More than just miles: range anxiety unplugged

Abstract

This integrative literature review delves into range anxiety (the negative response to the limited range ascribed to electric vehicles) to develop a holistic conceptualization and understanding of the phenomenon. Findings from 52 systematically collected papers show that many empirical researchers have adopted a limited understanding of range anxiety as a concern about being stranded while driving an EV. However, range anxiety can exist both dependently (state-based) and independently (trait-based) of specific situations in an electric vehicle alongside its technical, psychological, and rhetorical facets. Building on this more comprehensive understanding, the study derives mitigation strategies—involving different stakeholders and addressing specific driver segments—that entail electric vehicle features, coping resources, experience, knowledge, and collective change opposition. The study proposes a new, more concise definition of range anxiety as a basis for a holistic future research agenda.