Is range anxiety keeping you from buying an electric car? If so, you’re not alone. In a recent survey, 26% of respondents said they would not consider buying an electric car because they were worried about running out of charge.
What is Range Anxiety?
Range anxiety is the fear that your electric car will run out of power before you reach your destination. It’s a valid concern—after all, electric cars take longer to charge than refueling in conventional gas-powered cars. However, there are a few things you can do to ease your range anxiety and make the transition to an electric car. With a little bit of planning, you can easily avoid range anxiety and enjoy all the benefits of driving an electric car. Here are a few tips:
- Use public charging stations.
There are now over 16,000 public charging stations across the country, so finding one should be easy no matter where you are. Most electric cars have a database in their navigational system that can take you to the nearest charging station. Google Maps and Apple Maps also have the ability to locate charging stations along your planned route.
- Plan your route in advance.
Before you set out on a long trip, map out your route and make sure there will be charging stations along the way. There are apps like Plugshare and Chargepoint that can help you find nearby stations. If you’re going on a long road trip, it’s best to stick to the highways. While electric cars can reach high speeds, they tend to use more power when traveling at higher rates of speed. So, if you want to conserve your battery, limit your expressway driving.
- Charge up when you can.
If you’re going to be home for a few hours, take advantage of that time to charge up your car. Electric cars can take longer to charge than stopping at a gas station, so it’s best to charge up when you have the chance.
- Look at your driving habits
Before making the switch to electric, take a close look at your driving habits in your gas-powered car. Log the miles you drive every day for a month. Pay special attention to how many miles you drive during the day. Assuming you’ll have your electric car plugged in overnight, will you have enough juice to make it through the day? When selecting your electric car, take note of each model’s range and time to charge. Most electric cars can charge up to 80% in a very short time. Could you recharge enough while you stop for lunch? Do your homework to find out.
- Rent an Electric Car for a Test Drive
If you’re still not sure if an electric car is right for you, why not try renting one for a test drive? This way, you can get a feel for how an electric car drives and see if it meets your needs. Just make sure to rent a car with enough range to get you where you need to go!
Conclusion:
Range anxiety is a valid concern for anyone considering making the switch to an electric car. With a little bit of planning, electric car range anxiety is easy to avoid! Just use public charging stations, plan your route in advance, and charge up when you can. Soon enough, you’ll be enjoying all the benefits of driving an electric car worry-free. So don’t let range anxiety keep you from making the switch to an electric car—you may be surprised at how easy it is!