By: Consumer Reports
By: Consumer Reports
If you are looking for a new car and trying to decide between a car with a traditional internal combustion engine or a electric vehicle (EV) , you’re not alone. A record number of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) will debut at the end of 2024. But some consumers still struggle with range anxiety when it comes to electric vehicles and often wonder: What What happens if an EV runs out of power while you’re driving?
“Running out of power in an EV is not the same as running out of gas in a car with an internal combustion engine”, says Alex Knizek, an automotive engineer for Consumer Reports. “Your only option is to be towed to the nearest loader.”
Years ago, AAA launched a roadside assistance program in which some of its trucks were equipped with Level 2 and even fast DC chargers and they could provide enough charge to get you to the nearest charger, Knizek says. But few people used the program and it was not a practical solution, so it was phased out. However, as EVs become more common, we wouldn’t be surprised to see such programs resurface. That said, an EV won’t stop without warning. Drivers get a lot of warnings when the battery is running low, and if it is low enough, the car will reduce propulsion power. In some electric vehicles, the navigation system shows the closest public chargers and guides you to them.
Range anxiety can be a powerful motivation to keep a good amount of energy in reserve, just in case. There are also phone apps, like PlugShare , that work the same way. And each network, such as ChargePoint and Electrify America , has its own application. Electric vehicles with integrated navigation systems usually show an estimate of the remaining battery charge level when the vehicle reaches its destination.
For everyday use, even this is every less of a concern as the range increases with newer models. There are almost no new electric vehicles that have a range less than 250 miles. (See the CR’s full list of the scope of current electric vehicles )
If range anxiety prevents you from considering purchasing an EV, another good option is a Hybrid pluggable . You can use the electric motor in the city, normally during 25 to 35 miles, and gas for longer trips. The gasoline engine also serves as a safety net for those worried about getting stranded in an EV. These vehicles effectively divide the difference between a normal hybrid and a pure electric vehicle.
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Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with the advertisers on this site. Consumer Reports is an independent nonprofit organization that works with consumers to create a just, safe, and healthy world. CR does not endorse products or services and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2021, Consumer Reports, Inc.