Is Range Improving on Electric Cars? 

If you have ever driven a petrol or diesel vehicle that was low on fuel, you’ll have experienced something similar to range anxiety. Essentially, it’s a term used to describe the worry that you won’t have enough charge left to reach your destination. 

While many drivers will be familiar with such a sensation, range anxiety has played a large part in driving EV technology forward. As a common concern amongst customers, vehicle manufacturers have invested heavily in research and development. This has helped to extend the range of new electric cars and alleviate the hesitation some customers experience.  

Taking a look back at the range of some of the earlier electric vehicles really underlines just how far electric car range has come over the years. 

In 2010, the world’s first 100% electric car for the mass market, when fully charged, could achieve a range of 200 kilometres or approximately 124 miles. Consider that electric vehicles today now offer a range of over 200 miles and it’s clear to see that technology has moved on in leaps and bounds.  

Take the Citroën ë-C4 for example; our 100% electric compact hatch has a 217-mile range from a single charge. What’s more, a full charge will take just 1 hour 13 minutes thanks to  ≥ 100 kW rapid charging.  

Some motorists just can’t shake the feeling of range anxiety, but that doesn’t mean they’re out of options when it comes to choosing a greener vehicle. 

Hybrid vehicles offer the best of both worlds, combining a petrol or diesel engine with an electric motor. Unlike electric vehicles, you don’t have to plug in the vehicle to charge the battery. Rather, it is charged through regenerative braking and the internal combustion engine.  

As a result, the traditional petrol or diesel engine acts as a safety blanket for drivers who experience range anxiety. In fact, in many instances, hybrid cars can deliver higher mpg figures than traditional engines alone. For example, our Citroën C5 Aircross SUV Hybrid offers a combined fuel consumption of 166mpg! 

In addition, hybrid vehicles also offer benefits such as lower CO2 emissions and tax benefits.   

Concerns about electric car range were more prominent when the UK’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure was in its infancy. With charging points few and far between, drivers were naturally more worried about the range of their vehicles. 

However, the number of available charging points has grown significantly over the years and drivers across the country now have better access when they need to power up.  

Between 2016 and 2020, there was a 220% jump in the number of available public EV charging points. As of 20th August 2021, there were 25,227 electric vehicle public charging devices in the UK across 15,885 locations. In total, these devices have 43,454 connectors. 

Not only has the number of charging points increased, so has the number of rapid charging facilities in the UK. As of 20th August 2021, there were 4,722 rapid charging devices available for public use at 3,042 locations in the UK. If you do need a quick charge boost, it’s good to know the infrastructure is there for you. 

If you are considering swapping your petrol or diesel vehicle, don’t let range anxiety hold you back! For more information about the vehicles available to you, learn more by exploring our range of EVs.

In addition, hybrid vehicles also offer benefits such as lower CO2 emissions and tax benefits.