The contenders for 2025’s Best Roadtrip EV are not a surprise - the Hyundai group, known for being the first mass market EV with super-fast DC charge speeds, has four on the list. Lucid’s claim to fame is very high efficiency and range, although at a price to match. Audi has been leading in luxury with an all new, all electric platform that was launched in 2024. 

LUCID AIR

‍‍At the top of every list of efficient EVs is the Lucid Air. That’s because it has a shockingly low drag coefficient, helping it cut through air with very little resistance. That’s a big reason why it tops this list, too. Factor in the industry leading EPA rated range and blindingly fast DC charge speeds and you understand why this pricey, luxury car gets top marks for roadtrips. 

HYUNDAI IONIQ 6‍

Hyundai released the E-GMP platform in 2020 as a ground-up, all-electric platform for its Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis brands. It featured 800V architecture, which enables very fast DC supercharging. Although Ioniq 5 was an earlier model built on the same platform, Ioniq 6 is more aerodynamic and has a slightly faster charge time. However, it also offers a lot less cargo space if you have a lot to pack.

AUDI A6 SPORTBACK E-TRON‍

The A6 Sportback e-tron was released in 2024 on Volkswagen Group’s PPE technology, which is shared with Porsche. Like the Hyundai Group cars, it also has 800V architecture, which enables super fast DC charging. It also features low drag, making its highway efficiency great. The Audi A6 Sportback e-tron combines German engineering with road trip practicality. The luxurious interior features Audi's latest tech amenities including augmented reality navigation, making it an ideal companion for extended journeys when premium comfort is a priority.

‍

KIA EV9‍

The Kia EV9 is another cousin in the E-GMP family. It is a versatile, three-row electric SUV that blends family-friendly interior space with impressive functionality. Offering up to 300 miles of EPA-rated range and a towing capacity of 5000 pounds, it’s available with rear- or all-wheel drive and supports fast charging up to 230 kW. Interior highlights include six- or seven-passenger configurations, premium materials, and tech-forward infotainment with dual 12.3-inch screens.

HYUNDAI IONIQ 5‍

The Hyundai IONIQ 5's boxy, retro-inspired design might suggest compromised aerodynamics, but clever engineering ensures it remains highly efficient on highways. The 2025 model's improved battery chemistry pushes range to approximately 325 miles, and retains the advanced 800V architecture. Where the IONIQ 5 truly shines for road trips is interior versatility—the sliding center console, fully reclining front seats, and completely flat load floor when rear seats are folded make it surprisingly adaptable for both passengers and cargo during long journeys.

GENESIS GV60 ‍

The Genesis GV60 elevates the road trip experience with luxury and technology while leveraging the same E-GMP platform advantages as its cousins. Highway efficiency benefits from its sleek profile and active air flaps, while range extends to about 310 miles in the latest models. The premium interior has great sound insulation that creates a serene highway cruising experience, and the face-recognition entry system adds convenience at charging stops. What truly sets the GV60 apart are its thoughtful luxury touches like massage seats and crystal sphere gear selector that make covering long distances feel less like transportation and more like a premium travel experience.

‍

BMW i5

The 2025 BMW i5 is the first all-electric version of the brand’s long-running 5-Series luxury sedan. It retains the comfort and athleticism of its gas-powered counterpart but swaps the engine noise for an electric powertrain. The top-tier M60 xDrive model boasts 593 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of 3.3 seconds, while lower trims prioritize range, with the eDrive40 offering up to 295 miles per charge. Inside, the i5 features cutting-edge technology, including a digital dashboard and BMW’s iDrive 8.5 infotainment system.

‍

For 2025’s Best Road Trip EVs, we look at three factors: observed range (where available), highway power, and Recurrent time to add 100 miles via DC fast charger. Additional considerations are listed in the table. Scroll to the bottom for full methodology.

Methodology: 

Real, observed range: Anyone who has driven an EV knows that the advertised EPA range may be quite different from the range you actually see while on the road. For a road trip, you want a good sense of how far your car can actually go before you need to stop and recharge. This number comes from observed data from members of the Recurrent fleet. 

Highway power: For an EV, highway range tends to be less than city, or combined, range. That is because electric motors are so efficient, that air resistance matters more at high speeds. We look at the average highway power, in kW, for the different models. A lower highway power means less energy used. 

Recurrent Time to add 100 miles: Every EV has its own DC charge curve, which is when it hits peak charge speed and how long it stays there. For instance, Teslas have a much higher peak charge speed than the Nissan Ariya, but they don’t actually charge that much faster from 10% to 80%, since the Ariya holds its max charge speed much longer than the Teslas do (learn more!). This factor is a proprietary number that is based on max charge speed and charge curves. 

Other tips: 

1. Preconditioning allows you to get your vehicle cabin and battery to a comfy temperature, all while using electricity from the grid and not your battery. That means longer range on the road, and an already warm (or cool) car. 
2. Plan for slightly less range: highway driving will always be less efficient than city driving in an EV, so expect your range to be on the lower side of normal. 
3. Research charging stations: Make sure to make a list of stations you plan to hit – and then backup options in case the ones you’ve picked out are busy or not working. Download and set up payment for the different charging networks before you need them, in case cell service is spotty. 
4. Select hotels that have EV chargers so you can top up before you head out. It’s OK to charge to 100% right before you hit the road! PS - call the hotels and make sure the chargers are operational. 
5. Check tire pressure: Proper inflation means better range.