More range always sounds better, but the right amount depends heavily on your actual driving habits and charging access, not the biggest number on the spec sheet.
Start with your real daily mileage
Most drivers cover far less than a full battery's range on a typical day. If you have reliable home or workplace charging, a shorter-range EV may cover your daily needs comfortably and cost meaningfully less.
Factor in how often you road-trip
Frequent long-distance driving makes higher range — and access to a fast, reliable charging network along your usual routes — a much bigger practical factor than it would be for someone who mostly drives locally.
Remember real-world range differs from EPA numbers
Highway speeds, cold weather, and cargo load all reduce range below the EPA-rated figure — building in a buffer when comparing range numbers avoids disappointment after purchase.
Is 200 miles of range enough for most drivers?
For most daily driving with home charging access, yes — the median US driver covers well under 50 miles a day, making 200 miles of range a comfortable multi-day buffer even without charging every night.