The era of the 400-mile range EV is upon us

Longer-range electric vehicles could help address a key barrier to adoption in the United States: drivers’ concerns about how far they can travel between charges. The country has trailed China and Europe, with cost and limited public charging also slowing uptake.

European brands are announcing models with substantial range. Mercedes-Benz says its upcoming electric C-Class can travel up to 474 miles under Europe’s testing method, while Volvo plans to offer a 400-mile version of the EX60 next year.

BMW is also promoting a new electric model, the iX4. The article presents European automakers as leading efforts to extend EV range for the US market.

Some vehicles sold in the US already exceed 400 miles, but they tend to be expensive or large. Lucid’s Air costs from $70,000, while GM’s longest-range electric trucks and Cadillac Escalade IQ use very large battery packs.

Greater range alone will not resolve affordability or charging problems. Many buyers may still find a $60,000 vehicle too costly, and public chargers can be limited or unreliable, especially in rural communities.