Two of the biggest challenges faced by new and potential electric vehicle drivers are range anxiety and speed of charging, but these shouldn't have to be challenges at all. Researchers discovered that a change in refueling mindset, rather than improving the size or performance of the battery, could be the answer to these concerns.
Researchers have now identified three different types of behaviour around refuelling a car, which are described in the recently published paper,"Mental models guide electric vehicle charging." They are:The planning a trip model -- the driver plans when and where they will stop to refuel their vehicle along a journeyThe event-triggered model -- e.g.
"In order for people to be able to use EVs in the best possible way, policies need to adapt to ensure that people have access to charging infrastructure close to their home or workplace where possible," says Professor Frances Sprei.This change in mindset could also encourage more people opting for an electric vehicle, in order to reach global and European emissions targets."We do see a trend, that you need to have this really large battery.