Affordable electric cars with long range – Why 300 miles suits the majority of drivers

With a new regulation coming into force in less than four years, electric vehicles are becoming an increasingly obvious choice when purchasing new transportation (the 2030 regulation aims to prevent the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, with hybrid options remaining available until 2035). Electric vehicles are on people’s minds too for environmental impact and cost efficiencies, not least with charging a vehicle costing less than filling a tank with fuel.

Despite many advantages, some misconceptions continue to hold buyers back, particularly range anxiety and initial costs. Some consumers continue to worry that EV batteries lack the sufficient charge to reach their destination, with 54% of participants in a Tusker study citing concern over range. The same study demonstrated that 54% of participants also had concerns that electric and hybrid vehicles were too expensive to buy up-front. This worry can also be amplified when considering longer-range options with larger batteries.

However, a lot of these narratives are stuck in the past. Modern electric cars have come a very long way: Today, there are plenty of affordable EVs under £40,000, as well as cheaper pre-loved alternatives, that can comfortably cover the range most UK drivers need on a day-to-day basis. In fact, many of these cover more than 300 miles on a single charge.

And when you access one through Tusker’s salary-sacrifice scheme, the affordability gets even better! Let’s take a look at why range anxiety is no longer an issue – and which electric vehicles offer excellent value, with long, consistent range.

How much range do you really need?

Most drivers are surprised by how far they actually travel.

According to 2025 research from YouGov, 69% of Brits drive under 20 miles a day. That’s just 140 miles a week – less than half the range capability of numerous affordable EVs. In fact, only 12% of Britons drive more than 40 miles a day. 40 miles a day translates to just 280 miles a week. With that said, at least 90% of the population travel less than many EVs deliver in one full charge.

This is further supported by Tusker research, which demonstrates that 89% of those already driving an EV say that the range of their vehicle is sufficient for everyday use.

Charging is easier than you may think

Despite one full EV charge covering most Britons daily commute, another misconception associated with range anxiety is charging availability. But just like EV battery capability, charging abilities have also transformed in recent years.

Now, charging an EV fits easily into everyday routines:

• Home charging – plug in your car every night and start each day with a full battery. Home charging often comes with car deals, and can be included in Tusker car salary sacrifice using our partners who can obtain and install EV charging accessories.
• Workplace charging – By 2024, research indicated almost half of employers now had electric charging facilities, with this figure expected to be much higher today.
• Public charging – As of 2025, 75,000 public chargers were available in the UK, of which many add significant vehicle range in 20-40 minutes. On top of this, the government is investing over £2.3 billion to enhance charging infrastructure and encourage the EV switch.

This growing charging infrastructure in combination with the high range vehicles on offer and UK mileage data, range reality is strong, and anxiety is far less of a problem.

Affordable EVs that go the distance

There are now a wide range of cars under 40,000 which offer an impressive range – from compact city cars to family-friendly SUVs.

For example, the 2026 Renault Scenic E-tech has a range of 381 miles, with starting prices from just over £35,000. For a full breakdown of affordable EVs with the longest ranges, including specs and charging speed, read our latest article on the topic here: Affordable EVs with long battery range 

Why salary sacrifice makes EVs even better value

With the knowledge that EVs with long range are very accessible, it’s important to know that salary sacrifice makes them even more manageable and affordable.

Here’s why:

• Monthly payments are taken from your gross salary, before tax and National Insurance, creating significant savings for you (and your employer).
• EVs benefit from low Benefit in Kind (BiK) tax, increasing potential savings.
• One fixed monthly cost covers: The car; insurance; servicing and maintenance; tyres; road tax and breakdown cover – making admin, organising a new car purchase and maintaining different contracts much easier.

All you need to pay for separately is the electricity to charge your car.

For employers, offering a Tusker salary sacrifice electric vehicle scheme is a tax-efficient benefit that boosts employee satisfaction.

For employees, it’s a simple, predictable way to drive a brand-new EV.

Thinking of making the switch? With Tusker, your next car could be electric – covering the miles you travel, at a much better price than you’d expect.