Some EV Drivers Experience Range Anxiety

As electric vehicles (EVs) become more popular in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, many drivers are learning about the unique experiences and challenges of EV ownership. One such challenge is range anxiety, which is the fear of running out of battery power before accessing a charging station.

While EVs are designed to have ample range for daily commutes, the lack of charging infrastructure in some areas and unfamiliarity with battery limits can cause drivers to feel anxious when their battery starts to drop. This anxiety can contribute to risky driving behavior, potentially resulting in accidents. If you are recovering after an EV accident in NJ or PA, connect with a Bucks County personal injury attorney.

Power Anxiety and Distracted or Reckless Driving

Range anxiety can be especially strong for drivers unfamiliar with their EV’s actual range capabilities. In some cases, it can cause a driver to make risky choices, such as driving at erratic speeds to conserve battery, focusing too much on the remaining charge, or even becoming so distracted by the battery level that they ignore important road cues.

Plus, when a driver is overly focused on their vehicle’s battery level, they may frequently glance at the dashboard or GPS instead of the road, calculating the distance to the next charging station, or adjusting speed abruptly to conserve battery. These distractions increase the chances of an accident, as the driver may miss signs, signals, or actions of other drivers.

In cases of severe range anxiety, drivers may also engage in reckless behavior to reach a charging station faster. This can include speeding, sudden lane changes, or failing to yield, all of which are driving behaviors that can increase the risk of collisions. An injury attorney can help investigate whether it can be proven that these behaviors contributed to a traffic crash.

Tips for EV Drivers to Avoid Range Anxiety

For residents of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, range anxiety can be managed with a few key steps to ensure safety.

• Plan where you will charge your vehicle ahead of time. Use apps like PlugShare, ChargePoint, or your EV’s navigation system to locate charging stations on your route.
• Know your EV’s range. When you are familiar with how far your EV can realistically go on a full charge it can help eliminate fear of the unknown.
• Stay calm. If you’re low on battery, stay focused and avoid risky, sudden maneuvers. Drive steadily, as erratic driving wastes energy and can make you feel even more anxious.
• Invest in a home charging station. Having a charging station at home means you’ll start each day with a full battery. This investment is worth it for long-term convenience and peace of mind.

If you believe range anxiety or distracted driving due to battery concerns contributed to an accident, talk to a Bucks County personal injury attorney.

Are you pretty sure that anxiety contributed to a crash you were involved in? Proving fault can be complicated, share your story with the legal team at Kevin L. Hand, P.C. Call 215-968-6602 to schedule a confidential meeting.