The Best Tesla EV To Buy If Range Anxiety Is A Real Concern

Range anxiety remains one of the biggest concerns for electric vehicle (EV) buyers, even as charging infrastructure continues to expand. While charging has become easier and easier, with networks like the Tesla Superchargers offering tens of thousands of chargers across the country, not everyone feels comfortable driving an car that they can't just hop off the highway and hit up a gas station any time they want or need to. For drivers looking to get as many miles as possible out of a single charge, choosing the right EV can make all the difference.

Among Tesla’s lineup, one model delivers over 400 miles on a single charge, making it the best option for those who want to travel as far as they can between stops. It’s likely not the first model that comes to mind, especially considering how Tesla’s best-selling vehicles focus more on affordability than maximizing range. However, this high-end EV combines luxury, performance, and efficiency, making it a solid choice for anyone looking to overcome their range anxiety.

The 2025 Tesla Model S Goes Up To 410 Miles On A Single Charge

2023 Tesla Model S

How The Tesla Model S AWD Achieves A 410-Mile Range

The 2025 Tesla Model S all wheel drive (AWD) delivers an impressive 410 miles of estimated range, making it the best option in Tesla’s lineup for anyone who prioritizes range. This is made possible by its 100-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery pack, the largest among Tesla's passenger vehicles aside from what's in the Cybertruck. According to Tesla, its engineers have also redesigned the battery module with updated thermal architecture, improving efficiency and maintaining optimal performance as you drive.

Aerodynamics also plays a key role in extending the Model S’s driving range. Tesla claims it is the most aerodynamic production car on the market, helping to reduce drag and improve overall efficiency. Its sleek body, flush door handles, and carefully sculpted underbody work together to minimize air resistance and drag, ensuring that more of the battery's energy is used for driving rather than overcoming air resistance.

Charging Capabilities And Real-World Usability

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Tesla's extensive Supercharger network ensures that Model S owners can easily complete long road trips without worrying about range. With over 60,000 Superchargers worldwide, Tesla has built the most widespread and reliable fast-charging infrastructure of any EV or charger manufacturer. This network plays a huge role in eliminating range anxiety, allowing drivers to confidently travel across the country without needing to plan all sorts of detours and stops just to stay charged on the go.

The Model S also supports high-speed charging with its 250-kilowatt (KW) fast-charging capability. When plugged into a Tesla Supercharger, the sedan can gain up to 200 miles of range in just 15 minutes, reducing downtime on long journeys and getting you back on the road faster. This is perfect for taking a quick break during a road and grabbing some lunch while the Model S gets juiced back up. Tesla’s integrated Trip Planner software also makes it easy by planning the route to your final destination while recommending charging stops along the way.

How The Tesla Model S Range Compares To Other Tesla EVs

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Tesla Model S AWD vs Tesla Model S Plaid

While both versions of the Model S deliver impressive performance, the standard AWD model offers significantly more range than the Plaid. The Model S AWD is capable of traveling up to 410 miles on a single charge, whereas the high-performance Model S Plaid is limited to 348 miles. This difference comes down to efficiency, as the Plaid’s triple-motor setup and increased power output result in higher energy consumption. If you're looking for maximum range, the base Model S is the obvious answer. But for anyone in the market for a Model S, turning down the Plaid is not an easy choice.

Comparing The Model S to the Model Y, Model 3, Model X, And Cybertruck

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Although other Tesla models provide solid range, none of them really get close to what the Model S has to offer. The Model Y, Tesla’s most popular vehicle, maxes out at 327 miles with the Juniper Launch Edition being the only trim available in the U.S. right now, while the Model 3 offers up to 363 miles in its Long Range configuration. Larger models like the Model X and Cybertruck fall slightly behind, with maximum ranges of 329 miles and 325 miles, respectively.

One exception could be the Cybertruck once Tesla releases its optional Range Extender. Tesla estimates that with this supplemental battery pack, the Cybertruck will exceed 440 miles on a full charge. However, this upgrade is not a simple (or cheap) add-on. The Range Extender has been delayed multiple times, and once available, it will cost $16,000 and must be installed by Tesla. That's a pretty penny for an extra 115-120 miles of range, but hey, to each their own.

The Tesla Model S Combines Otherworldly Performance With Top-Notch Range

Performance Specifications

The base Model S AWD, with its dual-motor setup, delivers 670 horsepower and 723 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour (MPH) in 3.1 seconds on its way to a governed top speed of 130. The Model S Plaid, on the other hand, is built for raw speed, featuring a tri-motor system that pumps out 1,020 horsepower and 1,050 pound-feet of torque. This rocket-like EV goes from 0 to 60 MPH in just 1.99 seconds and has a 200 MPH top speed, making it one of the quickest and fastest production EVs in the world.

Interior Features And Technology

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Even though it is the manufacturer's flagship luxury EV, the Model S carries on the Tesla tradition of a relatively minimalist interior, though it does have more tech and luxury than the lower-tiered models. A 17.0-inch central touchscreen serves as the main interface for controlling vehicle settings, navigation, and entertainment. The system includes Tesla’s over-the-air software updates, providing new features and improvements over time. A secondary touchscreen in the rear allows passengers to control climate settings and access media of their own.

Tesla also takes the driving experience to the next level by equipping the Model S with a yoke steering wheel instead of a traditional round one. While some drivers appreciate its futuristic feel, others find it impractical for everyday use. The Model S also includes Tesla Arcade, allowing passengers to play video games directly on the infotainment screen when the car is parked. A 22-speaker premium audio system works in conjunction with road noise cancelation to deliver a top-notch sound experience. However, Tesla still does not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, a massive drawback compared to nearly any other EV in its class.

Is The Tesla Model S Worth It For Long-Distance Drivers?

2025 Tesla Model S 13

Pricing And Range Compared To Other Brands

Among the Model S's top competitors, the Lucid Air Pure is the only model that truly challenges the Model S in terms of range. It offers an estimated 420 miles, slightly beating out Tesla’s 410-mile figure, while also undercutting the Model S in price. However, it falls short in outright performance. For those looking for a better balance of power and efficiency, the Lucid Air Touring provides a more direct comparison.

This Touring trim of the Lucid Air delivers 406 miles of range, 620 horsepower, and a 0 to 60 MPH time of 3.4 seconds, making it one of the closest alternatives to Tesla’s long-range, high-performance sedan. The remaining competitors shown here from Mercedes, BMW, and Porsche either cost significantly more, offer less range, or both, making the Model S AWD one of the best all-around choices for luxury EV buyers.

Should You Buy The 2025 Tesla Model S?

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For drivers and EV buyers who want to eliminate range anxiety without compromising on luxury or performance, the 2025 Tesla Model S remains one of the best EVs on the market. It delivers up to 410 miles on a single charge and is backed by the brand's long-standing reputation. With Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network and built-in Trip Planner, long road trips are easier to plan, and the sedan’s high-speed charging capabilities ensure minimal downtime between stops.

However, the Model S is not without drawbacks. Its interior design remains minimalist, and despite its premium price, it still lacks support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The yoke steering wheel may also be a deal-breaker for some buyers who don't appreciate the racecar-like feel. If you're looking for something in this price range and trying to get the most bang for your buck, you may want to consider the aforementioned Lucid Air Touring. It's really the only EV out there that can go toe-to-toe with the Model S across the board. But the truth is, you can't go wrong either way.