A large-scale Norwegian study has found that electric vehicle (EV) drivers with more experience and greater comfort with the charging process are significantly less likely to experience range anxiety. The findings, published in the journal Transportation Research Part F, are based on a survey of over 1,000 EV drivers across Norway, a country with one of the most developed EV infrastructures in the world.
The research examined a variety of factors, including psychological traits, demographic characteristics, and perceptions of charging ease. While many assume that range anxiety is primarily due to limitations in charging infrastructure or battery capacity, the study highlights that the driver’s experience and mindset play a critical role.
Drivers who had been using EVs for a longer period were less likely to report concern about their car running out of battery during different types of journeys, such as spontaneous trips or those through unknown routes. Similarly, those who felt at ease charging their EV at low battery levels or who could easily alter their charging frequency reported lower levels of anxiety.
A key finding was that the perceived simplicity of the charging process had the strongest association with reduced range anxiety. When drivers found charging easy and straightforward, they were more confident in managing longer or more unpredictable journeys. In contrast, drivers who felt the process was mentally taxing or inconvenient were more likely to worry about whether their vehicle had sufficient range.
The study also uncovered important psychological links. Drivers who felt in control of their vehicle’s battery status experienced less stress, regardless of their actual range. Those more willing to take risks similarly tended to worry less, although the effect was relatively small. Interestingly, an openness to technology, which many assume would reduce anxiety, had no measurable impact.
Demographic data revealed that younger drivers generally experienced less range anxiety than older ones. Women were also slightly more likely than men to report concerns about EV range. But here people lived – whether in cities, towns, or villages – did not significantly affect their level of anxiety, despite earlier suggestions that rural drivers might worry more due to fewer public charging stations.
The findings challenge some common assumptions in the EV industry. While technological advances and expanded infrastructure are often seen as the primary solutions to range anxiety, this study shows that addressing user experience and psychological support can be just as important.
Recommendations from the research suggest that car manufacturers and app developers should focus not only on building more charging stations but also on making the charging process feel easier and more manageable. Clear guidance, personalised suggestions, and tools that promote a sense of control could be key to improving driver confidence.
As EV adoption grows worldwide, understanding the human side of range anxiety could help shape future policies and innovations. Supporting drivers who are less experienced, older, or more routine-based may prove critical in easing the transition to a fully electric future.
