What is Range Anxiety in EVs? (And How to Overcome It)

Have you ever hesitated to take a longer drive or questioned if your electric vehicle (EV) could complete a delivery route without running out of power? That uncertainty is often what’s known as “range anxiety”. The good news is that it’s not beyond your control. 

EV range anxiety can be managed with the right knowledge. From understanding the factors that influence EV range to learning practical strategies, such as smarter route planning and efficient charging habits, you can approach every drive with greater confidence and peace of mind.

What is EV Range Anxiety?

Range anxiety isn’t just the fear of an empty EV battery. It’s that nagging thought in the back of your mind about whether your EV can really get you where you need to go. Even when the battery shows there’s enough range, many drivers still second-guess it.

For businesses, that uncertainty can have real consequences. It might mean turning down delivery jobs that require longer travel or constantly scheduling unnecessary charging stops just to feel safe. In some cases, it can even limit how far goods are transported or how efficiently routes are planned. 

Over time, this cautious approach can slow operations and hold the business back from fully benefiting from its electric fleet.

What is the Average Range of an Electric Car?

On average, most modern EVs today offer a driving range of about 110 miles (177 km) to well over 300 miles (480 km) on a full charge.

The LEVC VN5, for instance, has a total flexible range of up to 496 km, while the SRM T3EV delivers around 300 km combined and 355 km in the city. With ranges like what these delivery vehicles offer, businesses can confidently complete full-day operations, longer routes, and multiple stops without constantly worrying about recharging.

If you’re planning to buy or upgrade your commercial business’s vehicle, choose one with a higher range and larger battery capacity so you can operate with greater confidence on the road.

Factors That Can Affect an EV’s Range

Your EV’s range can vary depending on different conditions. By understanding what influences it, you can manage the range more effectively.

• Driving Speed and Behavior: Rapid acceleration, frequent braking, or consistently driving at high speeds can drain the battery faster. 
• Battery Health: Just like any other rechargeable device, an EV battery gradually loses capacity over time, which can reduce how much distance you get on a full charge as the vehicle ages.
• Environmental Factors: In Singapore’s hot climate, frequent use of air conditioning can draw more power from the battery. Additionally, long periods of idling in traffic still use energy even when the vehicle isn’t moving, increasing overall consumption.
• Vehicle Load: Transporting heavy cargo or filling the vehicle increases the weight it needs to move, which in turn demands more energy from the battery.
• Terrain: Climbing steep slopes or driving through hilly areas creates more resistance against the vehicle’s movement, so it consumes additional power compared to driving on flat, even roads.

Tips to Maximize Your EV Range and Overcome Range Anxiety

Managing range anxiety is easier when you know how to stretch each charge and make your EV work more efficiently.

1. Drive Smoothly

Avoid sudden bursts of speed and heavy braking by maintaining a steady pace and anticipating traffic ahead. Smoother driving uses less energy, helping your EV go farther on each charge while creating a safer, more comfortable driving experience.

2. Use Eco Mode

Many EVs are equipped with eco-driving modes that automatically limit power output and optimize energy use. Activating this feature, especially on daily delivery operations, helps you complete more stops without needing to recharge as often.

3. Plan Charging Stops

Use apps or maps to find charging stations along your planned delivery or transport route before you hit the road. Knowing where to recharge in advance removes the worry of running low unexpectedly.

4. Keep Your Battery Healthy

Taking care of your battery is one of the simplest ways to keep your EV performing at its best. Since your range depends heavily on battery capacity, keeping it in good condition ensures it functions efficiently and delivers the distance it’s designed to.

You can do this by avoiding letting the battery drain too low, charging it regularly, and scheduling routine battery checks.

5. Avoid Unnecessary Loads

If possible, minimize the weight your EV carries by removing unnecessary cargo, tools, or roof racks when they’re not needed. A lighter vehicle uses less energy, which helps extend your range and improve overall efficiency.

6. Precondition Your EV’s Battery

Preconditioning your vehicle involves heating or cooling the cabin while it’s still plugged into a charger, rather than relying on the battery once you’re on the road. Because systems like climate control can use a significant amount of energy, doing this in advance means more power is reserved for driving. 

It not only helps extend your range but also keeps the interior comfortable and ready before your trip begins.

7. Maintain an Optimal Charging Routine

Try not to let your EV’s battery run too low or keep it fully charged all the time, as both can shorten its lifespan. A good rule of thumb is to keep the charge level between 20% and 80%, which helps maintain its health. 

This keeps the battery performing at its best, so you can trust it to deliver the range you need and feel more confident every time you’re on the road.

Why Today’s EV Situation Makes Range Anxiety a Thing of the Past

Advancements in EV technology, infrastructure, and performance are transforming how businesses use electric vehicles, removing the biggest worries drivers once had.

1. The Average EV Range is More Than Enough for Daily Needs

Today’s EVs are built to go the distance, often covering more than 300 miles (480 km) on a single charge, far beyond what most businesses need in a day. Whether it’s completing a full schedule of deliveries, transporting goods between multiple locations, or handling back-to-back client visits, there’s usually plenty of range left to spare, so running out of charge becomes the least of your worries.

2. Charging Infrastructure in Singapore is Rapidly Expanding

Finding an EV charging station is now much more convenient. Singapore has over 15,300 charging stations across the island, with plans to grow that number to 60,000 by 2030. With more charging points available, you won’t have to worry as much about the battery running low, as there will almost always be a charger within reach.

3. Battery Technology is Constantly Advancing

EV batteries are evolving quickly, offering greater range, faster charging, and longer lifespans. This means electric commercial vehicles can spend more time on the road and less time charging, making fleet operations more efficient and reliable, and giving businesses the confidence to plan longer routes without hesitation.

Embrace the Road Ahead with Hong Seh Motors’ Electric Vehicles

Range anxiety doesn’t have to stand in the way of switching to electric. With today’s advancements in EV technology, growing charging networks, and smarter driving habits, businesses can confidently rely on electric vehicles for their daily operations. 

At Hong Seh Motors, we offer a wide range of electric commercial vehicles in Singapore designed with impressive range and dependable performance. Whether you’re looking for an electric van for light delivery operations or electric trucks for heavier transport, we have solutions tailored to your specific operational and distance needs. 

Reach out to us today to explore our available electric vehicles and drive your business forward with confidence.