You probably know this feeling: your fuel tank is close to empty, and you need to go out. The closest filling station is more than a stone’s throw away, and this is not a journey you can afford to miss. Every stop light or halt breeds new depths of anxiety as you wonder: is this where the car will stop? Somehow, by some stroke of luck, you make it to the filling station right before the fuel is exhausted. You breathe a sigh of relief.
Now you’ve decided to use an Electric Vehicle (EV), but you don’t want to have the same experience. You’re unsure how to ensure you won’t end up in that situation with your EV. Here are some simple tips to avoid range anxiety, but first, let’s define it.
What is Range Anxiety?
Range anxiety is the fear or concern that a vehicle, especially an EV, will not have enough energy (battery charge or fuel) to reach its intended destination or the next charging/refueling station, stranding its occupants midway.
How to Deal with Range Anxiety
Here are some tips to help you overcome range anxiety:
- Know your vehicle’s specifications: No, you don’t necessarily need to know the drag coefficient and brake horsepower unless, of course, you want to. What you need to know is the range of your vehicle: how many miles/km can your car cover with 100% charge. It’s good to note that some factors like delay in traffic for extended periods may affect this value, especially across longer distances; however, car manufacturers estimate for these extra losses. Another important specification to note is how long it takes your vehicle to charge. This will help plan your pit stops and arrival time.
- Choose the right route: Select the fastest, shortest route with charging stations. Knowing the nearest charging stations can make you feel more confident when trying new routes.
- Driving style: Maintain a constant speed to conserve power. Many EVs use regenerative braking to save power lost during braking, so try to minimize braking.
Additional Tips for EV Adoption
To further alleviate range anxiety in Nigeria, consider the following: explore the availability and types of charging stations (fast and slow charging), utilize resources like apps and websites to find charging stations, research popular EV models, and address common misconceptions about EVs.
EVs are the future. With the growing number of charging stations across Nigeria, interstate trips in EVs are becoming more feasible. Soon, traveling around Nigeria in an EV will be even more convenient!