EV Range Anxiety – What It Is and How to Beat It

What is EV Range Anxiety?

EV range anxiety is the fear that your electric vehicle (EV) won’t have enough battery charge to get you where you need to go – especially on longer journeys. It’s one of the most common concerns people have before making the switch to electric car leasing. But is it really something to worry about anymore?

The short answer: not as much as you might think.

EV technology has come a long way in recent years, and with better ranges, faster chargers, and growing infrastructure across the UK, EV range anxiety is quickly becoming a thing of the past.

Why EV Range Anxiety Happens

Let’s be honest: we’re used to petrol stations being on every corner. With traditional cars, we rarely think twice about running low on fuel. EVs are different. Charging takes longer than filling up, and if you’re new to electric, the charging network can feel unfamiliar.

So it’s natural to worry. But that worry usually fades after just a few weeks of driving an EV.

Here’s why:

·         Most EV drivers quickly learn their real-world range

·         The UK charging network is improving fast

·         Daily driving rarely comes close to draining a full battery

Most EVs now offer more than 200 miles of range per charge

How Far Do EVs Really Go?

According to the UK’s Government National Travel Survey, “...people travelled on average 6,039 miles in the year ending June 2024”. Even some of the most affordable EVs on the market today offer ranges of 150-250 miles per charge, while premium models go well beyond 300 miles.

Here are some examples of popular EVs and their approximate ranges:

·         Tesla Model 3 Long Range – up to 374 miles

·         Kia EV6 – up to 328 miles

·         Volkswagen ID.3 – up to 265 miles

·         Nissan Leaf – up to 239 miles

With smart planning and access to home or workplace EV chargers, you’ll rarely need to top up mid-journey.

How to Beat Range Anxiety

You can dramatically reduce range anxiety by making a few simple changes to how you drive and plan trips:

1.      Know your range. Every EV displays its remaining mileage. Once you understand how your car responds to motorway driving, weather, and traffic, you’ll trust its range more.

2.      Use EV route planners. Apps like Zap-Map, A Better Route Planner (ABRP), and PlugShare help plan journeys around reliable charging points.

3.      Top up whenever you can. Just like you wouldn’t wait until the red light to refuel, it helps to top up at supermarkets, gyms, or work.

4.      Charge overnight at home. If you install a home charger, you can wake up to a full battery every day.

5.      Understand charging speeds. Some rapid chargers can give you up to 80% charge in 30 minutes. Planning in one coffee break can easily cover long trips.

Public Charging is Getting Better (Fast)

The UK now has over 57,000 public charge points and counting. Motorway service stations, shopping centres, and even some pubs and restaurants are installing fast chargers.

With more government funding and private investment on the way, the public charging network is becoming more reliable, more widespread, and faster.

For a full breakdown on charging types and times, check out our car leasing guide.

Is Range Anxiety Worse for Business Drivers?

Not necessarily. In fact, many businesses are choosing business EV leasing to save on Benefit-in-Kind tax and running costs.

If you're a business driver covering lots of miles, choosing an EV with a longer range (like a Tesla or Polestar) and planning routes using charging apps can make long-distance travel simple.

Choosing the Right EV Lease

If you’re still unsure which EV is right for you, we can help. Our expert team will guide you through the latest electric lease deals, vehicle specs, and charging options.

And if you’re looking to save money, we’ve got tips on how to get the best lease deal too.

Explore More:

·         All Car Leasing Deals

·         Business Car Leasing

·         Electric Vehicle Cost Guide