Range anxiety is something all EV drivers feel while driving their vehicle. It is one of the major psychological barriers that prevents people from buying an EV. Range anxiety is the feeling that the EV will not reach the destination and will be discharged. This anxiety is particularly prominent when considering long-distance travel, as charging stations can be few and far between on some stretches of road.
Range anxiety occurs due to various factors affecting the EV owners. This includes the range of the EV itself, availability of charging infrastructure, driver’s driving style and last but not the least weather conditions.
Factors affecting range anxiety:
Range of the EV: The range of an electric vehicle (EV) is a major factor in range anxiety. If an EV has a short range, drivers may worry that they will not be able to make it to their destination without running out of battery power. This can be a major barrier to adoption of EVs, as it can make drivers feel uncertain about their ability to travel long distances or take road trips.
Transport needs of people differ a lot in present time. The region, weather, battery’s state of charge everything creates an affect over the EV. Also, the range of different EV vehicles differ from each other.
Charging infrastructure: The power grid at home provides level 2 charging by which the EV cannot be charged over-night. The distance between home to a public charging station creates a worry in the mind of the drivers.
Although people are adopting EVs but the EV charging stations are still less prevalent, providing limited source to the drivers. If there are not enough charging stations available, drivers may worry that they will not be able to find a station when they need one. This can be a particular problem in rural areas, where charging stations may be scarcer.
Driving habits: The range of EV also decreases because of the harsh driving habits of the drivers. Sudden accelerating and rapid braking puts strain on the battery and it degrades its energy. This also results in shorter range capabilities. This happens because the battery needs to provide more power when you accelerate quickly or brake suddenly.
Ways to overcome your range anxiety:
Get familiar with the range of your EV: Know how far your EV can go on a single charge, and how that range can be affected by factors like speed, weather, and cargo weight.
Plan your routes carefully: Consider the distance you need to travel, and make sure there are charging stations along the way. You can use a charging station app to help you find the nearest stations for your needs.
Maintenance of the vehicle: every vehicle comes with a manufacturer recommended maintenance schedule which should be followed to ensure that your EV’s battery and other components are properly maintained. Proper maintenance of the EV can help to improve its range and can reduce range anxiety.
