Range anxiety—the fear that an electric vehicle (EV) will run out of power before reaching its destination—remains a primary concern for many considering an EV purchase.
This apprehension often stems from misconceptions about EV driving range, charging options, and adoption rates. However, data reveals that range anxiety represents a fading remnant of early EV technology rather than the current reality.
EV Popularity Continues to Grow
In Illinois and across the U.S., EVs are becoming mainstream. According to the Illinois Secretary of State, there are now over 85,000 registered EVs in Illinois alone, a figure that has more than doubled in just the past two years.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics cites S&P Global Mobility forecasting electric vehicle sales in the United States could reach 40% of total passenger car sales by 2030, and more optimistic projections foresee electric vehicle sales surpassing 50 percent by 2030.
This growth shows no signs of slowing as major automakers such as Ford, GM, and Volvo have committed to exclusively manufacturing EVs over the next 10-15 years.
Fitting American Driving Habits
For most daily driving, range anxiety simply isn’t justified. The average American drives fewer than 30 miles per day. All new EVs exceed this range, often several times over.
For example, the 2023 Chevy Bolt boasts a range of 259 miles on a single full charge. Even vehicles with more modest ranges, like the Nissan Leaf with an EPA-rated 149 miles of range, typically suffice for commuting and errands.
Furthermore, most EV owners charge at home. Installation of a level 2 home charger provides an average of 25 miles of range per hour of charging. For those commuting to work or running errands around town, overnight charging easily replenishes the battery. Public charging offers additional flexibility for longer trips.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, from the fourth quarter of 2019 to the first quarter of 2023, the number of public and private electric vehicle (EV) charging ports nearly doubled to 161,562 from 87,352.
Impact of IRA
There are financial incentives encouraging EV and Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) infrastructure adoption as well. With the federal government enacting policies like the Inflation Reduction Act, EV adoption will continue growing exponentially.
The Inflation Reduction Act provides up to $7,500 in credits for EVs placed into service after December 31, 2022 and lasts for 10 years until December 2032. Some used EVs may be eligible for a separate credit of $4,000 or 30% of the vehicle’s price, whichever is lower.
In Illinois, policymakers have established the Climate Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) to accelerate the transition. The legislation provides a 30% tax credit for EV charging installation costs through 2032, covering up to $100,000 in expenses. The state aims to have one million EVs on the road by 2030. Meeting this goal means adding over 100,000 new EVs to the roadways annually for the remainder of this decade.
Ease of Finding Charging Stations, Range Estimates Improving
Along interstate highways, DC fast charging stations can provide 60-80 miles of range in just 10-15 minutes. This allows EV drivers to take extended road trips with minimal inconvenience. Apps like Chargeway, PlugShare, and ChargePoint can locate these charging stations along your route.
But the necessity of public charging is often overstated. The U.S. Department of Energy states 80% of charging happens at home. Even on longer trips, many drivers prefer to take meal or rest breaks where they can conveniently charge up as one Forbes article points out.
For these drivers, any of the many online EV savings calculator tools demonstrate that fuel cost savings outweigh loss of time.
Improving Range Knowledge
Range estimates also continue to improve. The EPA rating system previously underestimated real-world range. Under the newer standard introduced in 2021, rated ranges better reflect average driving conditions. However, as drivers learn techniques for maximizing efficiency, many find that they can regularly exceed EPA estimates.
Additionally, automakers continue extending EV range capabilities. The upcoming 2023 Mercedes EQS sedan boasts an EPA range of 350 miles. Lucid’s Air Dream Edition achieves over 500 miles per charge.
As battery costs fall, ranges over 400 miles may become commonplace.
EVs Designed to Suit Most Americans’ Driving Needs
For urban residents and daily commuters, home and workplace charging easily satisfies their driving needs. Even when traveling between cities, today’s EVs provide more than enough range and convenient fast charging options abound.
With increasing model availability spanning different prices and vehicle types, most American drivers can find an EV well-suited to their lifestyle.
Current EV owners understand that concerns about range simply do not match most real-world experiences. In a 2021 study from Consumer Reports, range anxiety ranked as the least concerning issue about EVs for existing owners. Those with experience driving electric vehicles realize that practical range far exceeds common fears.
Range anxiety made more sense early last decade when EVs had ranges under 100 miles. However, battery technology continues its rapid evolution. As this evolution combines with the proliferation of public charging infrastructure, remaining concerns about range represent relics of an outdated perception.
Powering Chicago remains committed to supporting this adoption through consumer education, partnerships across the EV ecosystem, and by serving as Chicagoland’s number one resource for highly trained, skilled electrical contractors who are qualified in EV charging infrastructure installation.
No matter your current perceptions, we encourage all U.S. residents to thoroughly explore the current EV landscape. You may find that the practical realities comfortably exceed lingering anxiety.