The idea of range anxiety has followed electric cars since their earliest days, but as EV technology and infrastructure improve, is it still relevant in 2025? With more models on the market, bigger batteries, faster charging, and a rapidly expanding charging network in Ireland, the conversation is changing. To help cut through the noise, Bank of Ireland has partnered with Nevo, Ireland’s dedicated EV experts, to share what drivers really need to know.

What is Range Anxiety?

Range anxiety is simply the fear of running out of charge before reaching your destination. In reality, it’s no different to worrying about running out of petrol or diesel, and statistics show more combustion cars run out of fuel than EVs run out of charge. For most seasoned EV drivers, range anxiety fades quickly, but it remains one of the biggest mental barriers for first-time buyers.

Temperature

Several factors affect the range of an EV. Temperature still plays a role, as cold weather reduces efficiency, but modern battery management systems and heat pumps have made winter driving far less punishing than in earlier models. While older EVs might have lost up to 30% of their range in winter, most new cars see a reduction of only 10–20%.

Speed

Speed is another major factor. Driving at 120 km/h on the motorway will consume more energy than travelling at 80 km/h on secondary roads. Unlike urban driving, where regenerative braking helps recover energy, constant high-speed travel puts a greater strain on the battery. Driving style and tyre condition also influence efficiency, just as they do in petrol or diesel cars.

Model Examples

Looking at today’s EVs in the Irish market, it’s clear that real-world range has improved significantly. The Hyundai Ioniq 6, for example, is one of the most efficient EVs available, capable of around 580 km in mixed conditions, with 500 km realistic even in winter motorway driving. The Tesla Model Y Long Range, Ireland’s best-selling EV in recent years, offers an advertised 600 km, but most drivers can comfortably achieve between 480 and 520 km. With Tesla’s expanding Supercharger network now partly open to other brands, long-distance journeys have become easier than ever.

At the more affordable end of the market, the MG4 has quickly established itself as a value leader, offering between 320 and 400 km depending on battery size. For most daily commutes of 40–50 km, this means owners only need to plug in once a week at home, often at a cost of just a few euro. The Peugeot e-308 provides a practical family option, with a 54 kWh battery giving around 350 km in everyday use. Even on long winter motorway drives, a realistic figure of 270–290 km is achievable, and its 100 kW charging capability means a 20–80% top-up can be completed in just 25 minutes.

The Verdict

Ultimately, range anxiety in 2025 is less about the cars themselves and more about perception. Modern EVs deliver anywhere from 300 to 600 km on a single charge, and Ireland’s charging network continues to expand rapidly. For day-to-day use, most drivers charge at home once or twice a week, and even long journeys can be managed with minimal planning and a short charging stop. With today’s bigger batteries, faster charging, and wider model choice, range anxiety is increasingly a thing of the past.

Discover everything you need to make the switch, from expert advice to model comparisons, on Nevo.ie, Ireland’s dedicated EV platform.