Range anxiety is one reason some potential car buyers hesitate to transition to an electric vehicle. Will an electric car have enough range on a single charge? Is it still a concern for buyers when considering electric vehicles? Have advancements in battery technology and charging stations rendered range anxiety obsolete? We’ll address these questions and more.
What does range anxiety mean?
So, what exactly is range anxiety? It refers to the fear that an electric vehicle won’t have a sufficient range on a charge. Additionally, many buyers express concern about reliably locating charging stations during longer trips.
Is EV range anxiety no longer a concern?
Perhaps it isn’t completely resolved, but it’s definitely not as significant an issue as it once was. For starters, it’s now commonplace for electric vehicles to achieve real-world ranges exceeding 200 miles, with some models reaching over 300 miles on a single charge. Moreover, the public charging network has enhanced, providing more chargers and quicker charging options. Many electric vehicles now can take about 30 minutes to charge from roughly 10% to 80%.
What influences the range of an electric vehicle?
Several factors impact the range of an electric car. Knowing these can help you maximize your vehicle’s range, although not all aspects are under the driver’s control.
Driving habits
Many electric cars are quick to respond, but aggressive driving will likely mean you won’t achieve the official range figures. Adopting a smoother and more gradual driving style can significantly improve range. Ease off the accelerator and adhere to the speed limit.
Weather impact
Electric vehicles do not perform as well in cold weather. As temperatures fall, range also diminishes. Charging a battery in cold conditions takes longer as well. While you can’t control the weather, if your schedule allows, waiting for warmer conditions a few hours before traveling can enhance the distance your car can cover on a charge.
Battery maintenance and condition
Taking care of your battery is crucial. Aim to charge only up to 80% unless you plan to utilize almost all of the range available. Additionally, limit the use of ultra-rapid chargers; charging slowly will help maintain battery health for a longer period. Battery capacity naturally decreases over time, but following these tips can extend its lifespan. A well-maintained battery means greater range.
Maximizing regenerative braking
Electric vehicles have the ability to recover energy that typically gets lost during deceleration. This process is known as regenerative braking. In most electric cars, drivers can adjust the regenerative braking level to their liking. Some models may even allow for single-pedal driving with strong enough regenerative braking, making the brake pedal nearly unnecessary. Set the regenerative braking to its highest level to capture as much energy as possible, which helps to maximize range and reduce concerns about running out of power.
Disabling air conditioning
While we don’t suggest you suffer in a heatwave, consider switching off the air conditioning when you’re driving an EV to see an uptick in range. On temperate days when it’s not strictly necessary, turning off the AC can help alleviate range concerns. Other energy-demanding features, such as heated seats, also reduce range, so it’s wise to keep them turned off.
Tips to alleviate range anxiety in electric cars
You can effectively manage range anxiety without resorting to expensive or lengthy therapy—just implement a few straightforward strategies.
Prepare in advance
Plan your destination, the route you intend to take, and where you’ll find charging stations. For instance, while traveling from London to Devon, an EV driver may opt for the A303 or take the M4 and M5 routes. If traffic is clear, the motorway route allows for a higher average speed, whereas the A303 could be more direct. Traveling at a lower speed generally conserves more range. Always commence a long trip with your battery charged to at least 80%, or ideally fully charged, to benefit from lower home charging costs before needing to use more expensive public charging options.
If anticipating a required stop, identify where you will recharge—stopping at a charging hub with multiple points is often more advantageous than relying on a single station that may be occupied.
Leveraging advanced navigation technology
Advanced navigation systems can simplify route planning. These systems will determine a route based on your initial charge and the distance remaining to your destination. Reliable EV route planners will suggest charging options and include them in your journey plan, creating a stress-free trip that minimizes range anxiety.
Charging during stops
Every instance you pause provides an opportunity to recharge your vehicle. Numerous car parks, supermarkets, and attractions now feature electric vehicle charging stations. You can extend your car’s range while shopping or watching a movie, eliminating the need for an extra trip solely to find a charger.
Installing a residential charger
Owning an electric vehicle without a home charging solution is feasible. However, installing a home charging station simplifies the process significantly.
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The assertion
Range anxiety consists of two main aspects: the belief that batteries lack sufficient capacity for trips and the perception of inadequate charging stations.
The Sun newspaper warned about “EV misery” in a report referencing polling by Auto Trader, which found that less than half of drivers expressed willingness to switch, with range anxiety being the primary reason. Conservative MP John Redwood, who has campaigned against the prohibition of petrol and diesel cars, recently stated: “Many people are deterred from purchasing EVs due to unreliable charging points, limited range, and the time required to charge a vehicle.”
Donald Trump, who is seeking to reclaim the US presidency, has continuously criticized the Democratic administration’s initiative for electric cars, claiming they require recharging every 15 minutes.
The evidence
Range anxiety undeniably exists. A poll conducted by Bloomberg Intelligence in September revealed that range anxiety, along with the related concern over locating a charger, were the two most significant fears expressed by individuals across Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the UK.
Determining whether this anxiety is warranted is a different matter. Data regarding average driving ranges can be informative. The US Environmental Protection Agency (on its own mythbusting page) indicates that the typical American household drives 50 miles a day, with only 15% of households exceeding 100 miles in a standard day. In Europe, average travel distances tend to be even lower. UK government statistics show that 99% of car journeys are under 100 miles.
The energy firm Octopus states that the average EV range in the UK is 211 miles, while more expensive models can achieve up to 300 miles. If one can charge overnight (when energy costs are lower), then concerns about typical usage become irrelevant.
For longer journeys, drivers depend on the charging network. The International Energy Agency reported that the number of public charging points increased by 55% globally in 2022, reaching 2.7 million. This rapid growth indicates that in regions like the UK or parts of western Europe, longer trips are gradually becoming less of a concern, with restroom breaks effectively serving as charging opportunities. Edmund King, president of the AA, mentioned that only 2.5% of EV customers’ breakdown callouts are due to dead batteries, and he anticipates that will decrease to 1%, mirroring the proportion of traditional petrol or diesel vehicle breakdowns.
Maurice Neligan, co-founder of Jolt, a public charging firm in Germany expanding to the UK, expressed: “I believe there’s no reason to believe we won’t have enough chargers. There may be some bottlenecks over the next three to four years, but there’s no reason that can’t be resolved.”
Melanie Shufflebotham, the chief operating officer of ZapMap, the UK’s leading authority on charger counts, noted that the network “has made significant progress in the past year,” with a 43% increase in rapid chargers and double the number of charging hubs. She acknowledged that “concerns about locating a reliable charging point, especially on longer journeys, remain,” but she anticipated the steady pace of new installations would persist.
Any considerations?
The main challenge for the EV transition arises for individuals without access to off-street parking, such as this writer. The relatively comprehensive public charging network in south London allowed for smooth charging of both a Kia EV6 and a much lower-range Citroën Ami in public areas, though it became more complicated when nearby charge points were occupied (along with variable prices and parking fees). In numerous other cities worldwide, this remains an even greater issue.
For rapid chargers on extended journeys, complications may arise during peak periods, such as public holidays, when millions of people undertake the 1% of journeys that exceed 100 miles.
The number of ultra-rapid chargers is rapidly increasing in countries like the UK to tackle this issue. Nevertheless, complications with the electricity grid are hindering the expansion of chargers throughout Europe, says Quentin Willson, a former Top Gear presenter turned advocate at FairCharge. He stated that the number of chargers needs to be “significantly higher; otherwise, queuing may become an issue.”
The conclusion
Eliminating range anxiety is a challenge as it depends on both the usage patterns of electric vehicles and the charging infrastructure. It is not yet feasible to assert that every journey is adequately covered.
Moreover, governments must not become complacent regarding charging infrastructure; otherwise, these anxieties could evolve into realistic concerns.
What causes this anxiety, and is it justified? To answer this, I would like to examine three primary arguments.
1. The driving range of electric vehicles (EVs) is inadequate.
The essential question is, how much range is actually necessary?
Let’s assess the current EV ranges against our everyday travel. Typically, this is not a straightforward matter, as there are differences based on region. According to official statistics, an average person in the US drives 62 km daily, whereas people in Europe tend to travel significantly less—often less than half of that, depending on the country. In Europe, Germans have the longest daily travel distance, averaging 19 km.
The ranges of EVs vary by model and are influenced by several factors such as the state of charge of the battery, driving habits, and weather conditions. Considering various data sources, the typical EV range today is comfortably between 315 and 349 km. This implies that a typical US driver would need to charge their EV once or twice weekly on average, while Europeans would only need to charge every two weeks.
Even the earliest EVs, with a maximum range of approximately 175 km, could have met the daily transport requirements of numerous drivers today. It’s even better news that the average range of EVs has doubled within the past decade and is projected to increase in the coming years. Manufacturers anticipate that EV ranges in Germany will reach 784 km by 2025—just a glimpse into what is ahead.
Conclusion: Fiction!
The current ranges of EVs are adequate for our daily journeys.
2. Insufficient public infrastructure
To alleviate range anxiety, the availability of public chargers is crucial, especially for those who cannot charge at home or work. Consumers are increasingly hoping for the same level of service, ease, and independence for EVs as they experience with traditional vehicles.
Recently, the ratio of EVs to charging stations has improved after remaining static for several years. In 2014, an EU-commissioned initiative aimed to achieve a maximum ratio of 10 EVs per public charging point across Europe to ensure everyone has access to charging when necessary. By 2021, the EU’s average ratio of EVs to chargers was 14, increasing from nearly 11 in 2020. However, there are disparities among countries, with the largest European markets falling short of the recommended charger availability.
Of greater concern is the slow pace of charging infrastructure development at present. A recent analysis by McKinsey, requested by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), indicates that by 2030, the EU will require at least 3.4 million operational public charging stations, compared to just 340,000 available today. This necessitates a significant acceleration in the installation of public charging points: increasing from around 1,600 installations per week in 2021 to over 10,000 installations per week by 2030. By 2025, the weekly installation figures must quadruple!
Similarly, the US also needs a substantial increase in charging infrastructure. A PwC analysis projects that the EV charging market in the US will need to grow nearly tenfold to meet the charging demands of an estimated 27 million EVs projected to be on the roads by 2030.
Conclusion: Fact!
There is a lack of adequate public charging infrastructure available.
3. Insufficient public fast charging
While having enough slow chargers is essential, the availability of fast chargers is equally important. Again, there are regional variations. China is setting a leading example: more than 40% of the publicly available charging units there are fast chargers, which is considerably higher than in other major EV markets.
For Europe, according to last year’s Shell Survey report, between 80% and 86% of respondents—across all demographics—reported that charging is not sufficiently fast. For charging needs at various locations such as shopping centers, grocery stores, and restaurants, I believe a balanced mix of slow and fast chargers is vital. Needs can differ, and conducting a comprehensive analysis beforehand will assist in ensuring the right combination of charging options.
Highways represent another scenario where fast chargers are urgently needed. Globally, about one-third of drivers express concerns about traveling long distances in electric vehicles. This concern is valid; in Europe, for instance, fast charging is only available at one out of every seven charging stations. This highlights the need for action.
On a positive note, in 2021, the deployment of fast chargers occurred at a slightly quicker pace than that of slow chargers across the globe. Let’s continue to build upon this momentum.
Conclusion: Fact!
We must catch up on the development of fast-charging infrastructure for both long-distance travel and on-the-go charging.
In my view, range anxiety regarding EV batteries is unfounded. However, we do need to improve charging infrastructure in general, particularly regarding fast-charging stations—especially along highways for long-distance journeys.
Why you shouldn’t be concerned about range in your electric vehicle
Living with an electric car today is quite simple, as charging stations are increasingly available, making it easy to get a charge. There are even emergency charging options if you find yourself in a pinch. Roadside assistance services can provide a quick electricity boost to get you to a proper charging facility if needed.
1. You can recharge whenever you’re parked
Whenever your EV is parked, there are likely opportunities to recharge if necessary. You can charge at home, but there are also charging stations at supermarkets and shopping centers. Many of these chargers are free to use, and you might be fortunate enough to have one at your place of employment.
2. Charging stations are widely available
Even on the longest road trips, you will almost certainly find a charging station along your journey. Many gas stations offer rapid chargers, allowing you to receive a significant charge in just 30 minutes.
3. You can charge overnight
By charging your EV overnight, early morning trips to the gas station become unnecessary. You’ll wake up to a fully charged vehicle, which can often last you through a week of regular driving.
Most electric vehicles provide the option to monitor charging through a smartphone app, helping you keep track of reaching a complete charge.
A great suggestion is to find out the off-peak hours for your electricity plan and try to charge your EV during those times. Typically, these hours will be overnight, which is perfect for ensuring you’re ready for the day ahead.
4. You likely won’t tap into your full range regularly (with normal usage)
Most modern EVs have a range of about 200 miles per full charge, so you may find that charging is only necessary once a week. This should be sufficient for commuting to the office and back during the workweek, or for handling the school run.
Typically, a full charge at home will cost around £15, though this may vary based on where you plug in, the time of day, and the current electricity rate.
5. Electric car batteries endure longer than you might think
You may be concerned that your electric vehicle’s battery will deteriorate over time, but while some decline does occur, it is usually minimal.
You might notice a slight decrease in battery health each year, but this will generally be too minor to cause any significant difference.
On average, an EV battery can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years before it needs replacing, and most come with a warranty covering eight years or 100,000 miles.
6. There are backup solutions for emergencies
You may envision the worst-case scenario—running out of charge while driving.
It’s straightforward to keep an eye on your battery level while you’re on the road, and planning ahead by locating charging stations along your route should prevent you from ever reaching 0%.
If you do find yourself in a bind, many recovery services can come to your aid with a charge boost.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that your EV will enter a ‘failsafe’ mode if you run out of charge, providing you enough time to pull over safely.
Will cold weather affect my EV’s range?
Cold weather and electric vehicles
You might have heard that temperature can influence your electric vehicle’s mileage, and while this is partially correct, it does have an impact.
During extremely cold conditions, the efficiency of your EV’s battery may decrease, leading to a reduction in your range.
Depending on the EV model and the severity of the cold, you might experience as much as a 20% drop in the miles you can cover on a full charge.
The batteries in EVs depend on chemical reactions to function, and lower temperatures slow these reactions down.
It’s important to remember that gasoline and diesel vehicles typically suffer from reduced fuel efficiency during winter months as well, so your EV is not alone in this regard.
You can take certain measures to lessen the cold weather effects on your vehicle, such as preheating it while still charging and utilizing eco-driving mode whenever available.
Hot weather and electric vehicles
Extreme heat can also affect your electric vehicle’s mile range.
Heavy usage of air conditioning can drain your battery faster, and the high temperatures can disrupt the chemical reactions within the battery, reducing its overall charge.
Making minor adjustments—such as parking in shaded areas, using a lower-powered charger, allowing your car to cool off before plugging it in, and reducing air conditioning use—can help preserve battery health in hot conditions.
