For people either thinking about making the switch to an electric vehicle (EV) or are new to the world of EVs, you may have heard phrases such as, “range anxiety”, or the rarer “charge anxiety”. Whether you have heard of these or not, it is important that you understand them in order to overcome these minor, yet slightly worrying terms. Here, we will go through what these mean as well as ways you can manage or even overcome them.
What is range anxiety?
The term ‘range anxiety’ is given to the feeling of not knowing if the range on your vehicle will get you to your final destination.
Simply speaking, it is the exact same as the worry of whether your petrol or diesel vehicle will have enough fuel to get you from A to B.
The difference is that charging your electric vehicle is substantially easier, cheaper and more efficient than filling up your combustion vehicle. Despite popular belief, you also have more control over your EV’s range than a combustion vehicle.
So why is it an issue?
What’s the difference between range anxiety and charge anxiety?
When talking about range anxiety, it would seem that getting from A to B isn’t the only concern from an EV driver's perspective.
It seems to be very common for people with very little or no regular access to an EV charge point, to experience what in the EV world is referred to as ‘charge anxiety’.
Unlike range anxiety, this isn’t anxiety necessarily due to how many charge points there are, rather than the location or the reliability of the charge point.
This is a prime example of why having a charge point installed at your home gives an EV driver not just flexibility for when to charge, but convenience, reliability and peace of mind.
What is the average range of an electric vehicle?
From a Smart fortwo EQ with a 71-mile range to a Lucid Air Grand Touring with a staggering almost 600-mile range, the growth of EV technology and engineering has now given us a wide selection of EVs to choose from, suited for almost every type of driver.
Whether you want a small run-around for short trips to the shops and back, or you want a large saloon that’ll easily plough through the miles on the motorway, there’s now an EV for every type of driver.
Tesla is a fantastic example of a brand that understood the assignment and has given all its vehicles well over 300 miles of range.
The average range of electric vehicles has gone up by over 300% from 2011 to date.
The original Nissan LEAF would give around 70 miles per charge. However, now we see many vehicles reaching a range of well over 300 miles (on paper).
With the seemingly ever-increasing range of electric vehicles, it won’t be long before the concept of range anxiety becomes a thing of the past.
To give you an idea of the types of ranges modern EVs are capable of, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular EVs and their respective ranges below:
- Porsche Taycan - 255 miles.
- Polestar 2 - 341 miles.
- MG 5 - 210 miles.
- BMW i3 - 190 miles.
- Tesla Model 3 - 305 miles.
- Tesla Model S - 394 miles.
- BMW i4 - 301 miles.
- Renault Zoe - 238 miles.
- Nissan Leaf - 239 miles.
- Jaguar I-Pace - 255 miles.
What factors can impact an electric vehicle’s range?
There are a few big factors that contribute towards using more miles of range than necessary.
As most systems in your EV require electrical power directly from the battery itself, even having the radio off can help increase the range of your vehicle (although this admittedly has a very small impact).
However, some systems such as air conditioning, heating and heated seats can use up to 17% of the battery capacity. Find out more here.
Top tips for maximising your electric vehicle’s range
Okay, so at this point you may be thinking, “I now know what the issue is, but what can I do to maximise my EV’s range?”
Here are some proven tips from genuine EV drivers we spoke to, so you can maximise your electric vehicle’s range:
Drive as smoothly as possible
Just like with combustion vehicles, the way you drive can have a significant impact on the range of your electric vehicle (EV).
Rapid acceleration and hard braking consume more energy, reducing the distance you can travel on a single charge.
By adopting a smooth and gradual driving style, you can optimise the efficiency of your EV and maximise its range. Gentle acceleration and deceleration help to minimise energy losses and improve overall efficiency.
Take advantage of regenerative braking
One of the key features found in most, if not all, EVs and hybrid cars is regenerative braking.
This technology allows your vehicle to recover energy while braking or coasting.
When you release the accelerator pedal, the electric motor acts as a generator, converting kinetic energy back into electricity and storing it in the battery.
By utilising regenerative braking effectively, you can extend your EV's range. It's important to note that regenerative braking is typically more effective at lower speeds, so it's particularly beneficial in stop-and-go city traffic.
Turn off unnecessary features
To conserve energy and maximise your EV's range, it's advisable to turn off any unnecessary accessories that draw power from the vehicle’s battery.
For example, when you don't need them, consider turning off the air conditioning, heating, and heated seats. These features consume additional battery power, reducing the available range. Of course, comfort is important, so it's about finding the right balance and only using these features when necessary.
Charge when you can
By charging your EV daily with a home charge point, you will develop a habit that ensures your vehicle is always ready for your next trip. It eliminates the uncertainty of how much charge is left in the battery; allowing you to feel confident in your EV.
Start each day with 100%, and you will not only get in the habit of charging your vehicle daily, but it will also dramatically decrease your range anxiety.
Plan your journey effectively
Use public charging apps such as Zap Map. This is an app where you are able to find public charge points nationally.
The app also tells you how many are in each location as well as the type of charger and whether they are currently available
Additional tip - if your vehicle has an eco-driving mode, engage it to optimise your EV's efficiency and range. Eco-driving modes adjust various vehicle parameters such as throttle response, power output, and climate control settings to prioritise energy efficiency. By combining smooth driving techniques with the eco-mode, you can further enhance your EV's range and make the most of its capabilities.
If you also opt for a low-cost overnight energy tariff and combine it with all the above tips, you won’t just be maximising your vehicle's driving range, but also saving additional money through cheaper charging.
How to reduce range anxiety
Even if you follow all the tips above, you may still find yourself dealing with range anxiety.
Is there anything you can do to overcome or eliminate range anxiety? Below are some proven tactics.
Strategic route planning
Embark on longer journeys with confidence by dedicating time to plan your route meticulously, taking charging stations into account.
This may not sound fun for everyone, but with the aid of mobile apps, websites, or in-car navigation systems, it has never been easier to find charge points that are both accessible and compatible with your EV.
By incorporating necessary charging stops along your journey, you can eliminate worries about running out of power and ensure a smooth and uninterrupted ride.
Real-time charging updates
Stay well-informed about the rapidly evolving EV charging infrastructure by keeping up with real-time charging information.
Numerous apps and websites provide up-to-date data on charging station availability, compatibility, and charging speeds.
By staying in the loop, you can make informed decisions about when and where to charge, minimising any potential range anxiety and optimising your charging experience.
Explore alternative charging options
While public charging stations are commonly used, consider exploring alternative charging solutions for added peace of mind.
Alternative charging options include:
- Using a workplace EV charging point.
- Using EV chargers at shopping centres, hotels or public parking garages.
- Using ‘destination charging’ that is offered by a range of businesses.
These are all opportunities to top up your EV’s battery. Plus, by diversifying your charging options, you expand your flexibility and reduce range anxiety.
Engage with EV communities
Connect with fellow EV drivers through online forums, social media groups, or local EV clubs.
These communities serve as valuable sources of insights, first-hand experiences, and tips for overcoming range anxiety.
By engaging with like-minded individuals who have faced similar concerns, you gain confidence and acquire practical knowledge to enhance your EV journey.
Additionally, these communities provide a platform to stay informed about the latest charging infrastructure developments and receive valuable support.
Embrace an evolving charging landscape
Recognise and embrace the continuous evolution of the UK’s charging infrastructure.
Governments, businesses, and organisations are heavily investing in expanding the network of charging stations, advancing fast-charging technologies, and fostering innovative EV charging solutions.
Acknowledging these positive changes should provide more optimism and reduce EV range anxiety. Trust that the industry is actively addressing concerns and improving the overall charging experience for EV drivers.
Why you don’t need to worry about electric vehicle range anxiety
In conclusion, range anxiety doesn't need to be a concern when buying an EV.
By planning your journeys and taking the above tips to maximise your range, you can drive safe in the knowledge that you'll be able to get to your destination.
However, having a home charge point allows you to plan your journey thoroughly, essentially eliminating the need to charge more than necessary. To have your own home charge point that you know is available and can be trusted is an obvious investment for any EV owner that suffers from range anxiety.
By incorporating these additional tips alongside the previously mentioned recommendations, you empower yourself to overcome range anxiety and fully embrace the numerous benefits of electric vehicles. With an ever-growing charging infrastructure, advancing technology, and a supportive community, the future of EVs is promising. Range anxiety will gradually become a minor hurdle as the transition to sustainable transportation gains momentum.
Beat range anxiety with a home charge point
If you want to invest in a home EV charging point, then invest in the best - invest in the Andersen A2.
Not only is the A2 the only truly premium home EV charging point on the market, it’s packed with smart features, has the ability to integrate with home solar PV systems, and much more.
And, with over 12,000 happy customers and the fact that Andersen EV is the official charging partner of both Porsche and Jaguar Land Rover, you can be assured you’re in good company.
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