The Japanese EV With The Greatest Driving Range

Range anxiety is one of the biggest worries when drivers make the switch over from an internal combustion-engined car to a full-electric one, which is exacerbated by the current lack of electrical charging infrastructure around the world. Therefore, vehicles with the highest driving range on a single charge remain arguably the most attractive options on the market.

As battery technology continually develops, new cars are coming with ever-superior ranges. As it turns out, though, most of the trailblazers are in fact not Japanese. This is somewhat surprising, given the country has always stood out for its advanced understanding of car electronics. Those set on a Japanese EV as their next purchase will have mixed emotions about this one, because that decent range is down to its General Motors powertrain, which is made right here in the US.

The Acura ZDX A-Spec Manages 313 Miles On A Charge

The Japanese EV with the highest range currently on sale is the second-generation Acura ZDX, which made its debut as a 2024 model. Unlike its predecessor, which came with a meaty 3.7-liter V6 out front, the new ZDX gets a range of full-electric powertrain options. These include a single-motor option, as well as a pair of dual-motor setups. The single-motor powertrain sends all its 358 hp through the rear wheels and has the highest range of all the ZDXs available. It shares its Ultium battery technology and electric powertrain with the Honda Prologue, and it’s the hardware designed and built by GM that you’ll find in the Chevrolet Blazer EV.

One of the key reasons for this is the single-motor powertrain being around 600 pounds lighter than the dual-motor option. While the single-motor option can cover 313 miles on a single charge, the standard dual-motor car can only manage 304 miles. The Type S model will need to be plugged in after 278 miles, which is mainly due to the fact that it has larger, sportier 22-inch wheels. As well as having the best range of the trio, the entry-level A-Spec is also the cheapest at $64,500, before any options are selected.

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In terms of charging speed, Acura says that the A-Spec can be expected to DC fast charge from 20% to 80% in 42 minutes, while 81 miles of range can be added to its total in around ten minutes. The ZDX’s energy re-gen system is on hand to help make the peak 313-mile range possible.

The ZDX A-Spec Comes With A Good Amount Of Standard Equipment

Aside from the usual refinements such as dual-zone climate control, heated seats, and a touchscreen infotainment system, the ZDX A-Spec also comes with some other interesting equipment that enhances the user experience. A full panoramic moonroof that can be opened and tilted comes as part of the deal, as does a power tailgate and parking sensors front and rear. There’s also a Bang and Olufsen audio system, Milano leather seats, and a heated steering wheel, as well as electrically folding heated mirrors. While north of $60,000 is pretty stout for a new car, the ZDX at least doesn’t compromise on standard kit.

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A Type S Version Is Available For Those After A Sportier Drive

While the A-Spec is one to go for if peak range is your jam, drivers looking for a more enjoyable drive will be excited to learn that there is a Type S version available. While it isn’t exactly an NSX when compared to the A-Spec, the extra motor adds an extra 140 hp to the equation to leave it at 499 hp. This puts it marginally ahead of the 490-hp AWD version, with Acura unlocking a little extra grunt for the Type S version.

Aside from the extra power and the larger and more striking 22-inch wheels, which drops the range to 278 miles, the Type S also gets a set of powerful Brembo brakes. Adaptive air suspension is also included, which can stiffen up when Sport mode is selected to ensure body roll is reduced under heavy cornering. Interestingly, the Type S doesn’t demand as much of a premium over the A-Spec as you’d expect.

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At a starting price of $73,500, it’s less than $10,000 more than the entry-level model. The standard AWD version slots in the middle at $68,500, making it a good option given it has nearly as much power as the Type S, but significantly superior range given its smaller wheels.

The ZDX’s Cheaper Rivals Give It Something To Worry About

While the ZDX’s A-Spec’s total range is impressive, its price isn’t quite so attractive. At $64,500, it isn’t eligible for the $7,500 grant available to EV buyers, as the threshold is $55,000. As a result, rivals such as the Tesla Model Y, Lexus RZ, and the Genesis GV60 all cost significantly less to start with and, due to their base MSRPs being below the magic $55,000, even more can be saved.

With incentives included, a range-topping Model Y Performance can be had for just $37,990. While its 277-mile mileage is inferior, its dual-motor powertrain brings 455 hp and 487 lb-ft to the party. The single-motor GV60 gets closest to the A-Specs range at 294 miles, and costs around $45,000 when the government incentive is applied. All have similar levels of equipment and quality compared to the Acura too, so the ZDX represents relatively low value in comparison.

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How do you pick out the right electric SUV for you?

There are a growing number of electric SUVs, but how do you find the right one for you? As with any car, you should always take a good test drive to make sure you like driving it. Consider the overall range, remembering that most charging is done at home, so this isn’t a dealbreaker for most vehicles. Then look at features, from infotainment to heated seats, to make sure it has the things that are a priority for you. We like the Kia EV9, but what’s your top pick?

The Audi Q8 E-tron is significantly more expensive than the ZDX A-Spec at a starting price of $74,400, though for this you at least get a dual-motor powertrain. While it can only manage 272 miles on a charge, it possesses 402 hp and 490 lb-ft of torque. For those looking for the most range possible, the entry-level Model Y rear-wheel drive is the best bet. It costs just $31,490 with the EV incentive included, but can cover 337 miles on a single charge. Plus, it’s tiny third row adds a bit of flexibility for moving people.

The Nissan Ariya Is Another Strong Japanese EV Choice

Another cheaper option that possesses an impressive range is the Nissan Ariya Venture+, which starts at $41,190, and drops to around $34,000 with the EV incentive applied. It can cover 304 miles on a charge. This comes courtesy of a single electric motor that provides 238 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, grunt which is sent through the front wheels. It also comes with a wide range of tech, such as front and rear collision protection systems and brake assist.

Adaptive cruise control also comes as standard, as do front and rear parking sensors. While it’s significantly cheaper than the Acura, you’ll have to kiss some luxuries goodbye. Only cloth seats are available in the Venture+, and they don’t have the option to be heated. A heated steering wheel is also unavailable.

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Given it’s placed at a similar price range as the Model Y, the Tesla will be the better bet for those who like their toys. For buyers looking to secure a Japanese EV and 300+ mile range with their EV, the Ariya represents a solid and significantly cheaper option than the ZDX. And it has a Nissan powertrain, not one borrowed from another automaker, if that sort of thing is important to you.

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