: fastest charging port
With a more autonomous model than the average electric car seen, the Audi e-tron's capabilities are hampered by very high fuel consumption at 130 km/h. Designed primarily for urban areas, this model can afford to travel 220 km, but the current low density of the Ionity network means that it cannot yet map out a serene route. The charging is fast, however, and with a well-configured itinerary, this is an electric car that can, on occasion, take you outside the original urban area.
|
Useful battery capacity |
84 kWh |
|
|
Highway fuel consumption |
35 kWh/100 km |
|
|
Autonomy on freeways |
220 km |
|
|
Maximum load power |
150 kW |
|
|
Maximum range per hour of charge |
430 km |
|
|
80% charge time |
30 min. |
|
|
100% charge time |
40 min |
|
|
Fast charging port |
CCS |
|
|
Route programming on GPS |
3/5 |
|
|
Recommended network |
Ionity |
|
|
Cost per 100 km |
11 € |
|
Mercedes-Benz EQC: most advanced GPS-based route planning
The Mercedes EQC is a well-balanced and realistic choice for an electric car to be driven on freeways. Its GPS programming is one of the best of all the models we've seen, and its rapid battery charging completes the criteria necessary for the vehicle's versatility.
|
Useful battery capacity |
80 kWh |
|
|
Highway fuel consumption |
27 kWh/100 km |
|
|
Autonomy on freeways |
280 km |
|
|
Maximum load power |
108 kW |
|
|
Maximum range per hour of charge |
400 km |
|
|
80% charge time |
35 min |
|
|
100% charge time |
1h |
|
|
Fast charging port |
CCS |
|
|
Route programming on GPS |
4/5 |
|
|
Recommended network |
Ionity |
|
|
Cost per 100 km |
8,90 € |
|
Kia e-Soul 64 kWh: recommended densest network
The Kia e-soul makes the list because it offers very good range, supported by decent highway fuel consumption, and a charge that's neither perfect nor insufficient. Its main asset is its recommended "Ivizia" network. What's more, it's an electric freeway car that comes at a more affordable price than other, more powerful freeway models.
|
Useful battery capacity |
64 kWh |
|
|
Highway fuel consumption |
22 kWh/100 km |
|
|
Autonomy on freeways |
270 km |
|
|
Maximum load power |
77 kW |
|
|
Maximum range per hour of charge |
350 km |
|
|
80% charge time |
50 min |
|
|
100% charge time |
1h30 |
|
|
Fast charging port |
CCS |
|
|
Route programming on GPS |
1/5 |
|
|
Recommended network |
Ionity |
|
|
Cost per 100 km |
10.80 (Ionity tri-standard) or €18.30 (Ionity) |
|
Nissan Leaf: best for urban journeys
Overall, the Nissan Leaf is one of the most popular electric cars on the market, especially in Europe. With a range of up to 40 kWh, low fuel consumption and fast recharging, it boasts a number of assets that attract customers. However, while it outshines the competition in some respects, on the freeway it's quite the opposite.
She couldn't manage a long journey: why?
Simply because Nissan plugs are not compatible with all fast-charging stations. So you'd have to plan an even better route to cover all those kilometers.
Preparing a long freeway journey: electric car
France has 440 service areas on its national road network. Only 140 of these are equipped with charging stations. Freeway service stations, where the charging points are located, must offer a minimum of four fast charging points, including at least two 150 kWh charging points.
The fast charging stations are powered by 100% renewable energies and can recover over 80% of their range in less than 30 minutes.
Before taking to the road in an electric car, you'll need to plan your itinerary taking into account the criteria specific to your electric vehicle.
Download Chargemap (also available on Android)!
- Choose route.
- Find the right national roads/motorway sections where the milestones are located.
- Evaluate the range between each stop.
- Take recharge times into account.
- Remember to take something to keep you busy during breaks.
- Locate faulty terminals, potential traffic jams and detour...
- Take into account the impact of heating and air-conditioning consumption on battery charge.
You can also use web applications to simulate these journeys (Green Race and MyEVtrip).
Bonus: plans to install fast charging stations at all freeway service areas by 2022.
Financed by the French government, this 100 million euro project aims to develop charging station networks at freeway service areas. This innovative initiative will facilitate the mobility of a greater number of electric vehicles on freeways.
Have a nice trip!
