Overcoming range anxiety: three tips for EV owners

Photo by Jenny Ueberberg on Unsplash

In the last few years, electric vehicles (EVs) have become more and more popular. And as battery technology has improved, so too has the range of electric vehicles. That said, range anxiety is still a very real concern for many people who may be reluctant to make the switch. 

In fact, range anxiety was cited as a key barrier to adoption by 66% of drivers who said they wouldn’t consider switching to an EV. After all, it’s one thing to be stranded in your gasoline-powered car on a long road trip – you can always find a gas station to top up your tank. But what do you do when your electric car runs out of juice? 

Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help ease your range anxiety and make owning an electric vehicle a little less stressful. Here are three tips to get you started.

Understand how you can maximise your vehicle’s range

Manufacturers are investing more resources into developing EV batteries to boost the range of their models, which will go a long way to helping to ease range anxiety. And whilst the latest EVs are already going further than older models, there are a few simple things that you can do to help enhance the range of your car even further. 

Particularly during longer journeys, you should be aware of how much extra weight you’re carrying in the vehicle. Keeping it tidy and clear of clutter will put less strain on the battery, helping to enhance its range. It’s also important to consider the way in which you drive. Erratic braking and accelerating will drain the battery faster, so be sure to drive smoothly at all times. This way, you’ll be able to go further on a single charge and get the most out of your electric vehicle.

Find charging stations before you need them

It’s always a good idea to familiarise yourself with the local charging stations before you find yourself in need of one. The last thing you want is to be driving around aimlessly looking for a place to charge up. This tip is especially useful when driving in an unfamiliar area – being aware of the nearest stations will go a long way to helping ease any anxiety. 

There are several different ways to find charging stations. PlugShare is one popular option; it’s an app that shows you where all the public charging stations are located. Alternatively, many cities and towns now have dedicated websites or pamphlets that list all of the local charging stations. Be sure to identify your closest stations to give yourself better peace of mind when out and about.

Don’t wait until the last minute to charge up

Proactively charging up your car will help reduce stress and anxiety down the line. If you know you’re going to be taking a long trip in your EV, charge up your car beforehand so that you don’t have to worry about running out of juice during your journey. The same goes for everyday errands or commuting; if there’s a chance your car might need some extra power, go ahead and plug it in before you leave so that you’re not caught unawares later on.