- The Kia EV5 Air Long Range publishes up to 555 km WLTP, while AWD grades publish less.
- The BYD Seal Premium publishes 570 km WLTP and the MG S6 EV up to 530 km WLTP.
- Real motorway range is commonly lower than a WLTP result.
- Charging speed, battery preconditioning and charger coverage can matter more than a small range difference.
Which current EVs publish stronger range?
| Model and grade | Published range | Body style | Key trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| BYD Seal Premium | 570 km WLTP | Sedan | Strong efficiency and range, less SUV-style cargo access |
| Kia EV5 Air Long Range | 555 km WLTP | Mid-size SUV | Front-wheel-drive range leader; AWD grades publish less |
| MG S6 EV | Up to 530 km WLTP | Mid-size SUV | Large 77 kWh battery and family space |
| BYD SEALION 7 Premium | 482 km WLTP | Mid-size SUV | Practical SUV body with a lower figure than the Seal sedan |
| Volvo EX30 Extended Range | Up to 462 km WLTP | Small SUV | Compact size and premium positioning |
Why WLTP is not your motorway range
WLTP is a controlled test designed to make vehicles easier to compare. It includes a mixture of speeds and conditions. Australian highway travel at a steady 100–110 km/h can use more energy because aerodynamic drag rises sharply with speed. Cold weather, heavy rain, a headwind, hills, passengers, luggage and climate control can reduce range further.
A practical trip plan should preserve a buffer rather than targeting zero battery at arrival. For frequent regional driving, compare vehicles using the route, season and charging locations you actually expect to use.
Take the official WLTP number as a comparison figure, then allow a conservative buffer for motorway conditions and another safety margin before the next reliable charger. The appropriate buffer depends on the vehicle, route and weather.
Kia EV5 Long Range
The EV5 Air Long Range publishes 555 km WLTP, making it a strong family-SUV option. The Earth and GT-Line use all-wheel drive and publish 500 km and 470 km respectively. More power and equipment can be attractive, but they also raise price and energy use.
BYD Seal Premium
The rear-wheel-drive Seal Premium publishes 570 km WLTP. Its sedan shape is efficient and it offers strong range for the price, though families should compare the boot opening, rear-seat access and driving position with an SUV.
MG S6 EV
MG publishes up to 530 km WLTP from the 77 kWh S6 EV. It is aimed at buyers wanting family space and a large battery without moving to a luxury price. Confirm the selected RWD or AWD grade because performance and range differ.
Charging speed and route reliability
A car with 500 km of range and a flat, repeatable charging curve may be more convenient than a 550 km model that charges slowly on your route. Check maximum DC rate, the time quoted from 10–80%, whether battery preconditioning is available and which public networks serve your regular trips.
For drivers in regional Australia, inspect charger spacing, redundancy and after-hours amenities. One fast charger at a remote location is not the same as a site with several working bays.
Novated lease considerations for a long-range EV
A larger battery usually increases purchase price, financed amount, residual and often insurance. The extra cost makes sense when it solves a genuine driving problem. If most charging happens at home and long trips are rare, a smaller-battery vehicle may produce a better total lease result.
Range note: Manufacturer range figures are laboratory test results. Actual range varies with driving, load, route, weather, tyres, battery condition and vehicle specification.