How to beat EV range anxiety
Tuesday 14th January 2025
With more people making the transition from combustion vehicles to electric cars, a concern most new owners have is range anxiety. If you are making the transition from a petrol-powered car to an EV, you may ask yourself the following questions:
- what if my EV runs out before I get to a charging station?
- is the range on my EV suitable for long-distance driving?
- does the area I’m visiting have the charging infrastructure for my EV?
Here, our article covers more about EV range anxiety while also providing tips to beat it.
Firstly, what is range anxiety?
Range anxiety is worrying that your electric vehicle may run out of charge due to a lack of range or charging infrastructure.
This is more likely when driving long distances on motorways, dual carriageways and A roads, where there are limited charging points available. Over time, as your EV ages, the battery will degrade, decreasing its driving range. It can leave you questioning if your electric car can get you from A to B.
Like managing your petrol tank in a combustion car, EV range anxiety can be avoided by planning well ahead before a journey.
What is the average range for an EV?
Range will vary dependent on the make, model and age of the vehicle. Running the air con or heating will also use additional power and reduce the range capability of your car. The average range for an electric car can vary from 150 miles up to 400+ miles. As EV battery technology continues to develop and mature, it means EVs can travel further, reducing any worries you have about range anxiety.
Is there a difference between charge anxiety and range anxiety?
Charge anxiety refers to owners having negative feelings about using and accessing EV charging points. Range anxiety is when an EV owner is concerned about how long the vehicle can run on a single charge.
What can I do to reduce EV range anxiety?
EV range anxiety can be prevented by planning your route in advance so that you know how many miles you will be travelling and where you can stop to recharge your EV if necessary. Here’s how you can reduce range anxiety with our tips:
Install a home charger
Having an EV charger installed outside your home can make it quick and convenient to charge your EV without going to a public charging pod. It can reduce your vehicle’s running costs while ensuring you have enough range for short and long-distance trips.
Practice good driving habits
Adjusting your driving habits, such as braking and accelerating smoothly, can save your EV energy and give you more range. You could also consider the following actions to increase range:
- set the regenerative braking feature to the maximum level
- switch off the air conditioning system for short journeys
- drive your EV below the speed limit
- avoid braking harshly at traffic lights and roundabouts
Forward plan with long-distance journeys
With long-distance journeys and road trips, planning your routes before you set off is essential and will help prevent range and charge anxiety. Calculate the mileage for your journey in advance and use an EV charging app to locate charging points along your route.
Monitor battery health and capacity
Many EVs have a battery monitoring system (BMS) built-in that monitors your car’s battery life. The BMS is a software control system that can estimate the car’s range, based on operational variables, such as current weather conditions. It means you know how much charge you have left before setting off.
Have you noticed that your EV’s range is continuing to reduce over time? Your battery may need replacing. Learn more about how long batteries last on electric vehicles with our helpful article.
Ensure your EV remains safe and roadworthy by booking your upcoming MOT test at your local Formula One Autocentres branch today.
