EV Range Anxiety Explained
Range anxiety occurs when the driver of an EV feels that they are running out of charge during their journey and there is no sight of a power source. Furthermore, range anxiety cultivates fear which adds to stress and inconvenience. Here's an example of range anxiety: In this scenario, you are an EV owner, and your friend asks you to do a task for him. Now, you are aware of the car's lack of charge, but you still set out on the journey. In this case, depending on the location, you need to map out the following:
- Total distance
- Locate potential charging stations
- Calculate the charging time
If the task is urgent, you are left praying that you will have enough range to get you back home. Range anxiety proves to be one of the major reasons why EV adoption has reached a stumbling block despite the push from governments by way of grants and incentives.
What is the average range of EV's?
The current fleet of EV's in the market has a range of between 160 to 600 km depending upon the make, model, price and brand. Therefore, the current range is more than satisfactory as 95% of drivers travel between 30 to 250 km on average.
Ways to eliminate range anxiety:
Calculate your average range:
EVs are a perfect option for day-to-day travel needs such as a short commute, trips to the shops, etc. However, the need for charging stations cannot be neglected as it is practical and boast a psychological value.Factors such as driving speed, traffic and weather play a vital role in estimating the range. Therefore, by understanding these factors, you can strategically plan a route that is safe and anxiety-free.
Install charging stations at home:
According to a recent study, 80% of electric vehicle charging occurs at homes. Additionally, charging at home will ensure that your EV is always at full charge. Furthermore, charging at home proves to be a more economical and convenient option as charging can be done overnight in the safety of your home.Finally, grants/incentives made available by governments help reduce the cost incurred in the purchase and installation of the charging stations.
Always prepare:
Long trips can be a significant factor that increases range anxiety among EV drivers. Even though EV nowadays offers a great range, it still does not provide the convenience provided by conventional vehicles.Planning your trips is vital to ensure that you don't run out of charge during those long trips. Furthermore, planning can be as simple as locating nearby charging stations that are close to your path.
Conclusion
We are now entering into a new era where protecting the environment and promoting sustainability are seen as paramount. Electric vehicles can be one such element that can fill the void. Finally, technological advancement and rise in infrastructure will prove to be significant with regard to EV adoption. Get your free electric vehicle charging point quote!
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