A new study reveals that despite growing electric vehicle (EV) adoption, range anxiety remains a significant concern for drivers during the busy Christmas travel period. Nearly one-third (37%) of EV owners worry about completing long journeys without running out of charge, with over a quarter (26%) considering switching to a gasoline or diesel vehicle as a backup.
Christmas Traffic Expected to Hit Pandemic Highs
The survey, conducted by Auto Express among 2,253 drivers, found that 69% plan to drive over the Christmas season. Of those, almost half (48%) intend to travel over 100 miles in a single trip, with 28% planning journeys exceeding 200 miles. However, EV drivers are not avoiding long trips, with 55% of EV owners planning to drive over 100 miles.
This year’s Christmas travel is projected to be the busiest since the COVID-19 pandemic began, with up to 37.5 million journeys expected across the UK between December 17th and Christmas Eve. Traffic is anticipated to be particularly heavy between 2pm and 7pm, making charging stops even more problematic.
What EV Drivers Can Do to Mitigate Range Concerns
To ensure a smooth trip, EV drivers should take these steps:
- Plan charging stops in advance, using apps like Zap-Map, Google Maps, or Apple Maps to locate available chargers along the route. Always identify a backup charger in case of congestion.
- Check live charging maps to confirm charger availability and speed before arrival.
- Start with a full charge at home, where possible, to reduce reliance on public charging networks.
- Utilize rapid chargers (100kW+) for efficient top-ups during long motorway drives.
- Allow extra time, as queues at service stations are expected. Avoid letting the battery drop too low before seeking a charge.
- Confirm payment options ahead of time, as some networks are cheaper via dedicated apps.
- Drive efficiently by maintaining moderate speeds and using eco modes, and have a contingency plan in case of unexpected delays.
The Bigger Picture: EV Infrastructure and Consumer Confidence
The persistence of range anxiety highlights the need for continued investment in public charging infrastructure. While EV technology is advancing rapidly, consumer confidence still lags behind due to concerns about accessibility, reliability, and charging speeds. This is especially pronounced during peak travel periods when demand overwhelms existing capacity.
The fact that nearly a third of EV drivers are reconsidering their vehicles for long trips underscores the importance of addressing these concerns to ensure the continued growth of the electric vehicle market.
