Six EVs With Enough Range for a UAE Weekend Trip

Abu Dhabi: In a noticeable shift in the traditionally petrol-dominated new car market of the UAE, electric cars are gaining ground. As a result, more brands are bringing long-range models to the Emirates. Yet, for a new buyer, the main worry is still range.

One of the key considerations for most EV buyers here is whether the car can handle a long weekend drive. Some regular trips, like Abu Dhabi to Al Ain, are about 160 km; Abu Dhabi to Liwa is about 250 km; and Dubai to Fujairah is about 130 km. For a petrol car, you don't really think twice about these distances.

But for an electric car, the question is whether it will get you there and back without a stressful charging stop. Most often, the official range is a laboratory figure called WLTP, and the real-world range in UAE summer conditions with the AC running will be lower.

Under these circumstances, we have picked six electric cars available or announced for the UAE that offer competitive claimed ranges for weekend trips, from the Hyundai Ioniq 5 at 481 km to the BMW iX3 at up to 805 km. Here is how they compare and what to check before you buy.

Range Table

EV	Claimed Range (km)	Price (AED)	Note
BMW iX3	Up to 805	To be confirmed	UAE launch details to be confirmed
Polestar 3 Long Range Dual Motor	Up to 628	From 199,900	WLTP claim
Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD	Up to 600	188,670	WLTP claim
BYD Seal RWD	Up to 570	From 154,900	Rear-wheel drive
VinFast VF8 Eco	Up to 493	From 115,900	Price includes VAT
Hyundai Ioniq 5 Long Range RWD	Up to 481	From 163,000	Rear-wheel drive

Top Range

Starting with the premium segment, German luxury brand BMW has the iX3 as the range leader on paper. It claims up to 805 km WLTP from a 108.7 kWh usable battery, supports charging at up to 400 kW, and can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in about 21 minutes under ideal conditions. BMW’s UAE representative, AGMC, showed the new iX3 in Dubai in July 2026, but buyers should confirm the final UAE specification, price, and delivery timing with the dealer.

The Polestar 3 Long Range Dual Motor claims up to 628 km WLTP. It is sold in the UAE by Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility, with prices starting from AED 199,900.

The Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD costs AED 188,670 and claims up to 600 km WLTP. It is the most affordable car in this top group. With an 854-litre boot with the seats up, it is useful for a weekend away with bags. It also has a 117-litre front boot.

Middle Range

If you don't want to spend top money but are looking for something more affordable, there are equally well-known names worth considering. The BYD Seal has an official WLTP range of up to 570 km in its rear-wheel-drive versions and starts from AED 154,900. That makes it one of the cheaper cars on this list. The Performance version is all-wheel drive and is rated at up to 520 km.

Then there is a newer brand, VinFast, which has entered the UAE market. This Vietnamese brand has introduced its all-electric midsize SUV, the VF8. Packed with an 87.7 kWh battery and a range of up to 493 km in the Eco version, it is sold by Al Tayer Motors, the UAE distributor. It makes up to 402 hp in the Plus variant. The Eco costs AED 115,900, and the Plus AED 125,900, including VAT. That makes it the cheapest car on this list.

Korean brand Hyundai also retails the Ioniq 5, which has a claimed range of up to 481 km in its Long Range rear-wheel-drive version. It charges from 10 to 80 per cent in about 18 minutes on a 350 kW charger. Prices for this version start from about AED 163,000.

Planning Charging

For most EV owners, range is only half the plan. What is equally important is charging, and you need to work out where you will charge.

• iX3: BMW claims up to 400 kW charging, with 10 to 80 per cent taking about 21 minutes. This requires a compatible high-power charger.
• Model Y: Tesla Superchargers charge per kWh. Tesla says its V3 Superchargers can add up to 270 km of range in 15 minutes, depending on the vehicle and charging conditions.
• Ioniq 5: 10 to 80 per cent in about 18 minutes on a 350 kW charger.
• Seal, Polestar 3, and VF8: Ask the dealer for the 10 to 80 per cent charging time on a compatible public fast charger.

At home, a dedicated wall charger is the better option for regular overnight charging. You need to check what your building allows and whether its electrical supply can support the charger you plan to install.

Weekend Driving

Now the real goal here is to get an EV that can handle your weekend trips. Take the Abu Dhabi to Liwa journey, for example. It is about 250 km each way, or roughly 500 km for the return trip. A car with a claimed range of 481 km will need a charging stop. A car with 600 km may manage it, but highway speeds, air-conditioning, and other conditions can reduce its range.

Abu Dhabi to Al Ain is about 160 km each way, or around 320 km for the return trip. Every car on this list has a claimed range that should make this journey manageable, although actual range will depend on driving conditions.

Fujairah is easier. A return trip from Dubai is about 260 km. Any car here should be able to manage it on one charge, with a reasonable battery reserve in normal driving conditions.

The lesson is simple: the claimed range is the best-case figure. Plan a charging stop on longer journeys and check where the chargers are before you leave.

The Final Take

A closer look at all the options covered in this story shows that, at least on paper, range is no longer the main barrier to a weekend electric trip in the UAE. Planning the charge still matters.

For the longest claimed range, the iX3 leads, but its UAE pricing and delivery details should be confirmed. Among the cars with a published price, the Model Y Long Range RWD offers a good mix of range and space. The Seal and VF8 are lower-priced options. The VF8 and Ioniq 5 suit shorter trips, such as Dubai to Fujairah or Abu Dhabi to Al Ain, while longer journeys may require a charging stop.

Ultimately, whichever you choose, check a few key things with the dealer. What is the final on-road price? What is the charging time on a public fast charger? What range do owners see in summer? Once you have clear answers to these questions, making a decision becomes much easier.

Also Read: The Electric Luxury Sedan Comparison: Volvo ES90 vs Audi A6 e-tron vs Tesla Model 3