What is Range Anxiety for Electric Cars?
Range anxiety—worrying about whether your battery will run out of juice between charges—plagues electric vehicle owners. Fortunately, automakers are finding ways to extend the range of electric cars.
If you’re thinking about purchasing an EV, it’s smart to think about range and how it will affect you.
What Causes Range Anxiety?
Driving an electric vehicle is a lifestyle. It brings totally different logistics and considerations than a gas vehicle does. On the one hand, you don’t have to pay for gas. On the other hand, you’re forced to operate within the constraints of an electric battery that needs to be recharged.
1. Limited range: The range of most EVs is less on a full charge than most internal combustion vehicles can go on a tank of gas. Some high-range EVs are breaking this trend.
2. Time to charge: it takes a lot longer to charge an EV than it does to fill your car with gas—even at a fast charging station
3. Lack of widespread charging infrastructure: the limited availability of public charging stations, especially in certain areas, contributes to the fear of being stranded with a depleted battery.
1. Limited range: The range of most EVs is less on a full charge than most internal combustion vehicles can go on a tank of gas. Some high-range EVs are breaking this trend.
2. Time to charge: it takes a lot longer to charge an EV than it does to fill your car with gas—even at a fast charging station
3. Lack of widespread charging infrastructure: the limited availability of public charging stations, especially in certain areas, contributes to the fear of being stranded with a depleted battery.
How To Combat Range Anxiety?
Dealing with that looming fear of running out of battery before reaching your destination is one of the biggest hurdles for many EV drivers.
But don't let it cramp your greenhouse gas emission-free style! Try implementing these range anxiety-busting tips:
With a little strategic planning for home charging routines and quick top-ups at the right public chargers, range anxiety becomes way more manageable.
But don't let it cramp your greenhouse gas emission-free style! Try implementing these range anxiety-busting tips:
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Install a Level 2 home charging setup and make "wake up to a full battery" your new morning mantra. An overnight charge will let you start every day with maximum range.
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Locate and plan stops at high-speed DC fast chargers along your route. Smartphone apps and in-car navigation can point you to the quickest public charging options.
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Take advantage of charging networks like Tesla's Superchargers or Electrify America that specialize in ultra-rapid charging solutions.
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If your EV offers battery preconditioning, use it. This preps the battery for optimal temperatures during charging to speed up the process.
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Pick charging locations with amenities like cafes, retail, or parks so you can be productive instead of impatiently waiting around.
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On longer trips, do a mix of Level 2 and DC fast charging to maximize range while minimizing downtime.
With a little strategic planning for home charging routines and quick top-ups at the right public chargers, range anxiety becomes way more manageable.
Which EVs Have The Longest Driving Range?
Purchase an electric car with a high drive range to help lessen the anxiety. Lucky for you, electric vehicles are getting better at covering long distances on a single charge.
Here are the highest-range EVs:
Here are the highest-range EVs:
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Lucid Air: up to 516 miles of range
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Rivian R1T: up to 410 miles of range
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Tesla Model S: up to 402 miles of range
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Volkswagen ID.7 Pro Match: up to 384 miles of range
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Hyundai Ioniq 6: up to 361 miles of range
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Tesla Model 3: up to 358 miles of range
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Mercedes-EQ EQS Sedan: up to 350 miles of range
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BMW i7 xDrive60: up to 318 miles of range
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Hyundai Kona Electric: up to 258 miles of range
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Porsche Taycan: up to 246 miles of range
Is Charge Anxiety Different from Range Anxiety?
Charge anxiety and range anxiety go hand in hand for electric vehicle drivers. Imagine being low on battery and pulling up to a charging station only to find every spot taken, or the available charger is slow or out of order.
It can really mess up your plans when you don't have time to wait 30 minutes or more for a decent battery charge to get you where you need to go.
But things are getting better. With better charging options and faster technology, you can plan ahead to avoid these headaches. Plus, there's a national group called the ChargeX Consortium working on making the charging experience more reliable, which is a big help.
EV battery technology keeps improving too. Automakers are always trying to increase battery capacity so you can worry less about running out of juice when you're on the road.
It can really mess up your plans when you don't have time to wait 30 minutes or more for a decent battery charge to get you where you need to go.
But things are getting better. With better charging options and faster technology, you can plan ahead to avoid these headaches. Plus, there's a national group called the ChargeX Consortium working on making the charging experience more reliable, which is a big help.
EV battery technology keeps improving too. Automakers are always trying to increase battery capacity so you can worry less about running out of juice when you're on the road.
Where is the Best Place to Buy an Electric Car?
If you’re planning to purchase an electric car, you have these four options:
1. Buy a new EV directly from the manufacturer: for brands that use the direct-to-consumer model, such as Tesla, Polestar, and Rivian
2. Buy a new EV from a dealership: for brands that use the dealership model, such as Ford, Nissan, and GM
3. Buy a used EV from a dealer
4. Buy a used electric vehicle from a private seller
If you’re buying new and know which car you want, your choice is made. You’ll be buying from a dealership or directly from the manufacturer—depending on your chosen brand’s distribution model.
If you’re buying used, you’re usually better off buying from a private seller. Here at PrivateAuto, we make the private-party transaction easy and secure. Skip the dealer documentation fee and markup and get more EV for your buck when you transact peer-to-peer on PrivateAuto.
From instant payments to secure communications, we give you the power to drive the deal on your terms. That’s why we’re the best place to buy a used car online.
We have a wide selection of non-electric vehicles for sale as well.
Browse our full selection of vehicles for sale by owner.
1. Buy a new EV directly from the manufacturer: for brands that use the direct-to-consumer model, such as Tesla, Polestar, and Rivian
2. Buy a new EV from a dealership: for brands that use the dealership model, such as Ford, Nissan, and GM
3. Buy a used EV from a dealer
4. Buy a used electric vehicle from a private seller
If you’re buying new and know which car you want, your choice is made. You’ll be buying from a dealership or directly from the manufacturer—depending on your chosen brand’s distribution model.
If you’re buying used, you’re usually better off buying from a private seller. Here at PrivateAuto, we make the private-party transaction easy and secure. Skip the dealer documentation fee and markup and get more EV for your buck when you transact peer-to-peer on PrivateAuto.
From instant payments to secure communications, we give you the power to drive the deal on your terms. That’s why we’re the best place to buy a used car online.
We have a wide selection of non-electric vehicles for sale as well.
Browse our full selection of vehicles for sale by owner.
Electric Vehicle FAQ
Why is my electric car range so low?
Here are the factors that can decrease your electric car's range:
1. Battery capacity: the size and health of your car's battery pack directly affect how far you can drive on a single charge. Older batteries or those with reduced capacity may provide less range.
2. Driving conditions: factors like weather, extreme cold or heat, your drive train and driving style (aggressive acceleration versus steady driving) can all impact your range.
3. Vehicle efficiency: the efficiency of your car's electric motor and other components, such as aerodynamics and tire pressure, play a role in how much energy is consumed per mile.
4. Accessories and features: using features like heating, air conditioning, or entertainment systems can draw power from the battery and reduce your overall range.
5. Maintenance: regular maintenance, including tire rotations and ensuring your battery is in good condition, can help optimize your car's efficiency and range.
1. Battery capacity: the size and health of your car's battery pack directly affect how far you can drive on a single charge. Older batteries or those with reduced capacity may provide less range.
2. Driving conditions: factors like weather, extreme cold or heat, your drive train and driving style (aggressive acceleration versus steady driving) can all impact your range.
3. Vehicle efficiency: the efficiency of your car's electric motor and other components, such as aerodynamics and tire pressure, play a role in how much energy is consumed per mile.
4. Accessories and features: using features like heating, air conditioning, or entertainment systems can draw power from the battery and reduce your overall range.
5. Maintenance: regular maintenance, including tire rotations and ensuring your battery is in good condition, can help optimize your car's efficiency and range.