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

Asked what most discouraged them from going all-electric, voters most often mentioned cost, with range anxiety and lack of public charging stations also prominently mentioned.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 7, 2022

That number likely helps ease range anxiety for first-time EV buyers, but it still falls short of the EQS’ range.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 29, 2022

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