From Range Anxiety to Charge Anxiety: Navigating the New EV Challenge

The electric vehicle (EV) revolution continues to gain momentum, but just as the advanced battery technology has alleviated the early fears of ‘range anxiety’, a new concern has emerged among drivers: charge anxiety. Now what?

This blog explores the shift from range anxiety to charge anxiety, how it affects drivers, and what can be done to mitigate it. We also delve into the role that the charging EV infrastructure, charge point operators and EV marketing strategies play in reducing this new form of anxiety.

The Shift from Range Anxiety to Charge Anxiety

When electric vehicles first entered the market, one of the most significant hurdles to widespread adoption was the so-called ‘range anxiety’—the fear that an electric vehicle would run out of power before reaching its destination or a charging station.

What is Range Anxiety?

Fair enough: early EV models, with their limited battery capacities, could only travel short distances on a single charge, typically between 70 to 100 miles / 110 to 150 kilometers. However, drivers were used to the flexibility provided by internal combustion engine vehicles, which could travel hundreds of miles/kilometers on a single tank of fuel and be refuelled in minutes. So, the battery charge limitation has led to widespread concerns.

In recent years, however, battery technology has come a long way: many models are now capable of traveling over 400 miles / 600 kilometres on a single charge. And while these advancements have largely put range anxiety to rest, a new concern has emerged: the fear of finding an available charging station when needed; and whether it is functioning, and compatible with the vehicle.

What is Charge Anxiety?

‘Charge anxiety’, or ‘charger angst’ reflects the growing fear that even though an EV might have sufficient range, the charging infrastructure might not be reliable enough to support long-distance or even day-to-day driving needs. Hence, it can have a profound impact on driving habits and overall EV adoption.

Drivers may alter their routes to pass through areas with known charging infrastructure, avoid longer trips, or even refrain from using their EV for certain journeys altogether—just because they're scared of running out of battery power. This anxiety can also slow the broader adoption of EVs, as prospective buyers might be hesitant to switch from traditional vehicles if they perceive charging as a significant inconvenience.

According to a 2023 survey by J.D. Power, 20% of EV owners cited issues with finding available and functioning charging stations as a significant concern, a sharp increase from previous years. Moreover, a 2024 McKinsey report found that only 10% of EV owners believe that enough charging points are available—opposed 70% who are dissatisfied with the current charging infrastructure, and another 15% who are satisfied but worry that the the future network will not be robust enough to meet surging demand

Unlike gas stations, which are abundant and consistent in terms of availability, public charging stations can be more sparse, and their reliability can vary. So even though battery improvements are making EVs more practical for longer journeys, the current EV infrastructure is lagging behind. This discrepancy has resulted in a situation where the extended range of modern EVs is not fully utilized due to the scarcity of reliable and convenient charging options, especially in rural areas.

And it might get even worse: what if prospective EV buyers, still grappling with range anxiety, are now also facing the added stress of charge anxiety?

Range and Charge Anxiety Combined

When range anxiety and charge anxiety collide, the result is the most daunting scenario of all: a combined fear of both limited range and the potential unreliability of charging infrastructure.

This type of anxiety is particularly acute during long trips, in rural areas, or when using less established charging networks. When drivers are unsure about both a battery's range and the reliability of the charging infrastructure, each anxiety amplifies the other, leaving consumers with an overwhelming sense of dread.

How to Combat EV Anxieties

What we’ve seen is that concerns really only shifted the focus from worrying about how far an EV can go on one charge to concerns about the availability, reliability, and accessibility of EV charging stations.

By focusing on both range anxiety and charge anxiety, each stakeholder can play a critical role in fostering a more confident and seamless EV driving experience.

Charge Point Operators can combat…

• Range anxiety by expanding charging networks along highways and long-distance routes, giving drivers confidence to travel longer distances without worrying about running out of charge.

• Charge anxiety by maintaining a reliable network of fast chargers and using predictive maintenance tools to prevent malfunctions. EV hyperhubs in high-traffic areas ensure drivers always have access to functioning chargers.

Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) can combat…

• Range anxiety by improving battery technology, increasing energy density, and developing faster charging solutions. These innovations allow for longer driving ranges and reduce concerns about running out of power during trips.

• Charge anxiety by designing vehicles compatible with fast and home chargers, and integrating real-time charging station maps into vehicles. Collaborations with CPOs ensure access to reliable charging networks.

Car Manufacturers can combat…

• Range anxiety by integrating energy management systems like regenerative braking, eco-driving modes, and real-time range estimators to help extend driving distance and optimize battery use.

• Charge anxiety by embedding navigation systems that display nearby charging station locations and availability. V2G (vehicle-to-grid) capabilities help support grid stability, ensuring a more reliable charging infrastructure.

Technology Providers can combat…

• Range anxiety by developing apps that offer real-time range data, route optimization tools, and energy consumption insights, helping drivers maximize battery efficiency and plan more effectively.

• Charge anxiety by providing real-time information on charger availability and functionality, reducing the chances of encountering non-operational chargers. Predictive analytics can also prevent charger downtime through early fault detection.

Government Agencies and Policymakers can combat…

• Range anxiety by offering incentives and support for OEMs and car manufacturers to develop more efficient batteries, while promoting public awareness of the improvements in EV range and efficiency.

• Charge anxiety by promoting the expansion of fast charging infrastructure through regulations and financial incentives, and encouraging interoperability standards to ensure all EVs can use any public charging station.

Through innovations in battery technology, infrastructure expansion, and smart software solutions, stakeholders can create an environment where drivers feel confident and supported as they transition to electric vehicles.

Boosting Drivers’ Confidence

Range and charge anxiety can have a profound impact on driving habits and overall EV adoption. Drivers may alter their routes to pass through areas with known charging infrastructure, avoid longer trips, or even refrain from using their EV for certain journeys altogether.

Moreover, anxieties can slow the broader adoption of EVs, as prospective buyers might be hesitant to switch from traditional vehicles if they perceive charging as a significant inconvenience.

But as mentioned above, businesses can take actionable steps to drive the EVolution forward—and with battery technology already making great strides, our focus now is on overcoming charge anxiety.

Infrastructure Development

To alleviate charge anxiety, a reliable and expansive charging infrastructure is essential: Governments and private companies need to invest in building more charging stations, particularly in underserved areas, and ensure that existing stations are well-maintained.

This investment includes the development of EV Hyperhubs, which offer multiple (fast-charging) points in one location, drastically reducing wait times and ensuring that drivers can get back on the road quickly. Additionally, there are amenities that make the wait not only acceptable but even worthwhile.

But the future of EV charging also hinges on the integration of technologies like Grid-to-Vehicle (G2V) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G), which enable EVs to interact dynamically with the grid, optimizing energy usage and providing additional reliability.

Lastly, the development of home charging stations will play a crucial role in ensuring that drivers feel confident about their ability to charge their vehicles. And then, ongoing efforts will be necessary to keep pace with the growing number of EVs on the road.

Charger Accessibility

In addition to expanding the number of charging stations, it's crucial to make them easily accessible and user-friendly. This includes ensuring that charging stations are clearly marked, compatible with various EV models, and integrated with Charge Point Operator Software that allows drivers to locate and reserve charging spots in real-time.

The future of EV charging will likely see these tools becoming even more sophisticated, offering predictive analytics and real-time updates to further reduce charge anxiety. Like EV charge point maps, available through various apps and online platforms, that help drivers find nearby EV chargers, see their availability, and plan their trips accordingly.

Innovative Solutions

Several innovative solutions are being developed to address charge anxiety. For example, mobile charging units are becoming more common, offering emergency power to stranded EVs.

Additionally, new apps and platforms are emerging that provide real-time data on charger availability and performance, allowing drivers to plan their routes more effectively. Companies like Tesla have also begun to integrate charging network status updates directly into their vehicle navigation systems, making it easier for drivers to find reliable charging points.

But the role of CPOs is also evolving, with many now offering advanced software solutions to monitor and manage charging stations, ensuring they remain operational and meet the needs of EV drivers.

Some companies already provide predictive analytics tools that plug directly into CPO systems, allowing them to detect potential faults up to seven days in advance, often before either the CPO or the customer is aware. This not only helps ensure charger reliability but also saves CPOs significant revenue losses and time-consuming repairs.

The Role of Location Marketing in the EV Revolution

As we’ve explored, overcoming charge anxiety involves more than just expanding the number of charging stations—it requires making these stations easy to find and reliable for all drivers. This is where location marketing comes into play.

By leveraging location data, by the means of location marketing, businesses can ensure that potential customers can find their charging stations when they need them most: when they’re already on the road, looking to charge fast, or when they’re planning their trip, deciding whether to take (or purchase) an EV.

Accurate and updated location data ensures that charging stations appear prominently in local search results and maps (!), making it easier for drivers to find them—but you need this data on all your business listings, social profiles, local landing pages, and locators to really be visible.

For the EVolution to succeed, it is crucial for EV stakeholders, like OEMs, CPOs, and technology providers, to collaborate. Uberall, too, is actively pursuing partnerships and already has numerous EV customers onboarded, helping them optimize visibility and customer engagement through location marketing.

Reach out to learn more about our multi-location marketing platform.