The transition to using an electric vehicle (EV) can be daunting for new drivers due to concerns about range anxiety and the speed of charging. However, a study conducted by Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, and the University of Delaware, USA, has suggested that changing the refuelling mindset could alleviate these worries. Instead of focusing on improving battery size or performance, shifting towards a new way of thinking about refuelling could be the key to addressing these challenges.
Researchers have identified three distinct types of behaviour around refuelling a car: monitoring the fuel gauge, planning a trip, and event-triggered charging. While the traditional approach is to refuel when the fuel is running low, experienced EV users often adopt an event-triggered model, such as automatically plugging in upon arriving home or at work. This routine integration of charging reduces the burden of constantly planning for the next charge point and helps to alleviate range anxiety.
The implementation of the right charging infrastructure in strategic locations is crucial to support this shift in mindset. Home and workplace charging stations are identified as the most convenient and effective places for long-term charging, as people already spend extended periods of time in these locations. Despite the current focus on roadside charging in many European cities, it is essential for policies to adapt and ensure that charging infrastructure is readily available close to where people live and work.
Furthermore, the study challenges the notion that larger batteries are always necessary to reduce range anxiety. Research suggests that a slightly smaller battery than the range of a gasoline tank may be sufficient for most everyday driving needs. This highlights the importance of considering the actual usage scenarios when determining the appropriate battery size for an EV, rather than focusing solely on the need for long ranges which can result in higher costs and resource usage.
Overall, the study emphasizes that for most people’s daily driving routines, the process of charging an EV does not need to be a significant concern. Slow overnight or workplace charging is not only more cost-effective but also better for the health of the battery compared to fast charging on the go. By embracing a change in refuelling mindset and prioritizing convenient charging locations, potential EV drivers can overcome range anxiety and speed of charging challenges, ultimately contributing to the adoption of electric vehicles in achieving global emissions targets.
