What is EV Range Anxiety?

When you think of an electric car, what crosses your mind first? For many motorists, the amount of miles they will be able to travel on a single charge is a prominent thought and concern. Known as ‘range anxiety’, this fear is holding many drivers back from making the switch to a battery-powered vehicle.

In this article, we discuss range anxiety in more detail by addressing drivers' concerns, how it can be overcome, and talk about the future of electric car range and what that means in terms of mileage capabilities. Read on to find out more…  

What is meant by ‘range anxiety’?

Range anxiety refers to the fear that an electric vehicle (EV) has insufficient range on a single charge. Some drivers assume that an EV won’t be able to reach its destination or make it to the next charging point, leading to the vehicle running out of power while driving. 

While range anxiety can be a real concern for motorists, the reality is far removed from the fear itself. With EV technology developing at a rapid rate, electric cars are becoming more capable than ever of achieving long-mileage distances and we are on the cusp of welcoming vehicles that can easily achieve 500 miles per full charge. 

How do you overcome range anxiety?

First and foremost, research and understanding is the ideal step to take when overcoming the fear of range anxiety. To help you progress, here are six effective ways to deal with electric vehicle range anxiety:

1. Plan routes in advance - Map out destinations ahead of time and identify charging stations along the way. Apps like ZapMap UK show charging points compatible with your vehicle in locations all over the country.

2. Learn your vehicle's true range - The range advertised by manufacturers is often optimistic, although it is achievable. Manage your expectations and pay attention to the ‘real-world’ range so you are aware of the actual distances you can reliably drive during a full charge. 

3. Use eco-friendly driving habits - Go easy when accelerating and braking, avoid excessive speeding, turn off the air-con when possible, and reduce cargo weight to maximise the range to its fullest.

4. Charge frequently when possible - Try to charge your EV anytime you have the opportunity, even if your battery has a decent amount of charge left. Think of the process like charging a mobile phone, when it’s likely you’ll pre-empt the usage and keep topped up at all times.

5. Look into emergency charging options - Although we hope you won’t need to rely on emergency measures, be aware that some roadside assistance services provide mobile charging to help you get to the next charging point safely. 

6. Consider an extra charger - Keeping a portable charger in your vehicle provides backup charging and flexibility when needed.

Is EV range anxiety a thing of the past?

In the last couple of years, we have seen electric cars develop beyond the limitations of 200 miles and under. Many EVs now offer a range of around 300 miles per full charge, which is more than enough to accommodate the average UK driver’s needs. 

Some car manufacturers have developed range extender technology to exceed 400 miles on average, and 2024 looks set to welcome models that will achieve the golden 500-mile goal - watch this space! 

So in summary, although electric vehicle range anxiety is not yet a thing of the past, the situation is dramatically improving and providing drivers with the confidence they need to invest in a fully electric or hybrid car. 

Will electric cars have more range in the future?

Yes, electric vehicles will certainly continue to have increased range capabilities in the coming years. There are a few key reasons why EV ranges are expected to continue improving at a rapid rate:

• Battery technology innovations - Lithium-ion batteries are becoming more energy-dense through chemistry adjustments and nanostructuring, which means they have the capabilities to store a larger amount of energy that translates directly into more range.
• Software and efficiency optimisations - Car manufacturers are refining drivetrains and software to squeeze out every last bit of efficiency from EV batteries. Smart routing systems will also improve the range capabilities in new models.
• Platform flexibility - Motor and battery components are being designed to accommodate larger battery packs in order to increase mileage per charge. New platforms can integrate advanced technologies more seamlessly and improve on existing models.
• Charging infrastructure growth - Expanding access to public chargers and increasing home charging options will allow bigger batteries to be charged conveniently to maximise their full range.
• Customer demands - As range anxiety alleviates along with other improvements, consumer demands for EVs will drive further innovation from manufacturers in what is essentially an extremely competitive marketplace.

Explore electric cars you can rely on at EMG Motor Group

Here at EMG Motor Group, we are proud to represent some of the world’s most popular marques, such as Kia, MG, Mazda, and Nissan. Each boasting its own range of electric cars, we stock both new and used EVs of all shapes and sizes. 

We are passionate about pairing motorists with their dream drive and our expert team is on hand to guide you every step of the way. With dealerships located across the east of England, we welcome you to visit us in person or you can view all of our electric cars via our online showroom. 

Want to know more about EVs? Discover some of the best low and zero-emission SUVs by reading our article highlighting the top electric and hybrid sports utility vehicles. If you are part of the Motability scheme, find out what electric cars are available to drive on Motability in our blog dedicated to the topic.