Electric Vehicles: Range and Charging Speed vs Real-World Needs

Would you consider purchasing an electric vehicle (EV) if it had a range of 800 miles and charged in less than one hour? Tesla has demonstrated an astonishing Model S that can charge in as little as 40 minutes. However, despite these exciting advancements, cost remains a significant factor for many EV buyers.

Cost Constraints

Range and charge time are not the primary obstacles for potential EV buyers. A budget-conscious consumer, for example, may set aside around ￡1,000 to ￡2,000 every three to five years for a new vehicle. Therefore, the latter's preferred choice is often a used EV with around three to five years of remaining life, if their budget allows.

When such limited budget-friendly options are not available, traditional fuel-efficient vehicles like a 13-year-old diesel with a fuel efficiency of 55 miles per gallon (mpg) prove to be a more practical choice. A two-year-old model of this diesel, purchased for merely ￡500, serves well and meets the user's requirements for everyday use.

A Personal Experience

Back in 2011, the user purchased a vehicle with 80 miles of range and 30-minute fast charging capability. This model proved sufficient for their needs as it was primarily used for local short trips, while longer journeys were addressed by using their wife's car.

Fast forward to late 2018, they now own a Tesla Model 3 with 325 miles of range and a Chevy Bolt with 238 miles of range. These vehicles have significantly enhanced their long-distance travel experience. The longest annual trip they typically take measures 813 miles, which is comfortably within the range of their Tesla Model 3. Even without stopping once, the vehicle could complete the trip in 12.5 hours.

However, their regular travel habits do not necessitate non-stop driving. When traveling with their spouse, they typically stop every 2-3 hours for a break or to eat. For such a trip, the travel time is approximately 15 hours, including about 2.5 hours of stops. The Tesla Model 3, equipped with fast charging capabilities, only requires about 70 minutes of total charging time, making the need for continual travel prohibitive.

Real-World Requirements

While the latest EVs offer impressive range and fast charge capabilities, the minimum range and charging speed needed for most driving habits is significantly lower. About 280 miles of range and a 150kW charging speed are sufficient for the majority of users. For those who require higher coverage, a range of around 350 miles and a charging speed of 250kW would be more than adequate.

With advancements in technology and the growing popularity of EVs, the hypothetical 800-mile range and near-instant charging time may seem like overkill. The practical needs of most drivers are better served with more balanced and cost-efficient options.