First experience of 'range anxiety'!
Discussion
Well, I had my first proper experience of “Range Anxiety” this weekend! We went up to Scotland for some snowboarding, and the car (Tesla Model S) had performed faultlessly throughout, and charging all the way there and whilst there and been a doddle.
However, on the way home the weather was pretty poor; heavy rain with standing water, around 2’C, at night and with a 20mph headwind. This is pretty much worst case range-wise; the cold weather reduces battery range, being at night and in the rain requires both lights and wipers, and of course both a strong headwind and standing water increase drag substantially. Add to that 3x motorway closures and the resulting diversions, and everything was working against us.
So we set off from Gretna Green Supercharger with around 220 miles of charge, aiming for Stoke Supercharger (Keele Services) 160 miles away. So we had 60 miles in hand. Soon it became apparent this was not enough, as the car advised to drive at 65mph, and then 60mph, to reach our destination. Realising this was cutting it a bit too fine, we then diverted to the more-northerly Warrington Supercharger, 136 miles away. Long story short, driving ultra-conservatively (64mph), no heated seats on, minimal air-con (heating) to stop the car misting up and even turning the headlights off so DRL-only on the lit sections of motorway, we eventually made it to Warrington with 6% (14 miles) battery range remaining! Needless to say, we were very relieved to get there!!
I don’t blame the car particularly, a combination of weather/road conditions and diversions were bound to reduce the range beyond the ‘Typical’ figure given. However, what I do question is how ‘typical’ this figure is? It strikes me that the range figure given as ‘typical’ is more likely ‘ideal’ in reality, and any deviation from those ideal parameters, be that speed, weather or road conditions can have a pretty dramatic impact on actual range!
Anyone else had a similar experience?!
However, on the way home the weather was pretty poor; heavy rain with standing water, around 2’C, at night and with a 20mph headwind. This is pretty much worst case range-wise; the cold weather reduces battery range, being at night and in the rain requires both lights and wipers, and of course both a strong headwind and standing water increase drag substantially. Add to that 3x motorway closures and the resulting diversions, and everything was working against us.
So we set off from Gretna Green Supercharger with around 220 miles of charge, aiming for Stoke Supercharger (Keele Services) 160 miles away. So we had 60 miles in hand. Soon it became apparent this was not enough, as the car advised to drive at 65mph, and then 60mph, to reach our destination. Realising this was cutting it a bit too fine, we then diverted to the more-northerly Warrington Supercharger, 136 miles away. Long story short, driving ultra-conservatively (64mph), no heated seats on, minimal air-con (heating) to stop the car misting up and even turning the headlights off so DRL-only on the lit sections of motorway, we eventually made it to Warrington with 6% (14 miles) battery range remaining! Needless to say, we were very relieved to get there!!
I don’t blame the car particularly, a combination of weather/road conditions and diversions were bound to reduce the range beyond the ‘Typical’ figure given. However, what I do question is how ‘typical’ this figure is? It strikes me that the range figure given as ‘typical’ is more likely ‘ideal’ in reality, and any deviation from those ideal parameters, be that speed, weather or road conditions can have a pretty dramatic impact on actual range!
Anyone else had a similar experience?!
Zoon said:
I suppose this highlights that EV's aren't 100% ready for mainstream motoring just yet.
If you were driving an ICE car your post wouldn't have happened.
True, but we could have stopped at plenty of Ecotricity chargers en route, but they are slower to charge and we wanted to stick to the Tesla Supercharger network, to test this 'range anxiety' issue as much as anything! If you were driving an ICE car your post wouldn't have happened.
Blaster72 said:
You turned the headlights off on a motorway? 
Wasn't there somewhere closer you could stop rather than risk driving about like that?
That aside, how accurate is the Tesla when it comes to range left. Does it have a 20 / 30 mile safety net or is it game over when it says Zero
To clarify, that was only on LIT sections of the motorway, the (very bright) LED DRL's were still on, and it had stopped raining by that point. So not dangerous in any way.Wasn't there somewhere closer you could stop rather than risk driving about like that?
That aside, how accurate is the Tesla when it comes to range left. Does it have a 20 / 30 mile safety net or is it game over when it says Zero
As above, we could have used one of the generic chargers (I have an Ecotricity card), but we wanted to use the Tesla Supercharger network as the charge rate is that much quicker.
Generally speaking the range gadget is much more accurate on the Tesla than it has been on previous ICE cars I've ran, however in the particular scenario above the 'typical' range proved to be very optimistic.
Mike_C said:
True, but we could have stopped at plenty of Ecotricity chargers en route, but they are slower to charge and we wanted to stick to the Tesla Supercharger network, to test this 'range anxiety' issue as much as anything!
In a normal car you could have stopped at any petrol station and charged up at the same speed regardless.Until this becomes the norm for EV's they aren't going to break into the mainstream fully.
I don't doubt the capability of the Tesla, but it does highlight one of the main problems when you can't use headlights or windscreen wipers for fear of not reaching your destination.
Look on the brightside, Tesla will now tow you up to 500 miles should the worst happen.
Edited by Zoon on Wednesday 2nd March 15:41
Mike_C said:
Zoon said:
I suppose this highlights that EV's aren't 100% ready for mainstream motoring just yet.
If you were driving an ICE car your post wouldn't have happened.
True, but we could have stopped at plenty of Ecotricity chargers en route, but they are slower to charge and we wanted to stick to the Tesla Supercharger network, to test this 'range anxiety' issue as much as anything! If you were driving an ICE car your post wouldn't have happened.
Blaster72 said:
You turned the headlights off on a motorway?
Wasn't there somewhere closer you could stop rather than risk driving about like that?
That aside, how accurate is the Tesla when it comes to range left. Does it have a 20 / 30 mile safety net or is it game over when it says Zero
To clarify, that was only on LIT sections of the motorway, the (very bright) LED DRL's were still on, and it had stopped raining by that point. So not dangerous in any way.Wasn't there somewhere closer you could stop rather than risk driving about like that?
That aside, how accurate is the Tesla when it comes to range left. Does it have a 20 / 30 mile safety net or is it game over when it says Zero
As above, we could have used one of the generic chargers (I have an Ecotricity card), but we wanted to use the Tesla Supercharger network as the charge rate is that much quicker.
Generally speaking the range gadget is much more accurate on the Tesla than it has been on previous ICE cars I've ran, however in the particular scenario above the 'typical' range proved to be very optimistic.
Is the Supercharger network free in the UK too?
Zoon said:
In a normal car you could have stopped at any petrol station and charged up at the same speed regardless.
Until this becomes the norm for EV's they aren't going to break into the mainstream fully.
Until this becomes the norm for EV's they aren't going to break into the mainstream fully.
REALIST123 said:
I have to agree. Hardly an epic journey and not atypical conditions given the time of year and location.
I think that's a little unfair; of course the petrol/diesel network is more extensive than the EV charging network is, it's been around for about 80 years more. Equally, I can't think of the last time I visited a motorway service area that didn't have some form of EV charging point, typically Ecotricity, though?As I mentioned, we could have stopped at an Ecotricity charger earlier, we just decided not to.
Also, don't forget that you can charge up (cheaply) overnight at home, 10 hours overnight charge gives me an easy 200 mile range, so you wake up every morning with a full 'tank' - it's just a different way of thinking.
This is the first time I've ever experienced range anxiety so far, which isn't bad given between myself and my mate (who also has a Model S) we've collectively covered over 20,000 miles. However, I thought it was worth highlighting it and the conditions surrounding it, as they had a larger impact than we expected!
Blaster72 said:
I'm only ribbing you about the lights. I've somehow managed to delete my post on this thread as well so it's clealy me that's the numpty.
Is the Supercharger network free in the UK too?
Yes, Supercharger network is free of charge, currently the Ecotricity network is too, although the charge rate is slower of course.Is the Supercharger network free in the UK too?
erics said:
This is when i read such threads that i am convinced the i8 remains a great package for the foreseeable future.
Providing you do not need 4 seats.
Great post and real life experience.
Thanks for sharing.
Hmm, not sure it is; the real world MPG of the i8 is not great, when I was chatting to owners they were getting similar MPG figures to what I was getting from my BMW 335D, prior to me getting the Tesla.Providing you do not need 4 seats.
Great post and real life experience.
Thanks for sharing.
The i8 is very desirable, don't get me wrong, and if I can get the missus on board I'd be tempted to get an i8 too now that used values have plummeted, but I'd still be using the Model S for the majority of journeys, and if the i8 was to just be an occasional vehicle I'd rather a used V8 or V12 Vantage
Mike_C said:
To clarify, that was only on LIT sections of the motorway, the (very bright) LED DRL's were still on, and it had stopped raining by that point. So not dangerous in any way.
As above, we could have used one of the generic chargers (I have an Ecotricity card), but we wanted to use the Tesla Supercharger network as the charge rate is that much quicker.
And you'd rather have the lights off on the motorway to prove the point...? OK, you'd got DRLs - do they put the rear lights on, too?As above, we could have used one of the generic chargers (I have an Ecotricity card), but we wanted to use the Tesla Supercharger network as the charge rate is that much quicker.
The basic problem is EVs seem to do roughly 50% of their advertised range under adverse conditions ie with lights, wipers etc on in the cold and with a headwind from reading the experiences of a lot of others that have had the same unpleasant type of trips and wake up call.
Dealers/Manufacturers need to make this fact clear to purchasers. They need to specify a wet, cold, wiper, winter range as a worst case scenario so that people know and can decide whether that is relevant. Finding out how useless they are in the peeing down rain on a motorway is unacceptable.
Dealers/Manufacturers need to make this fact clear to purchasers. They need to specify a wet, cold, wiper, winter range as a worst case scenario so that people know and can decide whether that is relevant. Finding out how useless they are in the peeing down rain on a motorway is unacceptable.
Recently with the Leaf had to go out of my way to collect a wallet that some one had left in a taxi, thought I would have enough range but seemed to use more power getting there. Car reckoned that I did not have enough range to get home so set of with no heating on thinking it would be fine, Windows kept steaming up, so put heater back on, ended up with the various warnings flashing that it was getting low and the the miles left display turned it self off to try to make you really worried. Anyway made it home and when I checked on carwings it told me I had 3 miles left, won't be doing that again if I can help it.
Mike_C said:
Zoon said:
In a normal car you could have stopped at any petrol station and charged up at the same speed regardless.
Until this becomes the norm for EV's they aren't going to break into the mainstream fully.
Until this becomes the norm for EV's they aren't going to break into the mainstream fully.
REALIST123 said:
I have to agree. Hardly an epic journey and not atypical conditions given the time of year and location.
I think that's a little unfair; of course the petrol/diesel network is more extensive than the EV charging network is, it's been around for about 80 years more. Equally, I can't think of the last time I visited a motorway service area that didn't have some form of EV charging point, typically Ecotricity, though?As I mentioned, we could have stopped at an Ecotricity charger earlier, we just decided not to.
Also, don't forget that you can charge up (cheaply) overnight at home, 10 hours overnight charge gives me an easy 200 mile range, so you wake up every morning with a full 'tank' - it's just a different way of thinking.
This is the first time I've ever experienced range anxiety so far, which isn't bad given between myself and my mate (who also has a Model S) we've collectively covered over 20,000 miles. However, I thought it was worth highlighting it and the conditions surrounding it, as they had a larger impact than we expected!
It's just that, for whatever reason, they're just not yet practical as an all year, all climate, multi use vehicle. I'd love to have a Tesla S but I make long trips regularly and, as things stand, have hardly any charging points on the routes I use.
When they have a true range of maybe 300 miles whatever the weather or time of day, more charging points and competitive pricing, I'll be in.
Dear oh dear. I'm so pleased I own an i8... for now
I get 350 miles with wipers/heaters/AirCon/lights/on board hi-fi and full chat in combined hybrid mode. If I drive gently (although probably no where near as an electric car only without having to amble along with the lights out on a motorway, sorry Mike C!), I'll hit 400+ mile range.
Sure the tank is quite small but it cost me just £26 on Super Unleaded to fill back up covering a 200 mile trip the other day, in a car that is pretty well as fast as my 991 911 C2S. What can I say? DO that in an M3/Porsche 911 etc. You won't.
Not everyone's cup of tea but a hell of a car nevertheless.
I get 350 miles with wipers/heaters/AirCon/lights/on board hi-fi and full chat in combined hybrid mode. If I drive gently (although probably no where near as an electric car only without having to amble along with the lights out on a motorway, sorry Mike C!), I'll hit 400+ mile range.
Sure the tank is quite small but it cost me just £26 on Super Unleaded to fill back up covering a 200 mile trip the other day, in a car that is pretty well as fast as my 991 911 C2S. What can I say? DO that in an M3/Porsche 911 etc. You won't.
Not everyone's cup of tea but a hell of a car nevertheless.
Edited by K2MDL on Thursday 3rd March 16:40
I have driven both the i8 and the Tesla S, very different cars. For me, the Tesla was the more interesting, and the amazing acceleration and silence blew me away. No question, the range anxiety issue is real, and given my normal driving patterns and the fact that I live in a very cold climate it is not yet where it needs to . This is as much about the availability of ubiquitous charging stations as anything else. I have had range anxiety driving through the rural remote US in a normal vehicle where there was no gas station for miles around.
Thanks to the OP for a well written piece.
Frankly the fact the OP covered over 100 miles in the worst conditions in an BEV is amazing. The same conditions and I doubt my Leaf would do 30-40 miles at M-way speeds. Yet despite the limited range of the Leaf I've done 7000 miles this year with no issues. The reason been we have two cars in the household. For a long range trip we simply use the combustion car, where as for normal day to day trips we use the Leaf.
I was thinking about buying another Leaf when the current lease expires and replacing our combustion car with a Model S, so in effect going 100% battery EV. But I think for now we'll hold on to the combustion car for those rare turly long distance trips and get a Model S to replace the Leaf. Once Tesla introduce a 100-120kWh battery pack than it may be time to wave goodbye to the combustion car. I suspect 2018/20 will see that come true, by than our combustion car will be 5 years old so a reasonable time frame for replacing it.
Frankly the fact the OP covered over 100 miles in the worst conditions in an BEV is amazing. The same conditions and I doubt my Leaf would do 30-40 miles at M-way speeds. Yet despite the limited range of the Leaf I've done 7000 miles this year with no issues. The reason been we have two cars in the household. For a long range trip we simply use the combustion car, where as for normal day to day trips we use the Leaf.
I was thinking about buying another Leaf when the current lease expires and replacing our combustion car with a Model S, so in effect going 100% battery EV. But I think for now we'll hold on to the combustion car for those rare turly long distance trips and get a Model S to replace the Leaf. Once Tesla introduce a 100-120kWh battery pack than it may be time to wave goodbye to the combustion car. I suspect 2018/20 will see that come true, by than our combustion car will be 5 years old so a reasonable time frame for replacing it.
Quick question - Please OP check that when you switch to DRL you back rear lights are lit. Ive seen cars with the DRL's on and no lights on at the rear.
A highly dangerous situation to put yourself and other roadusers in especially when dark. Okay the road was lit but still its lit for a reason likewise your car should have been properly lit. Please - there was no reason for you to drive in this manner, You shouold have pulled off and topped up your charge even if it was 50 miles or the like it would have made a difference.
Electric cars are not petrol / diesel cars - they can not be driven in the same manner or have the same range. Its also comming out now about the range and about just how weather dependant the range is. Rain temperature wind and the like all have a negative impact on range. A 200 mile trip on a motorway thats sodden with rain in the dark with a wind is a heck of a lot different to a 200 mile drive along a level interstate 5 in a moderate temperature with no rain......
A highly dangerous situation to put yourself and other roadusers in especially when dark. Okay the road was lit but still its lit for a reason likewise your car should have been properly lit. Please - there was no reason for you to drive in this manner, You shouold have pulled off and topped up your charge even if it was 50 miles or the like it would have made a difference.
Electric cars are not petrol / diesel cars - they can not be driven in the same manner or have the same range. Its also comming out now about the range and about just how weather dependant the range is. Rain temperature wind and the like all have a negative impact on range. A 200 mile trip on a motorway thats sodden with rain in the dark with a wind is a heck of a lot different to a 200 mile drive along a level interstate 5 in a moderate temperature with no rain......
It was a bit of an own goal as you admit you could have stopped at ecotricity points. I'll often done the EV equivalent of a splash and dash, 10 -15 min comfort stop, bung in 20-30 miles and be on my way.
I only get range anxiety when I'm travelling into areas with no/few DC charging otherwise I've had a few trips where I've arrived with less than 10 miles left.
I'd confess you need to adapt to ev and its a lifestyle choice but most of the time it works for me, I'll happily do an hours work while charging because my job is one that allows that, and any notion you can't do big miles in a tesla would be wrong - I'm nearly at 6k since December and spent about £30 on electricity. Yes it's a 100k car so why worry about fuel, or look at is as saving about 5k a year on what I used to spend.
I only get range anxiety when I'm travelling into areas with no/few DC charging otherwise I've had a few trips where I've arrived with less than 10 miles left.
I'd confess you need to adapt to ev and its a lifestyle choice but most of the time it works for me, I'll happily do an hours work while charging because my job is one that allows that, and any notion you can't do big miles in a tesla would be wrong - I'm nearly at 6k since December and spent about £30 on electricity. Yes it's a 100k car so why worry about fuel, or look at is as saving about 5k a year on what I used to spend.
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