range anxiety

American  

[reynj ang-zahy-i-tee] / ˈreɪndʒ æŋˌzaɪ ɪ ti /

noun

Informal.

1. the apprehension or fear that an electric vehicle’s battery will run out of power before reaching one’s intended destination or a charging station.

   Studies have shown that range anxiety is a major psychological obstacle in the quest to popularize the electric car.

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Etymology

Origin of range anxiety

First recorded in 1995–2000

Example Sentences

After a single charging session, the car will be able to drive at least 329 miles, which ought to combat some customers’ range anxiety.

From Barron's • Oct. 9, 2025

For potential EV drivers, there is also the question of battery size to reduce range anxiety.

From Science Daily • Apr. 25, 2024

But given lingering range anxiety and U.S. preference for excess, any carmaker that wants to reach mass-market sales that rival their gas-powered equivalents can’t hope to do so without offering long-range options.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 11, 2024

One way to beat range anxiety while reducing, if not eliminating, greenhouse emissions: Buy a plug-in hybrid.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 16, 2023

Some drivers talk of "range anxiety" - a fear that the electric vehicle will not have enough charge to make it to the next working charge point.

From BBC • May 19, 2022