What Is Range Anxiety?
One of the most often cited reasons for drivers to switch to electric vehicles is freedom from the gas pump. Electric energy is simply cleaner and more affordable than gas power. But, for some drivers, there are some concerns about making the full switch to EV ownership. Among these concerns is range anxiety.
Learn More About Luxury Electric Vehicles
Range Anxiety Definition
Range anxiety is the fear that your electric vehicle will not have enough battery power to make it to the next EV charging station. Most modern electric vehicles and luxury electric vehicles have a range of around 200 miles or above, with many exceeding 300 miles. However, earlier models had shorter ranges, which meant it was necessary to charge more frequently.
Along with this, public electric vehicle charging stations were less common a few years ago. This meant that electric vehicles were both less effective at long-range driving, and had fewer places to recharge on the road.
Should I Be Concerned About Range Anxiety?
Whether or not you should have range anxiety on the road today depends on where you are and what vehicle you are driving. Most major American cities now have sufficient infrastructure for public EV charging. Additionally, many of the most recent EV models can travel well over 100 miles before needing to recharge.
So if you are driving around the city or staying close to densely populated areas, then range anxiety should not be a concern. However, some areas are still lagging when it comes to EV charging infrastructure. This can cause range anxiety if you are on the road all day, traveling between cities or states. With that said, many states, including New York and New Jersey, have begun to add EV charging stations on their interstate highways to make long-distance EV travel more viable.
Maximizing Your LEV Battery Efficiency and Combatting Range Anxiety
Although range anxiety is not as much of a concern as it was a few years ago, many drivers still have concerns. Here are some strategies to help reduce your range anxiety on the road.
Plan Your Route
If you have a long drive ahead of you, plan your route carefully and know where you can charge up. Many hotels offer EV charging if you’re planning a multi-day road trip. Many modern LEVs also come with built-in navigation which can help you locate nearby charging stations along your route.
Protect Your Battery
There are several steps you can take to keep your battery running more efficiently. These include:
- Avoid extreme temperatures, as extreme heat or cold can damage your battery.
- Don’t charge every night, as too much charging can cause your battery to lose capacity over time.
- Try not to let your battery dip below 10% battery life at any time.
Don’t Overuse DC Fast Charging
DC Fast Charging is convenient for quick recharging. However, using it too much can cause your EV’s battery to lose efficiency over time. Level 2 AC charging should be your primary charging option. Overall, DC charging should be reserved for longer trips or emergencies.
Ray Catena is New Jersey’s leading dealer of luxury electric vehicles. Read more about LEV batteries and charging to learn more about LEV ownership. Or browse our inventory of LEV models from trusted names like Audi, BMW, and Land Rover.
Learn More About Driving Electric Vehicles from Ray Catena:
0 comment(s) so far on What Is Range Anxiety?