The fear of running out of battery power before reaching a charging station has been a significant concern in the adoption of electric vehicles. Thus, it is important to discuss and understand the latest range anxiety statistics along with appropriate measures to alleviate this apprehension.
What is EV Range Anxiety?
EV Range Anxiety is a common experience among electric vehicle owners. It arises when the battery runs low and charging options are scarce. This electric vehicle charging anxiety or fear of being stranded disrupts journeys, causing stress. Research reveals that limited driving range and inadequate charging infrastructure discourage people from considering EVs for their next vehicle purchase. So, it’s important to learn what is EV range anxiety and what are the factors responsible for it.
This apprehension often stems from unexpected events that disrupt an electric car owner’s routine. Imagine being asked to run an errand on short notice, but your car isn’t fully charged. Depending on the destination and task, finding a charging station becomes urgent. If time is of the essence, you hope you have enough charge for the task and to reach a charging point.
Interestingly, this anxiety isn’t exclusive to EVs; conventional gasoline vehicles also invoke it. Running low on fuel and struggling to locate a gas station triggers a similar feeling of dread. However, finding a gas station tends to be more straightforward than locating a charging point.
EV Range Anxiety Survey – What Do the Reports Imply?
The rise of EVs is inevitable; made more so because of tech-savvy luxury car enthusiasts and easy home charging setups. Away from home, people can comfortably rely on apps to find paid charging stations.
Tesla’s Supercharger network offers convenience, covering extensive distances. Still, even early adopters and affluent EV users grapple with EV charging and range anxiety, highlighting the need for continued solutions. As per certain reports, some people have claimed to have range anxiety with Tesla too as they wonder if Supercharging is bad for Tesla batteries.
A study conducted by Castrol suggested that for electric cars to be widely accepted, they need to have a multitude of ranges. However, the good news is that this range requirement is already being met, and there are additional reasons why the electric vehicle range should not pose a concern when choosing a car. This explains what is electric vehicle range anxiety and the significance of the EV range anxiety survey.
8 Factors that Affect Electric Vehicle Range
After learning about the Electric Vehicle range anxiety survey, let’s go through the different factors that can impact your EV’s range. Here are a few of them explained:
1. Battery Size
The main thing that affects range anxiety in electric vehicles is their battery size. This is how much electricity it can hold. The battery’s energy density also matters. Over time, the battery’s capacity decreases due to charging.
Also Read: Breaking the Range Anxiety: A Fresh Look at Electric Vehicle Batteries
2. Wind Speed and Direction
Wind, especially headwinds, affects EVs. More resistance from the wind makes the car work harder, using more energy. Cars designed for better aerodynamics (how smoothly they move through the air) have longer ranges.
3. Warm-up Time
Starting with a cold car uses more power. The first few kilometers are less efficient until the battery and inside of the car warm up. Preheating while connected to a charger saves battery power.
4. Driving Style and Habits
Just like with regular cars, your driving style affects an EV’s range. Being gentle saves energy, but driving fast and aggressively uses more. Therefore, to maintain range, anticipate stops and avoid quick accelerations.
Also See: Can You Use a Portable Solar Charger for Electric Car?
5. Air Conditioning
Using air conditioning affects the range of your electric car, just like in regular cars. Since both heating and cooling use energy, employ efficient ways to keep your car warm by using seat heaters and lowering the temperature.
6. Load Carrying Capacity
Carrying more weight makes the car work harder and use more energy. More passengers and luggage mean less efficiency, as they put more strain on the car.
7. Tire Conditions
Old or worn-out tires impact an EV’s performance. It is essential to maintain proper tire pressure matters and note that low pressure makes the car less efficient.
Also See: Tearing Down Misconceptions: Most Common Electric Vehicle Tire Myths Busted
8. Terrain and Road Conditions
Going uphill uses more energy, while downhill driving can recover some energy. The road’s condition also impacts its efficiency, with bumpy roads being less efficient.
Knowing these factors helps you understand how to get the most out of your EV’s range.
Also See: Debunking the Top 10 Myths About Electric Cars: Separating Fact from Fiction
Why You Shouldn’t Stress about EV Range?
Don’t let the range anxiety bother you too much, we’ll tell you why you should stop worrying about the range of your vehicle.
Here are five compelling reasons to eliminate any worries about range anxiety:
1. Charging Convenience at Home
Picture being able to refuel your gas guzzler right at home. With electric vehicles (EVs), this becomes a reality through personal electric vehicle charging stations. By enlisting an EV charging installer, you can equip your garage or driveway with a charging point, ensuring each journey begins with a full battery and without range concerns. In this way, you can deal with your EV charging anxiety issues.
If you own a Ford, especially the Mustang Mach-E, check out our blog – Everything You Need to Know About Charging a Ford Mustang Mach-E
2. Ample Battery Range
The battery range of EVs surpasses the typical daily travel distance for the average U.S. driver. In 2019, the Federal Highway Administration noted that the average daily mileage was 39 miles. EVs comfortably cover these distances and more, with an average range of 200 to 300 miles, extending up to an impressive 400 to 500 miles. Leading this range race is the Lucid Air Dream, boasting an exceptional 520-mile range on a single charge.
3. Regenerative Braking
Regenerative braking, a process where EVs recapture kinetic energy during braking to recharge the batteries, enhances efficiency, particularly during local driving. Although regenerative braking might not significantly boost battery life in one instance, its cumulative effect over a drive can be substantial.
Also Read: 16 Clever Ways to Protect Yourself from EV Charging Cable Theft
4. Widespread Charging Infrastructure
Electric vehicle charging stations are widely accessible, both in expected and surprising locations. Found in public spaces, highways, commercial sites, workplaces, and more, these stations are expanding across the country. Platforms like ChargeHub and PlugShare offer comprehensive maps, revealing the increasing number of stations, even in your vicinity. If you are running out of charge and experiencing EV charging anxiety, there are several alternatives available, including options such as Ford chargers and Tesla Superchargers.
5. Rapid Charging Capabilities
Achieving a sufficient EV battery charge takes less time than you might think. In as little as 15 to 30 minutes, a DC fast charging station can replenish 80 percent of an EV’s battery. These stations are available in public areas, highway stops, commercial fleets, and even major retailers like Walmart, collaborating with Electrify America to introduce over 120 DC fast chargers nationwide. The network of these fast chargers in the U.S. continues to expand steadily.
Also Read: What is a DIY Solar EV Charging Station?
What are EV Range and Charging Anxiety Solutions?
After going through EV range anxiety, you must be curious about range anxiety solutions.
1. Opt for a Plug-In Hybrid
The American Automobile Association (AAA) states that the average American drives about 31 miles each day. Any electric car can cover this distance with a full battery, even the Mitsubishi i-MiEV. But, what if unexpected plans require much more, like 620 miles in a day?
Choosing a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) can erase range anxiety. PHEVs run on electricity for short trips, like daily commutes. Once the battery dips, a gasoline engine starts, working like a regular hybrid. As long as you recharge or find a gas station when the tank is low, a PHEV won’t leave you stranded.
The best part is that PHEVs recharge using a regular outlet, no special gear is needed except the included charging cord.
2. Install a Home Charging Point
Over 80% of battery charging happens at home, usually overnight, says the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Simply plug in your electric car every night, unless an unexpected day requires more. This will help you manage your Electric Vehicle charging anxiety concerns. If you’re interested in understanding its compatibility with a standard outlet, take a look at our blog post – Can You Plug an Electric Car Into a Regular Outlet?
Installing a home charging station is simple, though it might cost a bit. It needs a professional setup, potentially an electrical upgrade for older homes. The advantage is you’ll no longer be required to visit gas stations or worry about oil changes.
3. Rent Gasoline Vehicles for Long Trips
Taking your electric car on a road trip needs planning and patience, with charging stations and time periods to consider. Choose a PHEV or rent a gas car for fewer hassles and less wear on your own vehicle.
Also See: EVs Being Overweight in Comparison to Gas Vehicles is Causing Safety Issues
4. Prepare for Extended Journeys
When embarking on a lengthy trip, make sure to plot your route ahead and locate charging stations on the way. Make use of digital tools and smartphone apps that offer details about charging point positions and their accessibility.
5. Join a National Charging Network
Sometimes you need to charge away from home or work (if they offer charging). National networks like Chargepoint or Electrify America provide easy access, similar to Tesla’s Superchargers. Their apps help find open stations. You can also set up auto-pay on the app for seamless charging without cash or cards.
Remember, don’t wait until nearly empty when away from home; charging stations are scarcer than gas pumps.
6. Use Charging Station Finder Apps
Make the most of smartphone applications that offer up-to-the-minute updates on nearby charging stations’ availability and operational status. This will aid in mapping out your breaks, ensuring charging points are easily available as required.
For a complete guide to these charging points, check out the 16 Best EV Charging Apps in Europe.
7. Maintain Your Vehicle in Good Condition
Consistently caring for your EV, which involves monitoring tire pressure, checking battery health, and updating software, improves its efficiency and overall range.
8. Go Easy on Speed
Speeding can noticeably decrease how far an electric vehicle can go. Opt for a steady pace, avoiding quick accelerations, to save energy and stretch your EV’s range.
Thus it is important to familiarize yourself with the abilities and constraints of your particular EV model. Grasping range projections, charging durations, and the existing charging network can empower you to make well-informed choices and minimize concerns about range anxiety.
As EV technology advances and charging infrastructure expands, range anxiety is improving. Car manufacturers are now focusing on improving battery ranges, growing their charging networks, and catering to consumer needs. The latest EV updates will let us know about the tomorrow of range anxiety. Till then, keep moving through the latest updates and blogs on our website to stay connected to the future of mobility!
Source: What is range anxiety and how does it affect EV buyers?
