The medium EVs with the most range in Australia: Tesla Model 3 compared with rivals

The list of electric cars on sale in Australia keeps growing, and driving range is a key selling point as buyers strive to avoid ‘range anxiety’.

Although passenger cars aren’t as popular as they used to be, the Tesla Model 3 has sparked something of a resurgence for the once-loved body style.

With that in mind, we’ve gathered the electric cars from medium passengers segment on the VFACTS sales charts to see which can travel the furthest on a charge.

For this list we’ve used the claimed range published on the Australian Government’s Green Vehicle Guide, which uses figures based on the more lenient NEDC testing cycle.

We’ve only listed the variant of each model with the longest claimed range, though there is further information about each option throughout the article and at the links below.

Click on the links below to jump to your chosen car, or scroll through the story.

BYD Seal

The BYD Seal has the best claimed range of any EV in the hotly contested mid-sized segment, with 650km on the NEDC test cycle.

The Seal Premium is the pick of the bunch from a range perspective, with a 82.5kWh battery and 230kW of power.

As well as boasting the longest range, the Seal is the cheapest car in this list – coming in at $58,978 before on-road costs in Premium trim.

The flagship Performance steps the power up to 390kW but range suffers from the bump in grunt, dropping to 580km.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a BYD Seal
MORE: Everything BYD Seal

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Tesla Model 3

An updated version of the Tesla Model 3 launched in Australia late in 2023, with 629km of range in Long Range all-wheel drive guise.

An estimated 79kWh battery feeds dual electric motors to produce up to 366kW of power in this mid-range model, which is priced at $64,900 before on-road costs.

The strong-selling Model 3 also ranks second for DC charging time, taking just 27 minutes to charge from 10 to 80 per cent.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Tesla Model 3
MORE: Everything Tesla Model 3

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Polestar 2

There are three Polestar 2 variants available, but the Long Range Single Motor can travel the furthest between charges.

The Long Range Single Motor has an 82kWh battery and 220kW of power, and it can currently be had for $58,900 plus on-roads after prices were slashed earlier this month.

A more powerful dual-motor version tops the range, with 310kW and 525km of range.

MORE: Everything Polestar 2

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Hyundai Ioniq 6

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 may not travel the furthest between charges, but you’ll spend less time waiting to get back on the road using a DC fast charger.

Claimed charging duration is 16 minutes (10 to 80 percent), and the streamlined sedan can cover 614km between charges.

Six variants are available priced between $66,500 before on-roads and $86,500 before on-roads, although the Extended Range RWD, Dynamiq RWD, and Epiq RWD provide the most range.

Power is capped at 168kW for RWD models, which is less than the rivals listed here.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Hyundai Ioniq 6
MORE: Everything Hyundai Ioniq 6

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BMW i4

The BMW i4 eDrive40 has nearly 100km less range than its nearest rival on this list, capable of travelling 520km on a single charge.

Under the skin of the middle offering in the range you’ll find a 84kWh battery, and a single motor in the rear that produces 250kW of power.

You’ll pay $102,900 before on-road costs for the eDrive40, while the 400kW M50 comes in at $133,900 before on-road costs.

It takes 31 minutes to charge the i4 from 10 to 80 percent at a DC charging station.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a BMW i4
MORE: Everything BMW i4

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