Choosing an electric car to travel long distances involves much more than checking the autonomy announced by the manufacturer. The speed with which it recovers energy and the actual consumption end up being equally important factors when the goal is to make road trips with few stops.

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With that idea, the independent organization Green NCAP carried out an evaluation of several models available on the market and found a clear winner.

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The recognition went to the new electric Mercedes-Benz CLA, which stood out thanks to its combination of efficiency, autonomy and charging speed, surpassing highly popular competitors.

Efficiency was the decisive aspect

The report did not limit itself to comparing the capacity of the batteries. Green NCAP also analyzed energy consumption in real conditions, performance during long journeys and the time each vehicle needs to recover a good part of its charge.

In that scenario, the electric Mercedes-Benz CLA obtained the best results. Its average consumption was just 16.5 kWh per 100 kilometers, a figure that allowed it to travel up to 605 real kilometers without having to stop to recharge.

When it was time to connect to a fast charging station, the model needed only 23 minutes to go from 10 to 80% of the battery, working with an average power of 286 kW.

According to Green NCAP, an efficient vehicle not only represents savings for the driver, but also makes better use of the charging infrastructure and reduces energy demand to travel the same distance.

Other electric vehicles were also recognized

The study also highlighted the Renault 5 as the best compact for families. During the tests it recorded an average consumption of 19.9 kWh per 100 kilometers and achieved a real range of 296 kilometers. To complete a journey of 800 kilometers it needed around 80 minutes of recharging.

For its part, the MINI Cooper E was chosen as the best alternative for couples. Although its rear seats and trunk are more limited, it managed to travel 224 kilometers per charge and required a total of 104 minutes of recharging to complete the same 800-kilometer route.

The Volvo EX30 also received recognition as the best electric SUV for families. The model managed to travel 344 kilometers on a single charge and only needed 59 minutes of stops to cover a journey of 800 kilometers. In addition, Green NCAP assessed its interior space and load capacity to transport luggage.

There was also room for hybrids and gasoline

The evaluation included vehicles with other propulsion technologies. Among the hybrids, the Toyota C-HR was the most efficient thanks to an average consumption of 5.7 liters per 100 kilometers. With a full tank it reached 754 kilometers of autonomy.

The hybrid Dacia Bigster surpassed the 800 kilometer barrier by reaching 847 kilometers on a single tank. This result was possible, in part, because it has a tank seven liters larger than that of the Toyota, while its average consumption was 5.9 liters per 100 kilometers.

In the gasoline model category, the SEAT Ibiza obtained the best rating. With a 40-liter tank, it traveled 645 kilometers, recorded an average consumption of 6.2 liters per 100 kilometers and only needed one stop to refuel during an 800-kilometer route.