One of the lingering concerns for prospective electric vehicle (EV) buyers is range anxiety—the fear that an electric car will run out of charge before reaching a destination or charging station. However, the latest models for 2024 and 2025 are obsoleting these worries with increasingly impressive ranges. The most extended driving ranges now belong to hybrid vehicles, which offer a compromise between the familiar and the future, signaling a promising shift in the automotive industry.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), transportation remains the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S., and internal combustion engines are the primary culprits. Range anxiety has been a significant barrier to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles for years, even though most trips in the U.S. are less than 30 miles.
Yet, EVs now contend with gasoline-powered vehicles’ most extended driving ranges due to improved battery and electric motor efficiency. Models like the Lucid Air boast an impressive 516 miles on a single charge, and the Tesla Model S offers 405 miles. These ranges rival, and sometimes surpass, traditional gasoline vehicles, many of which lie between 400 to 500 miles on a full tank. For instance, the Toyota Camry leads the gasoline pack with approximately 550 miles per tank, a range approached by top EVs.
Despite these advancements, some consumers still need more confidence they will get from here to there, no matter how far there might be. This hesitation is reflected in the growing hybrid vehicle market, which combines gasoline engines with electric motors to offer extended range and reduced emissions. Models like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, which can achieve around 580 miles per tank, provide a reassuring middle ground for those not yet ready to make the full leap to electric.
Environmental Impact: Electric, Hybrid, and Internal Combustion Engines
A vehicle’s environmental impact is critical for many buyers, especially those considering switching from internal combustion engines (ICE) to electric or hybrid alternatives. Pure electric vehicles (EVs) offer zero tailpipe emissions, significantly reducing their impact on air quality and carbon emissions. However, the production of batteries, particularly the mining of lithium, cobalt, and nickel, presents environmental challenges that cannot be ignored.
Hybrid vehicles offer a significant reduction in emissions compared to their ICE counterparts. They benefit from regenerative braking, a system that converts the kinetic energy of the vehicle into electric energy to charge the batteries, and the ability to run on electric power at low speeds, reducing fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions. For example, the Toyota Prius has long been lauded for its environmental benefits, providing a practical compromise for those seeking to reduce their carbon footprint without the range limitations of pure EVs.
At the same time, internal combustion engines are becoming more efficient, but they still contribute significantly more CO2 and volatile organic compounds to greenhouse gas emissions. EV competition is forcing automakers to design gasoline vehicles for higher fuel efficiency. Still, they cannot compete with the environmental benefits of EVs and hybrids.
Comparing Ranges: Gasoline vs. Electric Vehicles
When comparing the driving ranges of top gasoline and electric vehicles, it’s clear that the gap is narrowing. This range table illustrates the declining driving distance gap between ICE and EV/Hybrid vehicles.
| Rank | Gasoline Vehicle | Range (miles) | Electric Vehicle | Range (miles) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toyota Camry | 550 | Lucid Air | 516 |
| 2 | Honda CR-V | 450 | Tesla Model 3 | 341 |
| 3 | Chevrolet Silverado | 500 | Tesla Model Y | 330 |
| 4 | Ram 1500 | 480 | Rivian R1S | 352 |
| 5 | Toyota RAV4 | 420 | Fisker Ocean | 360 |
| 6 | Ford F-150 | 480 | BMW i4 | 307 |
| 7 | Jeep Grand Cherokee | 450 | Hyundai IONIQ 5 | 303 |
| 8 | GMC Sierra | 470 | Mercedes-Benz EQS | 350 |
| 9 | Nissan Rogue | 430 | Volkswagen ID.4 | 275 |
| 10 | Honda Civic | 490 | Ford Mustang Mach-E | 305 |
| 11 | Toyota Corolla | 430 | Chevrolet Bolt EUV | 247 |
| 12 | Chevrolet Equinox | 400 | Audi Q4 e-tron | 291 |
| 13 | Jeep Wrangler | 400 | Tesla Cybertruck | ~300 |
| 14 | Ford Explorer | 430 | Nissan Leaf | 226 |
| 15 | Subaru Forester | 450 | Kia EV6 | 310 |
The Road Ahead: 2024 and Beyond
The automotive industry is steering toward greater electrification as we look to the future. The rise of EVs with extended ranges helps to dispel range anxiety, and the continued popularity of hybrids provides a viable bridge for consumers still wary of fully electric vehicles. However, the shift to pure electric cars remains the most promising path for the most significant environmental impact. Consider these alternatives when making your next vehicle purchase.
Auto makers are investing heavily in battery technology, aiming to reduce the environmental footprint of battery production while improving energy density and range. Future model years will likely see further improvements, making EVs even more attractive to a broader audience.
