Green NCAP calculated that the Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ 250+ needs only about 14 minutes of fast charging to complete a simulated 497-mile (800-km) family road trip, the shortest charging requirement of any electric vehicle the independent testing organization assessed. The result comes from Green NCAP’s review of every car it has rated since introducing a revised Sustainability Rating and Driving Experience scoring system in late 2025. The organization modeled the trip using a mix of highway, rural, and urban roads, with a full load of four passengers, luggage, and air conditioning running throughout. Green NCAP found that a bigger battery does not, on its own, translate into an easier long-distance trip for every EV it tested.
Highlights
- The Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ 250+ needs about 14 minutes of charging to finish the 497-mile (800-km) trip, the least of any EV in the analysis, and posted the lowest energy use at 16.5 kWh/100 km.
- The Renault 5 E-Tech and Volvo EX30 give families smaller, more efficient EV options, needing roughly 80 minutes and 59 minutes of total charging respectively to cover the same route.
- The Toyota C-HR returned the best fuel economy of the hybrid and gasoline models tested, at 41 mpg (5.7 L/100 km).
- The Dacia Bigster’s 50-liter tank gives it an estimated 526-mile (847-km) range — enough to cover the entire route without a fuel stop.
Vehicle Comparison
| Vehicle | Powertrain | Touring Range | Time to Complete 800-km Trip | Green NCAP Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ 250+ | Electric | 376 mi (605 km) | ~14 min charging | 5 stars |
| Renault 5 E-Tech | Electric | 184 mi (296 km) | ~80 min charging | 5 stars |
| MINI Cooper E | Electric | 139 mi (224 km) | ~104 min charging | Not stated |
| Volvo EX30 | Electric | 214 mi (344 km) | ~59 min charging | 4.5 stars |
| Toyota C-HR | Hybrid | 469 mi (754 km) | Brief refueling stop | 3.5 stars |
| Dacia Bigster | Hybrid | 526 mi (847 km) | No fuel stop needed | 3.5 stars |
| SEAT Ibiza | Gasoline | 400 mi (645 km) | One refueling stop | 3.5 stars |
Best Overall Road-Trip EV: Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ 250+
Of every electric car Green NCAP has assessed, the CLA EQ 250+ delivered the lowest energy consumption on the simulated trip, at 16.5 kWh/100 km, and the longest single-charge range, an estimated 376 miles (605 km). Green NCAP attributed the result to the sedan’s aerodynamics and powertrain efficiency offsetting its 85-kWh battery and heavier curb weight — a departure from Green NCAP’s usual pattern of rewarding smaller, lighter EVs. The CLA EQ 250+ charges at an average of 286 kW, moving from 10 to 80 percent in under 23 minutes, and earned a five-star Green NCAP sustainability rating. By contrast, Green NCAP found that electric SUVs including the Kia EV9, BYD Sealion 7, and Cadillac Optiq consumed significantly more energy over the same route.
Best Compact EV: Renault 5 E-Tech
The Renault 5 E-Tech combines a 52-kWh battery with energy consumption of 19.9 kWh/100 km, giving the five-door hatchback a 184-mile (296-km) touring range under Green NCAP’s test conditions and a five-star sustainability rating. Its 72-kW average charging power moves the battery from 10 to 80 percent in 31 minutes, and Green NCAP calculated it would need about 80 minutes of total charging to finish the 800-km route — longer than the CLA EQ, but paired with smaller dimensions that Green NCAP said suit families willing to plan extra stops.
Best EV for Couples and City-Break Rentals: MINI Cooper E
The MINI Cooper E consumed 19 kWh/100 km with air conditioning running, the second-lowest of any EV Green NCAP tested. Its smaller 36.6-kWh battery and 56-kW average charging speed limit its range to 139 miles (224 km), and Green NCAP calculated it would need a total of 104 minutes of charging to complete the 800-km trip. Green NCAP said its limited rear-seat access and cargo space make it better suited to couples or shorter holiday trips than a family of four.
Best Practical Electric Crossover: Volvo EX30
The extended-range Volvo EX30 can complete the 800-km trip with about 59 minutes of total charging, per Green NCAP, and offers more cabin and cargo room than the Renault or MINI. Its touring range came in at 214 miles (344 km), and the crossover earned a four-and-a-half-star Green NCAP sustainability rating.
Most Economical Hybrid: Toyota C-HR
The Toyota C-HR, tested in hybrid form, returned the best fuel efficiency of the hybrid and gasoline-only cars in Green NCAP’s analysis, consuming 41 mpg (5.7 L/100 km) across the mixed 800-km route. Its 43-liter tank gives it an estimated 469-mile (754-km) range, enough that Green NCAP said it would need only a brief refueling stop to finish the trip. Because its gasoline engine produces tailpipe emissions, the C-HR earned a three-and-a-half-star Green NCAP sustainability rating.
Best Spacious Family Hybrid: Dacia Bigster
The Dacia Bigster consumed 5.9 liters per 100 km on Green NCAP’s route, and its 50-liter tank gives the five-seat SUV an estimated 526-mile (847-km) range — enough, per Green NCAP, to cover the entire 800-km trip without a fuel stop. The Bigster earned a three-and-a-half-star sustainability rating, matching the C-HR.
Best Conventional Gasoline Option: SEAT Ibiza
The SEAT Ibiza drives without hybrid assistance and returned 6.2 liters per 100 km carrying a family of four with air conditioning running, per Green NCAP. Its 40-liter tank provides an estimated 400-mile (645-km) range, meaning one refueling stop would be needed to complete the 800-km trip. Like the C-HR and Bigster, the Ibiza earned a three-and-a-half-star Green NCAP sustainability rating.
How Green NCAP Tested the Cars
Green NCAP, an independent vehicle assessment initiative affiliated with Euro NCAP, said its ratings are built from laboratory and real-world testing rather than manufacturer claims. Dr. Aleksandar Damyanov, the organization’s Technical Manager, said the testing is meant to help drivers understand real-world performance rather than relying on manufacturer figures alone, and that Green NCAP’s data is meant to give consumers the evidence they need to make “a more informed, sustainable choice.”
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