For those with electric vehicles, you’ve probably heard of the term “range anxiety”, a phrase meaning that the person is worried that their vehicle will run out of electricity.
Many modern EV’s are well suited to manage long-distance travel; however, with a little planning, long journeys can be just as convenient as travelling in a petrol or diesel vehicle if you follow the following steps.
Before setting off, it’s worth spending a few minutes planning your journey. Many electric vehicles come with built-in navigation that can help you map out the best route and, importantly, show you where you can stop to charge along the way.
When heading to a selected charging location, many EVs also allow you to precondition the battery. This helps the battery reach the optimal temperature, which can improve efficiency and, in some cases, speed up DC rapid charging stops.
It’s also a good idea to pick out a couple of alternative charging stops, just in case your first choice is busy or out of action when you arrive. Things don’t always go exactly to plan, so having a backup makes life much easier and reduces stress in the moment.
Finally, don’t forget to build charging time into your overall journey. Stopping to charge is part of the trip in an EV, so allowing for it from the start helps avoid unnecessary pressure on the road.
Did you know charging to around 80% helps maximise battery longevity, optimise charging speeds, and leaves space for regenerative braking to work more effectively when you get back on the road?
On longer journeys, this is often the most efficient approach, because rapid charging slows down noticeably after around 80%, meaning you can end up waiting much longer for only a small amount of extra range. By unplugging at this point and continuing your journey, you’ll usually save time overall and keep your stops shorter and more predictable.
Charging to 100% can still be useful in certain situations, such as when you’re charging at home before setting off or when the next charging point is a long distance away and you need the additional range.
Before you commit to a charging stop, it’s worth quickly checking availability using EV charging apps. These apps can show in real time whether chargers are available, in use, or out of service, helping you avoid unnecessary detours or delays.
However, it’s important to do this safely. If you’re driving, avoid handling your phone while on the move; ideally, ask a passenger to check for you. Alternatively, many EVs include voice control, allowing you to ask the navigation system to find nearby chargers or check availability without taking your hands off the wheel. If you’re travelling alone and don’t have voice control available, make sure to pull over in a safe, legal place before planning your next stop.
Even well-planned stops can be disrupted by queues or unexpected faults, so having a plan B and identifying an alternative charger nearby helps keep your journey flexible and stress-free.
One of the simplest ways to get more out of your EV on a long journey is to drive smoothly and consistently. Maintaining a steady speed, especially on motorways, helps reduce unnecessary energy use.
It’s also worth avoiding harsh acceleration and heavy braking wherever possible. Quick bursts of speed and sudden stops tend to drain the battery faster. Most importantly, use regenerative braking when you can, as it helps recover small amounts of energy and feed it back into the battery while slowing the car down. This is especially useful in stop-start traffic or when approaching junctions.
If you're considering making the switch or upgrading your current vehicle, explore our range of electric cars for sale. Alternatively, visit our electric hub to find out more about EVs and buying and owning one.