Range anxiety is one of the top concerns for potential electric vehicle buyers. But new research indicates this concern may not be warranted for most EV drivers, according to a comprehensive study.
It’s also a challenge that could soon be overcome, thanks to advances in battery technology and charging infrastructure. Read on to discover how you can minimize this common EV driver concern.
1. Know Your Battery Capacity
Range anxiety is a common concern among EV owners and potential purchasers alike. But with some knowledge of your vehicle and an understanding of driving habits, you can effectively combat range anxiety and reap all its rewards – no matter which route you take!
The initial step to reduce electric vehicle range anxiety is knowing your battery capacity. This information will determine how long you have when out driving and how quickly you can recharge your electric car.
If you’re uncertain of your EV’s battery capacity, downloading an app to measure its capacity can be beneficial. This is particularly helpful if planning long distance trips and need to know how long a full charge will last you.
However, other factors can also impact your electric range. These include your driving habits, route taken and which charging stations you plan on using during your journey.
When planning a long journey, it is ideal to ensure your electric vehicle (EV) is fully charged before setting out. Doing this ensures you will have enough power for the duration of your journey and won’t get stranded due to low battery.
Another smart idea is to plan out stops for charges based on your vehicle’s range. Instead of waiting until there’s zero charge left, make sure you keep topping up throughout the day. Just like petrol and diesel cars, electric vehicles (EVs) will alert you when their batteries are running low.
2. Know Your Driving Habits
Range anxiety is a common fear among electric vehicle (EV) drivers. This is because EVs have limited range compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, so you need to plan your trips carefully.
Thankfully, electric vehicles boast a sophisticated range predictor that makes planning your trip easier. Based on your battery level and driving history, EVs will show you how far you can drive based on how far the battery will charge up.
Many people worry that they might run out of power before reaching their destination. This fear, known as range anxiety, can be incredibly frustrating.
Drivers have become accustomed to passing gas stations on their way to work, and now charging stations too. While it may seem like an incongruent relationship, having more charging stations along your journey reduces the likelihood of experiencing range anxiety.
So how can you reduce this worry? Here are a few suggestions:
1. Be aware of your driving habits.
Whether you’re just getting used to driving an EV or have been doing so for years, remember that sudden stops and starts, speed up/slow down, as well as frequent engine on/off cycles will drain more power from your battery faster.
2. Be mindful of your blind spots.
Checking both rearview and side mirrors is a good habit for all drivers, but especially important when driving an electric vehicle (EV). Doing this helps you avoid hitting other cars or pedestrians when changing lanes.
3. Always utilize your turn signals when turning or shifting lanes.
Lastly, remember that you can charge your electric vehicle at home or at work; this will guarantee the battery is always ready to go when needed.
3. Know Your Routes
Many EV drivers experience range anxiety as a legitimate worry, which can be paralyzing and lead to some people opting out of purchasing an electric vehicle. Unfortunately, this fear is sometimes unavoidable and may even prevent them from making a purchase altogether.
Fortunately, the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles (EVs) is expanding, making it less likely that you will run out of range on a long journey. Furthermore, the average range of an EV has significantly increased over time.
With more miles driven, you will become familiar with your vehicle’s range and be able to plan accordingly. Factors like speed, driving conditions, cargo weight and outside temperature should also be taken into account when creating a route plan.
Once you have a clear plan and feel confident about reaching your destinations, EV range anxiety will decrease. This is especially helpful when taking long road trips or other extended driving days.
Avoiding EV range anxiety by planning ahead and having all necessary charging stops planned out ahead of time is the best way to go. This is especially beneficial when taking a long trip or visiting an unfamiliar area, as you’ll be able to map out where you should stop for charging along the way.
For added peace of mind when driving long distances, utilize an EV route-planning app. These tools will inform you when and where to charge, as well as help locate the fastest chargers nearby.
Finally, the best way to alleviate range anxiety is by increasing access to charging stations and making them available to all electric drivers. Thankfully, companies working towards solving this problem are making progress in this area.
4. Know Your Charging Stations
Range anxiety is a common worry among electric vehicle drivers. Because electric cars aren’t as accessible or commonplace as gas-powered vehicles, it’s understandable for an EV driver to worry that their battery may run out and leave them stranded on the road.
However, knowing where public charging stations are located can help ease your EV range anxiety. There are various apps and websites that provide this information such as PlugShare, Open Charge Map, and ChargeHub.
If you’re planning a long drive and need to conserve battery power, knowing where to stop is essential. Furthermore, many electric vehicles (EVs) can be charged at home; thus, if you have an EV charger installed in your garage or driveway, then using gas may not be as necessary.
The average electric vehicle (EV) has seen dramatic improvements in terms of driving range, with many now capable of covering up to 300 miles on a single charge. However, it’s worth remembering that public charging may still be scarce or unavailable in certain places.
Thankfully, the EV charging infrastructure is evolving to meet the demands of modern EV drivers, meaning there are more stations available now than ever before. Even if there aren’t many stations nearby, look for ones offering time-of-use rates like free nights or weekends.
Thankfully, electric vehicle (EV) batteries are becoming more advanced and intelligent, so they can anticipate when you’ll need a charge and make it simpler to recharge your vehicle. Furthermore, the EV charging station itself will continue to improve with advances such as battery swapping and range extenders.
5. Know Your Vehicle
Range anxiety is a common worry among electric vehicle drivers and fleet managers. This stems from an ignorance of the practical distinctions between electric cars and their internal combustion engine counterparts, such as how far an EV can travel on one charge and where charging stations are located.
The range of an electric car is determined by several factors, including your driving style, terrain you traverse and vehicle weight. By taking these things into consideration, you can reduce EV range anxiety and make the most of your battery’s capacity.
As technology develops, electric vehicle (EV) drivers can expect to travel further on a single charge. This could cause an unfamiliar type of anxiety called ‘charge anxiety’.
Range anxiety remains a major obstacle to greater EV adoption, but it should be remembered that this issue stems more from psychological factors than actual range or charging point availability.
Fortunately, EV drivers have access to a wealth of tools and best practices that can help ease their worries. One of the most useful is becoming familiar with your vehicle and how it performs when driven.
New EV drivers in particular will find this to be especially beneficial. It provides an opportunity to become acquainted with the basic functions of your electric vehicle, easing any range anxiety you may experience as quickly as possible.
By knowing your car’s battery capacity, you can ensure you always have enough juice for any journey. Plus, getting a home charger is beneficial; it allows you to charge your vehicle while away at work or school at night while still staying productive.