Study finds EV buyers overpay for big batteries they rarely use
EV owners average just 12% daily range usage — range anxiety is overblown
Study finds EV buyers overpay for big batteries they rarely use
Data from 40,000 EVs shows most drivers don’t need large, expensive batteries. Why a 250–350 km EV may be the best balance of cost and practicality.
2025-08-22T12:42:53+03:00
2025-08-22T12:42:53+03:00
2025-08-22T12:42:53+03:00
A new study by U.S.-based Recurrent, analyzing data from over 40,000 electric vehicles, reveals that drivers use just 12.6% of their available range per day. In practice, nearly 90% of battery capacity goes untouched, meaning most EVs could be charged only once a week rather than daily.
Interestingly, the larger the battery, the less it is proportionally used. Owners of small EVs with 120–160 km of range consume up to 23% daily, while those with 600 km models barely use 8%. This suggests many buyers spend thousands extra for «psychological security» against range anxiety, yet hardly benefit from it.
Take the Volkswagen ID.3 as an example. The base version with a 52 kWh battery (388 km WLTP) costs €31,195. Upgrading to the Pro S with 79 kWh (568 km) pushes the price to €39,205 — an €8,000 premium for just 180 extra kilometers, which statistics show most drivers won’t need.
Range anxiety itself drops sharply after purchase. Nearly half of prospective buyers worry about it before owning an EV, but only 22% still feel that way afterward. With rapid charging networks expanding, long trips are becoming less of a challenge than many assume.
Analysts warn that the auto industry’s «range arms race» often misaligns with real-world needs. For most, an EV offering 250–350 km of usable range is sufficient for 99% of daily trips. Choosing smaller batteries means lower prices, less weight, and greater efficiency. The smartest move? Test your real driving patterns before buying — and avoid overspending on unused capacity.
Data from 40,000 EVs shows most drivers don’t need large, expensive batteries. Why a 250–350 km EV may be the best balance of cost and practicality.
Michael Powers, Editor
A new study by U.S.-based Recurrent, analyzing data from over 40,000 electric vehicles, reveals that drivers use just 12.6% of their available range per day. In practice, nearly 90% of battery capacity goes untouched, meaning most EVs could be charged only once a week rather than daily.
Interestingly, the larger the battery, the less it is proportionally used. Owners of small EVs with 120–160 km of range consume up to 23% daily, while those with 600 km models barely use 8%. This suggests many buyers spend thousands extra for «psychological security» against range anxiety, yet hardly benefit from it.
Take the Volkswagen ID.3 as an example. The base version with a 52 kWh battery (388 km WLTP) costs €31,195. Upgrading to the Pro S with 79 kWh (568 km) pushes the price to €39,205 — an €8,000 premium for just 180 extra kilometers, which statistics show most drivers won’t need.
Range anxiety itself drops sharply after purchase. Nearly half of prospective buyers worry about it before owning an EV, but only 22% still feel that way afterward. With rapid charging networks expanding, long trips are becoming less of a challenge than many assume.
Analysts warn that the auto industry’s «range arms race» often misaligns with real-world needs. For most, an EV offering 250–350 km of usable range is sufficient for 99% of daily trips. Choosing smaller batteries means lower prices, less weight, and greater efficiency. The smartest move? Test your real driving patterns before buying — and avoid overspending on unused capacity.
