Many potential electric vehicle drivers suffer from range anxiety, the fear that their car’s battery will die on them mid-trip. The truth is that scenario is not very likely to happen. Sure, if you drive far enough without charging, your car will eventually die. However, that same principle applies to any car that runs on petrol or diesel.
So, why is this any different? What is range anxiety? Is it warranted? And does the current EV infrastructure support the number of vehicles on the road?
What is range anxiety?
Range anxiety is a term that you may have heard people use when talking about electric cars. Putting this in its simplest terms, it is worrying that you don’t have enough charge in your car to make it to your destination. It is a feeling that is experienced by drivers of conventional ICE cars. Have you ever wondered if they have enough diesel or petrol to make it to the next fueling station? Range anxiety is one of the major barriers to the global adaptation to all-electric cars.
A recent study found by the AA discovered that 99% of drivers were wrongly concerned about range anxiety with many of that number overestimating how often they would drain their EV battery.
Range anxiety is a very real concern for EV drivers who own private driveways and private off-street charging, but for the third of UK homeowners who don’t have this luxury, public charging anxiety becomes a stopping point from changing over to EV.
However, the charging infrastructure throughout the UK is improving, Ofgem have recently invested £300 million to increase the number of rapid charge points. While any sort of investment within the charging infrastructure is positive, there needs to be an immediate action to resolve continuous issues that drivers without private driveways face.
Drivers who are considering buying an EV vehicle should not be asking themselves questions such as “what will happen if I can’t find a charger close to home?” and “how will I know the charger is working before I arrive?” The key to resolving these issues is understanding how business can support these problems and understanding what the public charging issues are.
In the UK, the average real-world range of EVs in 2021 is 173.98miles on a full charge—excluding all Tesla models. So, we're talking nearly 186.41 miles for the average, affordable electric car. And across Europe, at least before the pandemic, European workers commuted an average of just 18miles per day. With ongoing and significant charging infrastructure development across the UK, and with technological advances drastically reducing charge times, range anxiety is not the problem we think it is.
Public charge issues: what are they?
Throughout recent years there has been a huge amount of investment in charging infrastructure across the UK, but it is still lacking in the level of coverage needed to put people’s minds at ease. Looking into the findings from Go Compare’s recent study found that by 2030 there will be 197 EVs per rapid charger in the UK.
Public charge point providers need to use technology to their advantage to offer a better service. Delivering a reliable and easy-to-use network of chargers that will alleviate many concerns drivers have around public charging.
Positives to this is that technology is advancing, and more and more products are coming on the market that allows EV drivers to use several different charge point providers through one simple app. Creating a more streamlined approach that will allow those who must rely on public charge points more flexibility when looking to charge their car.
Larger and larger businesses are looking to improve the UK’s charging infrastructure and availability. Shell is planning to install hundreds of thousands of new charge points in the UK, while Tesla is opening up its rapid charge points to any vehicle in the coming months, alongside Gridserve who is upping their number of EV chargers up and down the country. Offering easier ways to use the UK’s public charging network and providing more charge points across the UK will help to alleviate the pressure and concern many have about public charging.
Unfortunately, there is no one way we can end charging anxiety for those without private driveways, a positive thought is to see this level of investment and the interesting ways technology can be used to diminish this stress. Without a doubt, those without private driveways may have more questions and concerns before making the switch, but with the help of future technological charging advancements which are being consistently developed, we should hopefully see charging anxiety become a problem of the past.
What about long-haul travel?
This is probably the hardest transition for EV owners. It helps to switch your mindset from "I will get there as fast as possible" to "I will enjoy this journey—and it won't take much longer than a petrol car!" The reality is that investment in EV charging infrastructure is through the roof. With the mass adoption of rapid charging, cars are seeing 10% to 80% charge in as little as 10-20 minutes. It pays to plan, if you need to recharge en-route, it’s good to have an idea of when and where you’ll need to stop. We’d recommend downloading a smartphone app such as Zap-Map, PlugShare, or WattsUp. These use live network data to show you where charge points are, how much they cost to use and even if someone is using them! Most of the apps also have a navigation function, which means you can choose your charger and let the app guide you there. These apps collect data from live info off major networks and give an overall picture of what is available.
Another tip to help with long haul travel is to use route planning apps such as Google Maps or Waze, these are brilliant for working out how far your destination is and how long it will take you to get there. However, most will try to take you via motorways because the algorithm will always assume that 70mph roads will get you to your destination quicker. If you’re driving an EV, it’s worth checking if there’s a more direct route on A or B roads (most apps will give you a few alternatives). Electric cars use more power at motorway speeds than they do at 60mph, so if you can take A-roads and shave 20 miles off your journey, you’ll get a double benefit. It might take you 15 minutes longer by avoiding the motorway, but it could be the difference between being able to reach your destination or having to stop again. Plus, if you opt for A-roads, you’ll be closer to a bigger number of rapid charger locations.
Plug-in hybrids are an answer to an easier switch…
Finally, a way to help ease yourself into the world of electric is to consider plug-in hybrids, a pure electric vehicle runs entirely on battery power however the sister to this is plug-in hybrids, these essentially have an electric battery paired alongside a traditional internal combustion engine, drivers use their electrical power where possible, but have a significant extra range at the ready thanks to their petrol or diesel tank.
This kind of 'gateway car' is extremely popular for those entering the EV market for the first time. If you’re worried about being stranded on a 0% charge, this option is well worth exploring. A plug-in hybrid will help start the transition into the world of EV, if you’ve still got range anxiety this option is a great way to help. This allows for you to plan your trips as normal, with the bonus of helping your planet and keeping you on the move.
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