If you’re new to driving an electric vehicle, chances are you’ve heard the term “range anxiety.” It’s the worry that your EV won’t have enough charge to get you where you need to go. The truth is, this fear is common—but it’s also temporary. Once you get familiar with your car and a few simple habits, range anxiety fades into the background.
What Is Range Anxiety?
Range anxiety is less about reality and more about perception. Today’s EVs typically deliver between 200 and 350 miles per charge, and some models go even farther. To put that in perspective, the average U.S. driver travels about 37 miles a day. That means most EV drivers only use a fraction of their battery on a typical day.
So why the worry? Because EV charging feels different than stopping for gas, and anything unfamiliar can feel uncertain.
Simple Ways to Build Confidence
1. Get to Know Your EV’s True Range
Your car’s listed range is a guideline, but real-life conditions—like highway speeds, hills, or weather—can affect it. Spend a couple of weeks observing how your car performs during your daily routine. You’ll quickly see how far it comfortably goes on a charge, and that knowledge helps erase “what if” doubts.
2. Wake Up Fully Charged
One of the best parts of EV ownership is charging at home. With a Level 2 charger, you can plug in at night and start every morning with a full battery. Imagine never needing to detour for gas on your commute—that’s the everyday reality for most EV owners.
3. Use Charging Apps for Peace of Mind
Apps like PlugShare or A Better Route Planner (ABRP) make it easy to see every available charging station on your route. Before a longer trip, map out your stops so you know exactly where and when you’ll charge. Just seeing that network laid out can calm a lot of nerves.
If you have a Tesla or another vehicle with Supercharging access, this will make road trips much easier. Plan out your route on the Tesla touchscreen or in your preferred app, and you’ll be able to find plenty of stops along your journey.
4. Try Public Charging Before You Need It
Instead of waiting until you’re low, practice charging at a local public station on your terms. Doing this once or twice gets you comfortable with the process, so it feels routine instead of stressful when you’re on the go.
5. Think of Charging Like Your Phone
You don’t let your phone hit 0% before plugging it in—you top it off when it’s convenient. The same mindset works with EVs. A quick 15–20 minute stop at a fast charger can give you enough range to keep moving without stress.
6. Learn a Few Energy-Saving Habits
Driving smoothly, preheating or cooling your car while it’s still plugged in, and making use of regenerative braking all help stretch your range. These small adjustments give you a sense of control, which helps reduce worry.
7. Remember: Backup Exists
Even if you ever did run out, roadside assistance services can tow you to the nearest station—or even bring mobile charging. Knowing you’re not “stranded forever” helps take the fear out of the equation.
The Takeaway
Range anxiety is real, but it doesn’t last. Once you’ve spent a little time with your EV, learned your daily patterns, and seen how accessible charging has become, the fear fades. Driving electric quickly turns from “Will I make it?” to “Why didn’t I switch sooner?”