Electric vehicles have become increasingly popular in recent years, but many consumers are still hesitant to make the switch due to concerns about range. Real-world range is a major factor that has contributed to this hesitation, and a new study from S&P Global Mobility has shed light on how this issue can be addressed.

The study used the Tesla Model 3 Performance AWD as an example, which has a maximum range of 372 miles (599 km). However, under real-world conditions, the vehicle only exhibited a range of 310 miles (499 km). This discrepancy highlights the need for improvements in battery technology and other factors that affect range.

One of the main issues with electric vehicles is the lack of charging stations compared to gas stations. Additionally, EVs take longer to recharge than traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. These factors, combined with range anxiety, have led to a decline in consumer interest in EVs. In fact, S&P reported that only 6 in every 10 people expressed interest in buying an EV in 2022, compared to 8 in every 10 people in 2021.

While the study found that two-thirds of participants deemed 150-300 miles (241-483 km) of range acceptable, this acceptance is conditional on whether or not the vehicle can actually achieve that range in real-world conditions. Weight, motor power, and battery capacity were identified as the biggest contributing factors to an EV’s range.

Unfortunately, modern consumers tend to prefer SUVs, which are heavier and less aerodynamic than sedans or wagons in the same segment. This puts SUVs at a disadvantage when it comes to range. To address this issue, S&P believes that advancements in battery technology will be key. An analysis of over 900 EVs sold between 2017 and 2022 showed that battery capacity was positively correlated with driving range. As manufacturers develop more energy-dense battery solutions, they can offer larger electrical capacity in a smaller footprint, allowing for additional range in vehicles where it wouldn’t have been possible before.

Additionally, as motors become more electrically efficient, the effect will increase two-fold, increasing the capacity at the source while decreasing the draw. This will help to address concerns about range and make EVs a more viable option for consumers.

In conclusion, real-world range is a major factor that has contributed to consumer hesitation when it comes to EV adoption. However, advancements in battery technology and other factors that affect range can help to address this issue. As manufacturers continue to develop more energy-dense battery solutions and more electrically efficient motors, EVs will become a more viable option for consumers.