Electric vehicle (EV) range anxiety and how to cure it

Just as the fuel efficiency of gasoline-fueled cars varies depending on where and how they are being driven, so does the range of different EV models. 

The majority of EVs on the Canadian market offer between 300 to 400 km range per charge. Some newer models offer a “long range” of up to 488 km per charge, and a handful of higher-end vehicles can even travel up to 600 km on one charge. 

The trajectory of the technology is clear: longer trips, faster charging times and cleaner driving.

As a potential EV buyer, you may need to do some napkin math to put your mind at ease.

First, consider if you drive more than 300 to 400 km a day. For most people, the answer is no. 

Data shows that Canadians drive only 15,200 km per year on average — less than 50 km per day . Among the 16 million Canadians who commute to work daily, roughly 90% have a one-way commute of 18 km or less².

This means that most people won't be using anywhere near the maximum range of their vehicle on a day-to-day basis. 

Next, think about where you live. 

EV drivers have the opportunity to charge their EV at home a few times a week. Home chargers are generally Level 1 or 2 chargers. They use either a standard 120V outlet (the same type as a wall socket) or a 240V outlet (the same type as an oven or dryer). The former may take a day or 2 to fully charge your EV, while the latter can do it in 3 to 12 hours. 

It’s easier to have an EV charger (particularly a Level 2) installed in a private, single dwelling home with a driveway than it is for any other type of residence. But the good news is that the conversation around implementing “right to charge” legislation is growing louder every day. And in many cases the issue of EV charging is top of mind for multi-unit residential building (MURB) owners with building managers, property owners and condo boards proactively working with EV driving residents to find solutions for their charging needs. 

Finally, think about where you live, work and play most of the time. EVs perform brilliantly in city and suburban driving where 3 in 4 Canadians live³. They’re much more efficient than gas vehicles thanks to regenerative braking, which maximizes the return on the variable speeds and frequent stops involved in urban traffic. Regenerative braking allows EVs to recapture much of the energy expended in slowing a vehicle down, which helps recharge the battery.

While EVs shine in more urban environments, that doesn't mean an EV is a poor choice for longer trips. What it does mean is that road trips will require a little more planning, so you know where chargers are located — particularly DC Fast Chargers (DCFCs), which can replenish a battery in minutes. 

You can use the Canadian government's Electric Charging Station Locator Opens in a new window.. And there are also several route planning apps that can help you locate chargers while you're on the road. 

The good news is that charging infrastructure is quickly expanding and many stations are appearing right along the major highways. There are now more than 6,000 public charging stations across Canada, including more than 1,000 stations that offer DC Fast Chargers. These can charge a vehicle in an hour or less, and while that is slower than pumping gas, it's a good reminder to practice some self-care, get out of the driver’s seat to stretch your legs, grab a coffee and get a bite to eat. 

And if your trip takes you below the 49^th parallel, the situation is even better on the American side of the border where the network of public chargers is more built out and DC Fast chargers are more common.