RAC Sets Record Straight on EV Range Fears in Traffic Jams
The RAC has moved to dispel widespread concerns among electric vehicle drivers about running out of charge during prolonged traffic delays. The breakdown cover provider issued targeted advice via a Facebook post, specifically addressing whether unexpectedly long trips or standstill traffic could leave EV owners stranded.
Expert Insights Challenge Common Misconceptions
In a video shared on social media, the RAC invited James, Business Director at Zapmap, to provide clarity for anxious motorists. The RAC wrote: "Worried your EV might run out of charge in long traffic jams? James breaks down the facts and sets the record straight." The clip was appropriately titled "EV myth busting."
James explained to viewers: "Using accessories like the radio, heating, or air conditioning consumes very little battery energy compared to accelerating the car to motorway speeds. An EV can power those systems for an extended period if you're stuck in stationary traffic."
Which? Conducts Real-World Simulation Test
Consumer advocacy group Which? has independently tackled this same misconception. Last year, they responded to a direct question on Facebook: "If all cars were electric and caught in a traffic jam with air conditioning blasting and radios on, wouldn't they all run out of charge?"
To provide a definitive answer, Which? enlisted a driver named Adrian to simulate a realistic traffic jam scenario. For the test:
- Adrian sat in a fully electric SUV for 80 minutes
- The air conditioning was set to a comfortable level
- Heated seats were activated
- Music was streamed continuously
- A film played on a tablet device
Surprisingly Minimal Battery Drain Results
When the Which? team checked the results of what they humorously called the "ridiculously energy-sapping traffic jam," the findings were revealing. The presenter asked Adrian: "What's the damage?" Adrian reported: "I've been sitting here for about an hour and twenty minutes. Heated seats are still going. The air con is still going. I've lost a grand total of 2% battery."
The presenter concluded: "So not exactly fatal to your car." Adrian agreed, noting the car indicated an eight-mile range reduction but emphasized: "The best thing is to take it for a drive and see how long the car thinks I have before needing to charge."
After additional driving, Adrian declared: "Myth busted. This demonstrates the car uses quite a small amount of power while stationary, even with heated seats, air conditioning, a movie playing, and streaming through Android Auto."
Weather Conditions Remain a Consideration
The experts did note one important caveat: cold weather can impact battery performance. Adrian acknowledged: "Batteries don't like the cold. On a winter's day near freezing, the car would likely use more energy." This highlights that while traffic jams themselves pose minimal threat to EV range, environmental factors still warrant driver awareness.
Both the RAC and Which? aim to provide evidence-based reassurance to electric vehicle owners, encouraging broader EV adoption by addressing common fears with practical data and expert analysis.
