How to deal with range anxiety

What is range anxiety and how can electric vehicle owners overcome it?

Range anxiety can be a common concern for new electric vehicle (EV) drivers—or those contemplating switching to an EV. What if you run out of power? Will you find yourself stranded? While it can take time to adjust to owning an EV, with proper planning, and a few simple steps, range anxiety can be a concern of the past—leaving you to enjoy your journey. Below, we provide answers to some common questions.

Will my EV have the battery range I need?

Those with range anxiety might be reassured to learn that most modern EVs can typically meet drivers’ needs. Research by the UK Government indicates that 99% of car journeys in England are under 100 miles—meaning it’s often possible to charge on-the-go, and travel straight to your destination (depending on factors such as the make and model of your car). For longer journeys, there are now several models of EV that boast a range of more than 200 miles—and some, over 300 miles.

What if I run out of battery between charge points?

While the prospect of becoming stranded might deter prospective EV chargers, those still sceptical might be relieved to learn that the UK has a growing network of public charging points. The bp pulse on-the-go network, for example, includes more than 8,750 charging points – including more than 3,200 rapid, 50kW, and ultra-fast, 150 kW, charging points.

To avoid being caught out, take time before setting out on a long journey to plan your route, factoring in charging points. The bp pulse app features a handy live map to help you find charging stations along your route.. This will give you peace of mind and help you to avoid unexpected detours. You can also search by location to find charging stations and save your favourites for future use, or search by charging speed to plan charging time into your route accurately.

Finally, remember to check your EV is fully charged before a long journey, and ensure your destination offers charging—especially if you’re staying for an extended period. Planning your charging sessions, rather than waiting until it’s an emergency can help to ease range anxiety.

How should I factor charging into my routine?

While it might seem obvious, when first making the switch to EV and can be easy to forget to monitor your vehicle's battery level regularly, especially during longer trips. Some EVs have a range prediction feature that can help you estimate how far you can travel before you need to recharge. This can be useful in avoiding unexpected range issues.

After a while and once you’re in a routine, it will become much easier to predict and plan your regular charging sessions around daily life. Drivers who use the bp pulse app can search for chargers across the UK—in addition to enjoying favourable charging rates, compared to pay-as-you-go options, should they opt to become a member. Click here for details.

What should I do to avoid draining my EV battery?

There are a few tactics drivers can try out to minimise the energy their EV battery uses. Depending on a vehicle’s make and model, features like cabin heating, phone charging, and audio—often referred to as ‘secondary vehicle systems’—can eat through power, reducing overall range. If you’re on a journey and concerned about range, only using these features when you really need them may help to alleviate anxiety.

Drivers can also rest assured that many EVs today incorporate features designed to preserve, or even top-up battery power while on-the-move. For example, regenerative braking is typically included as standard in vehicles. This feature translates the kinetic energy generated by braking into battery power, and can help to extend your range.