Why range anxiety shouldn’t hold you back from driving an electric car
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Electric Vehicle (EV) range anxiety. It’s an issue that anyone who drives an EV has probably experienced at some stage, but it’s also one of the most common barriers preventing people from making the switch to an EV.
It’s the fear that an EV’s battery will run out of power before reaching a destination or a suitable charging point, leaving the driver stranded. The reality is that range anxiety is largely a psychological hurdle rather than a practical one, especially with improvements in EV technology and infrastructure across the UK (there are more than 45,000 charging stations now in the UK).
In this blog, we’ll explore what range anxiety is, why it’s often a concern, and most importantly, how you can easily overcome it. With some simple planning and a little knowledge, you’ll see how driving an EV is not just feasible, but an exciting step towards a greener, more sustainable future.
What is range anxiety?
To boil it down even further, at its core, range anxiety refers to the fear that your electric vehicle will not have enough battery to complete a journey. For many, this anxiety stems from years of driving petrol or diesel cars, where fuel stations are more readily available and you’re more familiar with where to find them. Contrastingly, the notion of running out of charge in an EV can feel more daunting because electric charging infrastructure, while rapidly expanding, doesn’t yet match the volume of petrol stations. It’s also fair to say that some EVs typically will travel less miles before needing a ‘top up’ than a modern petrol or diesel car. It requires a big shift in mentality, but it’s more than achievable, as we’ll come onto…
Why electric car range anxiety is often overstated
While range anxiety can be a common concern, it is often unfounded. Here are a few key reasons that illustrate why range anxiety should not deter you from transitioning to an electric vehicle:
Improved battery technology
Modern electric vehicles have far greater range than many people realise. Gone are the days when an EV could only manage 100 miles on a single charge. Now, most mainstream electric cars offer ranges between 200 and 300 miles. Some top of the range models can even travel 400 miles or more between charges.
Average car journeys
The average car journey in the UK is around 8.4 miles according to data from the Department for Transport, meaning even smaller EV ranges are more than enough for the majority of daily journeys. Think about how you use your car and consider if you really need several hundreds of miles of range?
Expanding charging infrastructure
The UK’s charging infrastructure is rapidly growing to accommodate the increasing number of EVs on the road. There are more than 45,000 charging points across the country, with that number rising every month. Public charging stations are now available at supermarkets, car parks, motorway service stations, and even on residential streets in some areas. There are even some EV chargers that are completely free to use!
More efficient charging solutions
Fast charging technology has evolved significantly. Many EVs can now be charged to 80% of their battery capacity in 30-40 minutes using rapid chargers, which are often found at motorway service stations and other areas that have a lot of traffic. Ultra-rapid chargers are even faster, cutting that time down further. This makes EV charging on longer journeys much more convenient than it used to be.
How to overcome electric vehicle range anxiety
Although EV range and charging infrastructure have improved, there are other practical steps you can take to ease any lingering concerns about range anxiety and feel more confident behind the wheel of an EV:
Plan your journey in advance
A little preparation really does go a long way. Use journey planning tools and apps like Zap-Map or Google Maps, which allow you to view charging stations along your route. These tools can help you plan where to stop for a charge, ensuring you’re never caught short. Most modern EVs come equipped with their own navigation systems that provide real-time information on charging points, distances, and energy consumption.
Additionally, motorway service stations across the UK are increasingly well-equipped with fast and ultra-rapid charging points. With a bit of pre-planning, range anxiety can be virtually eliminated on long journeys.
Charge at home whenever possible
For the majority of EV owners, home charging is the most convenient and cost-effective solution. Installing a home charging unit allows you to plug in overnight and start each day with a charged battery, removing the need to rely on public charging stations for everyday use. If you don’t yet have one at home, the UK government does offer some incentives that can help reduce the cost of installing a home charger if you are eligible.
Understand real-world range
One of the keys to overcoming range anxiety is getting to know the real-world range of your vehicle. Manufacturers typically provide a range estimate for each EV, but this can vary based on factors like driving style, weather conditions, and load. After a short period of driving your EV, you’ll become familiar with how these factors impact your range, which can help you feel more confident about your car’s capabilities.
In addition, most EVs offer energy-saving driving modes, which can extend your range when needed. Features like regenerative braking also help to conserve and recover energy while driving.
Make use of charging networks
Many companies now offer subscription services that give you access to vast networks of charging points across the country. Services such as BP Pulse, Shell Recharge, and Instavolt have thousands of stations available nationwide. Signing up for one of these services ensures you always have access to a charging station when you need it.
Public charging stations are also increasingly offering contactless payment options, making it easier and more convenient to charge on the go without the need for multiple membership cards.
Breakdown cover and roadside assistance
Most breakdown companies have also updated their policies to include electric cars, so even if you did run out of battery somewhere inconvenient, help would never be far away. Some providers have generators within their roadside assistance vehicles and will give you enough charge to get to a safe destination, whereas others may actually tow you to the nearest charging point so you can recharge the battery there. Just like with petrol and diesel cars, these companies will aim to get you back on the road as soon as possible. Just make sure you have the right level of cover in place and if in doubt, get in touch with them to double-check what they will cover.
Is the end in sight for electric car range anxiety?
As EV technology continues to improve, it’s likely that range anxiety will become a thing of the past. Battery technology is advancing at a rapid pace, with new innovations promising even greater energy capacity and faster charging times. Additionally, more charging infrastructure is being built, meaning that over time, finding a charging point will be as easy as finding a petrol station today.
Range anxiety may have been a valid concern in the early days of electric vehicles, but times have changed. Modern EVs are now designed to meet the demands of most types of drivers. By planning ahead, utilising home charging, and familiarising yourself with your EV’s range and the charging infrastructure accessible through numerous apps, you’ll quickly find that range anxiety is easily overcome.
The shift to electric vehicle driving is not only beneficial for the environment but can also bring about significant savings in running costs. So, don’t let the fear of running out of charge hold you back – the future of driving is electric, and it’s more accessible than ever.
If you want more information on range anxiety, take a look at our Ultimate Guide to Electric Car Range.
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