In a world rapidly transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs), one would think that range anxiety should be a thing of the past. Yet, even in 2024, many drivers still hesitate to switch to electric due to concerns about the distance they can travel on a single charge. Despite advances in EV technology, range anxiety remains a real issue. But why? And more importantly, how can it be solved?
CEO of Hydra, Steven South, ‘’Range anxiety is often a myth that fades quickly once you experience driving an EV. The fear of running out of power disappears after realising how accessible charging stations are and that modern EVs have built-in navigation to find them. The real concern is whether a charge point works, but with multiple chargers at each destination, it’s usually just a matter of waiting.
At Hydra, we ensure our chargers have at least 99% uptime, supported by a UK-wide engineering team and spare parts. We’re here to educate and support as the EV market grows.’’
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What exactly is range anxiety and when is range really ‘not enough’?
Range anxiety, the fear that an EV will run out of charge before reaching its destination, often stems from a misunderstanding of both vehicle capability and available charging infrastructure. But what defines “sufficient range”?
From a technical perspective, sufficient range varies depending on the driver’s needs. For some, 200 miles might be more than enough for their daily commute; for others, a longer-range vehicle might still leave them anxious due to a lack of reliable charging options along the way.
Hydra’s Managing Director, Gavin James, explains: “Planning ahead is key to overcoming range anxiety. Knowing your vehicle’s charge and mapping suitable charging points along your route allows for stress-free breaks.
The Highway Code suggests a 15-minute break every two hours, which aligns well with EV charging needs. By driving an electric car, you naturally follow these recommendations, improving health, safety, and planning. Plus, factoring in seasonal traffic variations and routes ensures a smoother journey.
Forward planning with EVs is not only practical but also promotes safer and more mindful driving.’’
Is it really about range, or is it about charging infrastructure?
While EVs are becoming increasingly efficient, the real problem often lies in the public charging infrastructure. Limited access to fast chargers, or the concern of arriving at a broken or occupied station, feeds into range anxiety.
Europe, the UK, and other regions have ambitious plans for expanding the EV charging network, but there’s still a gap. And as the market for EVs grows, infrastructure needs to grow even faster to meet demand.
Why do EV drivers still get range anxiety despite technological advances?
EV technology has improved by leaps and bounds in recent years. Batteries are more powerful and efficient, and vehicles can now travel much farther on a single charge than ever before. But psychological barriers persist. Many drivers are still in the habit of comparing EVs to traditional petrol or diesel cars, where refuelling infrastructure is omnipresent.
Public perception lags behind the reality of modern EVs, and media reports on issues like broken chargers or long wait times often exacerbate fears.
“This is as much a psychological issue as a technical one,” says Steven, Hydra’s CEO. “Drivers need education, clear communication, and confidence that EVs can meet their everyday needs.”
How Hydra is tackling range anxiety: A new approach to EV infrastructure
Hydra understands that to eliminate range anxiety, the EV charging experience needs to be seamless, reliable, and omnipresent. By focusing on smart, scalable, and future-ready charging solutions, Hydra is leading the charge (pun intended) in reducing the barriers to electric mobility.
Hydra’s range of DC fast chargers, ultra-fast chargers, and smart charging stations are designed to make charging quicker and more convenient. By integrating cutting-edge technology, including AI and IoT-enabled management systems, Hydra is ensuring that charging points are always online, easy to locate, and easy to use.
“We’re not just selling chargers; we’re building confidence,” says Jay Lawless, Hydra’s Head of Business Development. “Our mission is to create an ecosystem where EV drivers know they’ll always have access to the power they need, whether they’re at home, at work, or on the road.”
Building tomorrow’s charging infrastructure today
Hydra’s commitment to developing smart charging solutions doesn’t stop at today’s needs. As we transition to more electrified transportation systems, demand for reliable charging will increase. Hydra is already working on the next generation of charging stations that will handle future vehicle capabilities and even vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, where EVs can give back power to the grid.
“We see range anxiety as a temporary problem,” says Lawless, Hydra’s Business Development Manager. “In the near future, with the right infrastructure in place, people won’t even think about range. It will be like using a smartphone—you simply charge it when you need to, without thinking twice.”
Driving the future: What’s next for EV infrastructure
Range anxiety is one of the last psychological barriers to EV adoption, but with companies like Hydra leading the way, we’re on the verge of a breakthrough. The future of transportation is electric, and the key to unlocking that future is building the right infrastructure today.
‘’Even with careful planning, arriving at a charge point only to find it out of order can cause stress, especially when the next one is down too, leading to range anxiety.
At Hydra, we understand the importance of reliability, which is why we prioritise fast, responsive technical support. Our UK-based team ensures maximum uptime for our public chargers, so drivers can trust their charging experience and focus on the journey. We’re committed to providing dependable, high-performance EV charging solutions.’’ Says Peter Lewin, Commercial Director for Hydra
Power your EV journey with Hydra
Explore Hydra’s smart charging solutions and discover how our range of fast and ultra-fast chargers can help you power your electric journey, worry-free.
Visit our Product Page to learn more about how we’re addressing range anxiety and shaping the future of EV infrastructure.
