What is 'range anxiety' and what can EV drivers do to overcome it?

Welcome to The Switch, Euronews Next's new mobility series for people considering making the switch to an EV.

As the pace of electrification quickens amid a growing climate crisis and an uncertain economic outlook, we'll be your companion as you make the transition from your fossil-fuelled car to electric. 

Each week, we’ll offer guidance and insights from industry experts as well as aim to demystify the process and dispel misinformation.

As electric vehicles (EVs) become more common on the road, one concern lingers for many potential and new EV owners - "range anxiety". 

This is the fear that an EV will run out of power before reaching a charging station, leaving drivers stranded. 

Despite the growing availability of electric cars capable of traveling over 400 km on a single charge, advances in technology, and an expanding network of public charging stations, range anxiety remains a significant psychological barrier to broader adoption.

Understanding range anxiety

In the early days of EVs, limited range and a sparse network of charging stations made long journeys challenging often, requiring meticulous planning. 

As drivers grappled with the uncertainty of whether they could reach their destination without depleting their battery, the term "range anxiety" became synonymous with the electric driving experience. 

Fast forward more than a decade since the first EVs appeared on our roads and range anxiety, while understandable, is becoming far less of an issue. 

Most modern EVs offer reliable range estimates and navigation systems that alert drivers to nearby charging stations. Studies show that as drivers become familiar with their vehicle’s capabilities, the worry around range tends to fade. 

However, concerns about charging points can still be legitimate for those embarking on longer road trips or travelling in areas with fewer charging stations. 

Many potential buyers, long accustomed to the convenience of ICE cars and ubiquitous service stations, are far more likely to view range anxiety as a significant stumbling block.

The role of charging infrastructure

Expanding the public charging infrastructure is the most significant way to reduce range anxiety among both current and would-be EV drivers. 

Europe, for example, had about 632,000 public charging points as of the end of 2023. However, estimates suggest that between 3.5 million and 8.8 million charging points are needed by 2030 to meet demand. 

The European Commission has called for 410,000 new charging points to be installed annually to meet its 2030 target. 

But the pace of development is lagging, with only sixfold growth in charging points compared to an 18-fold increase in EV sales from 2017 to 2023.

In addition, the charging infrastructure across the EU is far from evenly distributed. Just three countries - the Netherlands, France, and Germany - account for about 61 per cent of all charging stations so there is a significant disparity in accessibility for electric vehicle drivers across Europe.

Fast-charging stations are a key part of the solution. These stations can provide hundreds of kilometres of range in just 30 minutes, making long-distance travel much more feasible for EV owners. 

Yet, only 13.5 per cent of Europe’s charging points are currently fast chargers, and delays in permitting and grid connections are slowing the installation of new stations.

Technological improvements

Beyond infrastructure, technological advances are helping to mitigate range anxiety. 

Manufacturers are focusing on enhancing battery technology and companies like Sila Nanotechnologies are pioneering silicon anode batteries, which promise to significantly boost energy storage, while lithium-sulfur batteries could offer a high energy density at a lower cost. 

Traditional lithium-ion batteries are also being refined, with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) variants gaining traction for their cost efficiency. 

Solid-state batteries, currently in development, promise to revolutionise EVs by offering much higher energy density, faster charging times, and greater safety than today’s lithium-ion batteries. 

In the realm of cutting-edge materials, graphene and carbon nanotubes show promise for faster charging and longer driving ranges. Meanwhile, manufacturers are exploring sodium and zinc as cheaper, safer alternatives to lithium.

Fast-charging capabilities are becoming a critical focus and would significantly help to drive broader adoption of EVs.

Maximising EV range

One of the most effective ways to alleviate range anxiety is by installing a home charger as this allows drivers to begin each day with a full battery and reduced reliance on the public charging infrastructure. 

For those who frequently take longer trips, familiarising themselves with charging networks and apps that display real-time charger availability can further ease concerns.

Unlike petrol or diesel cars in electric cars, the moment a driver takes their foot off the accelerator, the kinetic energy created, instead of being wasted as heat, is converted back into electricity to recharge the battery - a process known as regenerative braking.  

Efficient driving - avoiding sudden acceleration, using regenerative braking, and maintaining moderate speeds - helps extend battery life. 

Many electric vehicles feature eco-mode settings that optimise range, while manufacturers are increasingly integrating predictive range tools. These systems consider factors like driving style, terrain, and weather to offer more accurate range estimates.

As battery technology continues to evolve and charging networks expand, range anxiety will likely become a distant memory. 

For now, drivers can take practical steps to overcome range anxiety by understanding their vehicle’s capabilities, planning trips with charging stops in mind, and adopting efficient driving habits.

Geraldine Herbertis the motoring editor for the Sunday Independent newspaper and an e-mobility expert.