Range anxiety remains a potential roadblock to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. It’s a situation brought into sharp relief during disasters such as the recent power outages in Texas, which may keep drivers from accessing charging stations, thus limiting their ability to travel long distances to evacuate stricken areas.
A J.D. Power survey issued in January found that EV drivers cite range as the major factor in their purchase decisions.
“It’s still about peace of mind,” said Brent Gruber, the company’s senior director of global automotive. “Even though most owners drive less than the stated range of their vehicle’s battery, they still want to know that the actual battery range is close to the stated battery range.”
J.D. Power’s U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience Ownership Study said that range accuracy accounts for 20 percent of customers’ overall satisfaction in their EVs, rising above other metrics such as charging options, driving enjoyment and operational savings.
Here’s a look at the EPA estimated mileage ranges for the 10 battery-electric vehicles most registered in the U.S. last year.