Overcoming EV anxiety: How real-range simulation can ease the transition to electric fleets
Dec 13, 2023 · 13 min read · blog
The transition to electric vehicles brings both promise and anxiety for fleet managers and drivers alike. While the environmental and cost benefits of electrification are clear, concerns about range, charging, and the unknowns of a new technology can make the switch to EVs seem daunting. However, new tools are emerging to help ease this transition and give fleet managers the insights they need to make the move to electric with confidence.
Understanding EV anxiety among drivers
The transition to electric vehicles can be an anxiety-inducing process for fleet drivers accustomed to the familiarity of gas-powered vehicles for a number of different reasons.
Range anxiety
Range anxiety, the worry that an EV's battery will run out of power before reaching the destination or next charging point, is a top concern for many first-time EV drivers. Several factors contribute to this distress:
1. Differences in ranges
The advertised range of EVs can vary significantly based on driving conditions, speed, and use of climate control. This means that the real-world range is often less than the EPA/WLTP estimates.
A key concern for many first-time EV drivers is that real-world ranges for EVs are often much lower than the EPA estimates used for marketing and advertising purposes. The EPA estimates, known as the WLTP range in Europe, are calculated under ideal laboratory conditions and assume optimal driving behavior. However, several factors in everyday driving can significantly reduce an EV's actual range:
- Speed: Driving at higher speeds increases aerodynamic drag and reduces efficiency, lowering the vehicle's range by as much as 40% at highway speeds compared to the EPA estimates.
- Climate control use: Running the heater, air conditioning, and defroster uses energy from the battery and can reduce range by up to 20% depending on temperature settings and outside conditions.
- Driving style: Aggressive driving with frequent hard accelerations and braking requires more energy from the battery and lowers range.
- Outside temperature: Cold weather reduces battery efficiency and lowers EV range by as much as 40% compared to moderate temperatures.
- Battery age: Over time, lithium-ion batteries lose some of their capacity, resulting in lower ranges for older EVs.
Taken together, these real-world factors mean that most EV drivers see a usable range that is 20-50% lower than the EPA estimates.
2. Confusing range metrics
The lack of a standardized range metric for electric vehicles makes it difficult for drivers to compare the real-world ranges of different EVs and know what to reasonably expect from a particular model.
Currently, automakers report EV ranges using different testing procedures and metrics, such as EPA range, WLTP range, or NEDC range. The EPA range is the official U.S. estimate based on Environmental Protection Agency tests, while WLTP and NEDC ranges come from European testing cycles. However, these estimates can vary widely between automakers for the same vehicle class. This inconsistency makes it hard for drivers to determine if an advertised 300-mile range for one EV will be comparable to a 300-mile range claim for another EV. In reality, the actual usable ranges for the two vehicles could differ by tens of miles.
A lack of standardization also means that drivers have difficulty translating the reported range into their own expected range based on their driving habits and environments. Without a common framework, drivers must spend time researching the specifics of each automaker's testing procedures to understand how conservative or optimistic their range claims tend to be. This additional research effort and uncertainty contribute to drivers' worries that EVs may not meet their daily range needs.
3. Bad experience
Previous experiences with EVs that left drivers stranded or unable to complete trips can significantly contribute to range anxiety. When an EV has unexpectedly run out of charge before reaching a destination, left the driver unable to continue driving, or required the driver to cut a trip short, it can undermine confidence in an EV's ability to meet a person's daily driving needs.
These negative experiences, even if isolated incidents, appear to loom large in drivers' minds and color their perceptions of EVs as unreliable. Such events may cause drivers to doubt the accuracy of an EV's range meter and question whether the vehicle's rated range actually reflects what they can consistently expect in real-world conditions.
Charging anxiety
While range anxiety focuses on concerns about how far an EV can travel, charging anxiety relates to worries over finding available charging stations and the time required to recharge an EV battery. Let's review the main reasons for charging anxiety:
1. Limited public charging infrastructure
The lack of widespread public EV charging stations, especially fast chargers, means that drivers may worry about being unable to locate an available charger when needed. As a result, EV drivers worry that charging stations may be unavailable when and where they need them.
This is a particular concern for those without home charging, who must rely solely on public infrastructure. Drivers may hesitate to switch due to uncertainties around being able to locate and access a charging station in a timely manner for their daily driving and travel needs. This includes concerns about charging stations being in use, out of order or too far away from destinations. The limited availability of public charging contributes to doubts about electric vehicles being practical and convenient options for one's driving requirements.
2. Long charging times
Even with fast charging stations, it still takes significantly more time to recharge an electric vehicle's battery compared to refueling a gasoline-powered vehicle. Drivers accustomed to filling their tank in just a few minutes may be anxious about needing to spend 30 minutes or longer recharging an electric vehicle battery.
This lengthy recharge time means drivers have to plan ahead and factor in extra time for recharging breaks during longer trips. The wait time during recharging can also be perceived as inconvenient and reduce the spontaneity of driving an EV.
3. Unfamiliarity with charging networks
Different charging networks, connectors and membership programs may confuse first-time EV drivers, who are used to the simplicity and ubiquity of gas stations. Figuring out the locations, charge speeds, connection types and membership fees for the various public charging networks can be overwhelming for those new to electric vehicles.
There are currently several competing charging standards with different connectors, including CHAdeMO, CCS Combo and Tesla's proprietary connector. Public chargers may require membership to a specific network, and charge speeds can vary widely. All this complexity adds to the learning curve and stress of adopting an EV, at least until drivers become more familiar with navigating the different charging options.
4. Charger reliability concerns
Public chargers being out of service, charging slowly or unreliably are legitimate worries for some drivers considering an EV. Those dependent on public charging stations for long trips or daily commutes may fear getting stranded if a charger fails to work properly.
Even slow charging speeds at public stations can translate to significant delays and inconvenience. Over time, as charging networks respond to these issues and EV drivers provide feedback that helps improve the user experience, charger reliability should improve. But for now, concerns over unpredictable and non-functioning public chargers contribute to the unease some drivers feel about going electric.
Lack of experience
A lack of experience driving electric vehicles also contributes to charging and range anxiety for drivers. Gas-powered vehicles have been the norm for decades, so shifting to the different technology and capabilities of EVs can be daunting without proper education and resources.
Drivers accustomed to gas vehicles may struggle with:
- The need for more strategic planning to locate charging points along a route. While gas vehicles can simply refuel and continue a long drive, EVs require drivers to consider charging locations and times in advance.
- Getting used to the instant torque and quiet operation of EVs after years of driving gas-powered vehicles with familiar sounds and power delivery. The different driving experience can take some adjustment and reduce confidence at first.
- Figuring out how to maximize range through efficient driving habits. Practices like accelerating smoothly, avoiding excessive speed, and using climate control moderately can significantly extend an EV's range, but may not be intuitive for new drivers.
- Learning to trust the accuracy of battery level indicators and range estimates, which can be imprecise for inexperienced EV drivers. Without a fuel gauge, fleet drivers are reliant on these estimates to properly plan routes and charging stops.
Equipping fleet drivers with the insights and experience to overcome their anxieties is essential for the successful adoption of electric vehicles. By leveraging simulation platforms to familiarize themselves with EVs in a virtual setting, drivers can make the transition with less uncertainty and more excitement for the environmental and cost benefits of electrification.
How Volteum's EV Simulation feature alleviates concerns and anxiety
Without first-hand knowledge of an EV’s capabilities and limitations, drivers may worry about not having enough range to complete their routes or not finding available charging when needed.
Experience alleviates concerns
Research shows that experience with an electric vehicle plays a significant role in reducing range and charging anxiety. As drivers gain real-world experience, their worries subside. They learn an EV’s actual range, discover extra range from regenerative braking, find public charging options, and realize range displayed is a ‘worst case’ scenario.
With experience, drivers recognize an EV’s range as sufficient for most daily needs and charging as easy to incorporate into their routine. Their concerns fade as they come to trust the technology and understand how to efficiently operate the vehicle. Over time, the majority of experienced EV drivers report having little to no range or charging anxiety.
Simulation provides insight without experience
For fleets looking to transition to EVs but concerned about drivers’ lack of experience, Volteum’s Electric Fleet Planner and its innovative new EV Simulation feature offer an ideal solution by allowing fleet managers and drivers to simulate how EVs would perform in their fleet before purchase or operation.
The EV Simulation feature provides an unmatched level of insight: users can enter parameters like the EV model, battery size, charger type, and route details. The Planner will then simulate the EV operating on the route, factoring in elements such as speed limits, traffic, charging stops, passenger load, and accessory usage like air conditioning. It calculates the EV’s range, state of charge, and energy consumption for the entire route.
How does real-range simulation support fleet managers' work?
Range anxiety
- Differences in ranges: Volteum's EV Simulation accounts for the diverse range capabilities of different EV models. By entering specific vehicle information, fleet managers can get accurate predictions tailored to their unique fleet composition.
- Confusing range metrics: The tool simplifies range metrics by providing straightforward, easy-to-understand projections. Fleet managers can use this to quickly assess the range capabilities of their EVs without needing to decipher complex metrics.
- Bad experience: The EV Simulation feature can help rectify previous bad experiences with range by providing accurate, reliable range estimates, so fleet managers and drivers alike can build confidence in their EV performance.
Charging anxiety
- Limited public charging infrastructure: The simulation tool takes into account the availability and location of charging stations, providing a realistic assessment of when and where charging will be necessary during a journey.
- Long charging times: By simulating driving and charging times, Volteum's solution helps fleet managers plan routes more efficiently, minimizing downtime due to charging.
- Unfamiliarity with charging networks: The EV Simulation feature includes data from various charging networks, ensuring that fleet managers are well-informed about their options.
- Charger reliability Ccncerns: Volteum uses live data of different chargers in its simulations, providing a more comprehensive picture of what drivers can expect on the road.
Lack of experience
By simulating different scenarios, Volteum's feature helps both fleet managers and drivers gain a practical understanding of EV range and charging needs. This simulation experience can help bridge the gap between inexperience and confidence, and encourage more widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
Overall, the EV Simulation feature of the Electric Fleet Planner provides significant benefits for both fleet managers and drivers in overcoming the barriers of transitioning to electric fleets. By gaining insight and experience with how EVs would truly operate on their roads and routes, range and charging anxiety can be alleviated, and the path to electrification made clear.
Step into the future of EV driving with Volteum's range simulation: experience confidence and convenience today
Volteum's EV Simulation feature provides unique benefits that help alleviate range anxiety and concerns for both fleet managers and drivers. By simulating real-world EV performance on their routes, users gain valuable insight and experience into how EVs would truly operate within the context of their work. This helps them understand potential challenges EVs may pose, and make strategic decisions to overcome issues and maximize performance. The simulation also gives drivers a sense of familiarity and comfort with EV capabilities, supporting a smooth transition away from traditional gas vehicles. Overall, the simulation arms users with the knowledge they need to confidently adopt and deploy electric fleets, paving the way for a more sustainable future of transportation.