Alex Robbins is contributing editor at Telegraph Cars where, as well as responding to readers’ queries, he also contributes reviews of new and used cars, together with articles on buying and selling. 

His knowledge of the used car market informs his many buying guides relating to the best buys in particular sectors, with an emphasis on value for money.  Every week he will answer your questions on buying and selling, as well as solving your car problems, whether consumer or mechanical.

Do you have a motoring dilemma you’d like our expert to solve?  For consumer and used car advice, or car faults, email CarsAdvice@telegraph.co.uk and include your subscriber number. This week’s question…

Dear Alex, 

Like many people, I am considering buying an electric car (EV). I know the charging infrastructure will be improved in future, but I would like to be able to take my holidays in Cornwall and Devon without having to rely on it. Many published ranges are overstated and, in the real world, don’t allow for more than 220-230 miles. Can you recommend an electric car with a range guaranteed to be more than 300 miles?

– DC

Dear NB,

The short answer is no. This is mainly because battery electric cars’ ranges are quite heavily influenced by atmospheric conditions (as they have to use energy to heat or cool the battery, to keep it within its optimal operating temperature range), not to mention driving styles, terrain, and so on. 

As you’ll have been able to tell if you’ve read our article on the longest-range electric cars, we’ve tended to find that real-world ranges settle at somewhere around 70-80 per cent of the car’s official WLTP figure. 

With that in mind, the best chance you’ve got of achieving a regular, reliable 300 miles per charge is with one of the two longest-range EVs on the market, the Mercedes-Benz EQS and the Tesla Model S. Also worth considering is the upcoming Mercedes-Benz EQE, which isn’t yet on sale but should be available later this year.

None of these comes cheap, but all offer official range figures in excess of 400 miles, which means in the real world they should all manage at least 300 miles. Of course, in heavy or extremely cold weather they might dip below that figure, which is why I wouldn’t like to tell you I can guarantee their ranges will suffice. 

The one thing the Tesla offers over and above the Mercs is access to a well sorted and reliable super-rapid charging network, with locations spread throughout the country, often at motorway services or within reach of motorway junctions. For example, the Tesla superchargers just off Junction 30 of the M5 should add around 120 miles of range in 20 minutes, thereby seeing you comfortably to your destination in Devon or Cornwall. 

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