EV Range Anxiety​

Over the past few years, electric cars have been steadily gaining popularity. And with the UK set to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2035, many drivers are beginning to explore EV options.

But for those new to electric cars, the shift can feel a little daunting. One of the biggest concerns for first-time buyers is ‘range anxiety’.

In this article, we’ll explore why electric car range anxiety is becoming less of an issue.

What is range anxiety?

Range anxiety is a term used to express a worry about how far you can travel on a single charge in an electric vehicle - particularly on long-distance trips.

Closely related is ‘charge anxiety’ which is the fear of not being able to find, access, or use a charge point when you need one.

While these worries were more valid in the early days of electric vehicles, today the landscape looks very different.

Is EV range anxiety a real thing?

Yes, electric vehicle range anxiety can be a real concern for potential buyers, but advances in battery technology and charging infrastructure are helping to ease the worry. Here’s how:

• Better batteries: Modern EVs are equipped with more efficient batteries, allowing many models to travel 250–300 miles (or more) on a single charge.
• Expanding charging network: There are currently over 80,000 public EV charging points in the UK, with more being added each day.
• Government investment: The UK government has pledged to invest £400m into the charging infrastructure over the next five years.
• Everyday needs covered: For most drivers, a full charge more than covers daily mileage without needing to stop and recharge.

Find out more about how an Electric Car works.

Tips to reduce range anxiety

There are some easy solutions to range anxiety concerns:

• Plan ahead: Map your route and identify public charging points.
• Charge while you park: Get into the habit of charging every time you visit the supermarket, car park, go for a meal, to the gym or a visitor attraction.
• Install a home charger: Charging overnight at home is usually cheaper than at public charging stations. You may also be eligible for a government grant to help with EV charger installation.

How to increase the range of an EV

Even on a full charge, there are steps you can take to boost your EV’s range.

• Drive smoothly: Avoid harsh acceleration and heavy braking, which can both drain the battery faster.
• Check tyre pressure: Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, which uses more energy.
• Be weather aware: Range and charge are affected by cold weather. Air conditioning and heating can also drain the battery and reduce range.
• Consider your battery charge: To maximise the health of your battery, avoid letting it drop below 20% or charging beyond 80% for daily use (100% only for long trips), and avoid rapid charging where possible.
• Maximise regenerative braking: Set your regenerative braking to the highest setting to recapture more energy.

Put your mind at ease with Foray Motor Group

For most drivers, modern EVs make range anxiety a thing of the past. With longer-lasting batteries, a rapidly expanding charging network, and a few smart driving habits, your electric car will get you where you need to go with confidence and ease.

Explore Foray Motor Group’s range of Ford Electric Vehicles or speak to the team to find out more!

Browse our EV cars

Book a test drive