Beat EV Range Anxiety and Drive Further With Confidence
Range anxiety is a common problem for private hire drivers with EVs. It happens when you watch the battery gauge drop and start wondering if you will make it to the destination. The thought of running out of charge mid-journey with passengers in your vehicle can be frightening. It can affect your ratings if they leave negative feedback, and lower your priority on the app’s algorithm. Low priority means fewer ride requests and reduced daily income.
For drivers using PCO car hire, this can be a setback, as low income limits their ability to pay the weekly hire fee. Fortunately, range anxiety is completely manageable. In this guide, we will explain how to replace that fear with confidence.
Article Highlights
This article covers tips to beat range anxiety, including:
- Start your shift charged
- Learn your EV’s daily range
- Charge wisely
- Use apps to find charging points
- Choose the right EV
Kia eNiro
£200/week
Kia Niro 2
£255/week
Mercedes Benz EQE
£400/week
Mercedes E300 2025
£425/week
Mercedes-Benz E300e
£320/week
Toyota Prius
£200/week
Why Do PCO Drivers Experience Range Anxiety?
Private hire drivers feel range anxiety more than regular drivers because of the pressure of their job. A typical London driver covers hundreds of miles in a single shift. Modern EVs offer adequate range, but the battery capacity is still limited.
A low battery creates constant stress for availability. A petrol car usually needs only a few minutes to refill, while an EV requires more time. Even a rapid charge can take 20 to 30 minutes. You must decline every ride request you get during this period, resulting in lost income. This is one of the main reasons behind range anxiety in PCO drivers.
Tips to Beat Range Anxiety
You can beat range anxiety with the following strategies:
Start Your Shift Charged
Charge your EV overnight to start every shift with a full battery. Home charging is the most affordable method for charging your electric vehicle due to cheaper electricity.
If you don’t have private parking, use public charging points wisely. London has over 21,000 public charging points. Find reliable points and charge outside of your driving hours to start your shift with more than enough range.
Also Read: Cut Your Costs: Use Free EV Charging Stations in London
Learn Your EV’s Daily Range
Many factors influence your car’s range. For instance, cold weather can reduce battery efficiency by 20-30%. Your use of the air conditioning system also affects the battery range. Motorway driving consumes more charge due to high speeds. However, stop-start city traffic can be more efficient because you can use regenerative braking here.
Track your mileage for a week. Compare a motorway day to a city day, and also check how climate control affects the battery. This will help you learn your real daily battery usage. You might have a car with a 250-mile range. If you only need 200 miles for your shift, you can drive without range anxiety.
Want to drive an EV? Explore our electric fleet and choose an option that suits your needs. We provide modern electric vehicles with long range that lasts your whole shift.
Charge Wisely
Plan your charging sessions within your meal or rest breaks. Your 30-minute lunch break is perfect for a top-up. The mid-afternoon period with low demand is also ideal to charge your car.
In addition, Uber has introduced a new feature that monitors your battery level. It only matches you with trips you can complete to minimise the risk of being stranded mid-journey. Use this feature to maintain your earnings and mental peace.
Use Apps to Find Charging Points
Apps like Zapmap and InstaVolt provide live updates on your nearest charging stations. They display the charger type with availability and pricing to help you avoid expensive and busy chargers. You can use these apps to identify charging points along your route and avoid getting caught off guard.
Choose the Right EV
Not every EV suits private hire work. Select a vehicle that provides over 200 miles on a full charge, like Kia Niro EV or MG5. These cars balance range, cost, and comfort without costing a lot if you plan to hire one. In addition, both cars support DC fast charging to help you get back on the road quickly.
Start Earning Today.
Conclusion
Range anxiety is manageable with experience and knowledge. Start your day with a full charge. Learn your car’s true range and use apps to find nearby points. Also, choose the right vehicle for the job.
Hiring an EV on a PCO car hire plan is an excellent choice to keep your running costs low. If you are a new driver, try a short-term hire. Test an EV for a week or two to determine your daily battery usage and explore the charging network in London. This will give you a clear idea of what to expect during your driving hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is EV range anxiety?
EV range anxiety is the fear that your electric vehicle will run out of battery before reaching your destination. It’s common among private hire drivers who depend on constant availability for income.
How can I reduce range anxiety as a PCO driver?
Start each shift with a full charge, plan your charging breaks, learn your car’s true range, and use apps to find available charging points.
What’s the best time to charge my EV during a shift?
Your meal breaks or low-demand hours are ideal to charge your EV. This helps you stay available during busy periods.
How do cold temperatures affect my EV range?
Cold weather can reduce battery performance by 20-30%. This means your EV may deliver fewer miles in winter, so planning ahead becomes more important.
Is home charging suitable for PCO drivers?
Yes. Home charging is cheaper and lets you start your shift with a full battery. If you don’t have private parking, use reliable public chargers in your area.
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