Swedish Study Reveals EV Drivers Take Longer Journeys Than ICE Car Owners

A recent study by Swedish social research company Sifo and charging box company Zaptec has uncovered an unexpected trend in driving habits: electric vehicle (EV) owners are taking longer journeys than their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts.

Range Anxiety: A Fading Concern

The study, involving over 2,000 respondents aged 18-79, found that 54% of EV owners rarely or never experience range anxiety. This contrasts sharply with the 45% of ICE drivers who cite range concerns as their main reason for not switching to an electric vehicle.

EVs Going the Distance

Surprisingly, 31% of Swedish EV drivers reported taking trips longer than 20 miles one way 11 or more times per year. Only 19% of ICE car owners made similar journeys. This trend aligns with findings from Statistics Norway’s Traffic Analysis, which showed private EV drivers covering an average of 1,311 miles annually, compared to 878 miles for gasoline car owners.

Comfort and Technology: Driving Factors

Several factors could explain this trend. EVs typically offer:

1. Quieter rides due to lack of engine noise
2. More comfortable cabins
3. Advanced driver assistance systems, like Tesla’s Basic Autopilot

These features can make long-distance driving less taxing for both drivers and passengers.

Changing Perceptions

The study challenges the common perception that EVs are primarily for short trips. “Our findings suggest that EV owners are becoming increasingly confident in their vehicles’ capabilities,” a Zaptec spokesperson noted.

EVXL’s Take

This Swedish study adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the practicality of EVs for long-distance travel. As we’ve seen in our Tesla coverage, advancements in battery technology and charging infrastructure are rapidly eliminating traditional barriers to EV adoption. The confidence displayed by Swedish EV drivers in taking longer journeys could be a harbinger of a broader shift in consumer attitudes towards electric vehicles.

What are your thoughts on this study? Are you an EV owner who’s found yourself taking longer trips? Share your experiences in the comments below.