Electric Car Owners Share Their Worst Fears – And It’s Juicier Than You Expected!

Electric vehicles (EVs) remain underused compared to traditional gasoline-powered cars, according to a recent survey by iSeeCars. The data shows that despite the growing popularity of EVs, many drivers are still hesitant to fully embrace the technology. The survey reveals that electric cars are driven 20 percent less than their gasoline counterparts, raising questions about why drivers aren’t maximizing the potential of these futuristic automobiles.

In the survey, iSeeCars found that three-year-old gasoline cars are driven an average of 12,813 miles per year. In comparison, electric vehicles are driven only 10,256 miles annually—a notable 20 percent less. While EVs are often seen as a cleaner, more efficient option, they come with a higher price tag for each mile driven. Electric cars cost 63.6 percent more to operate per 1,000 miles annually compared to traditional gas-powered vehicles.

Hybrids and plug-in hybrid vehicles are also driven less than gas cars but by a smaller margin. Hybrid cars are driven 2.7 percent less than gas cars, and plug-in hybrids trail by 4.8 percent. These smaller gaps suggest that hybrids, which combine gasoline engines with electric batteries, are more palatable to drivers who want to avoid “range anxiety”—the fear that an electric vehicle might run out of battery before reaching a charging station.

“Range anxiety and charging infrastructure are top-of-mind for EV drivers, and those factors likely limit how far owners will drive them,” said Karl Brauer, Executive Analyst at iSeeCars. “Hybrids and plug-in hybrids, where all-electric battery range is limited but range anxiety isn’t a factor, are driven only slightly less than gasoline cars, as reflected in their similar yearly mileage.”

Although the survey highlights challenges, some electric vehicles stand out for being driven more than the average. Tesla models are leading the pack in mileage, with the Tesla Model 3, X, and Y clocking over 11,000 miles per year—well above the EV average of 10,256 miles annually. Other popular EVs include the Hyundai Kona Electric, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Audi e-tron, and Volkswagen ID.4.

Cost is another factor slowing down EV adoption. The average cost to drive an electric car 1,000 miles per year is $5,108, compared to $3,056 for a hybrid and $3,123 for a gasoline vehicle. Plug-in hybrids sit between, costing $4,351 for every 1,000 miles driven annually. Despite the higher upfront and operational costs, hybrids appear to offer the best balance of efficiency and range for many drivers.

“Hybrids have become increasingly popular with consumers in recent years,” Brauer noted. “And now many mainstream models, including the newest Toyota Camry, are only sold as a hybrid. This technology is set to become the dominant drivetrain throughout the industry.”

However, electric vehicles continue to face criticism beyond their cost and range limitations. Some EV owners have reported experiencing discomfort due to the cars’ braking and acceleration systems, with some drivers reporting dizziness, nausea, and even motion sickness. There are also anecdotal cases of more severe health issues, such as nosebleeds and body pains, which some former Tesla owners have linked to their vehicles. Though these claims remain largely unproven, they reflect a growing number of concerns around EV technology.

Tesla, in particular, has been criticized for these issues. Ed Kim, president of AutoPacific, explained that Tesla’s one-pedal throttle system could contribute to discomfort. “They can be very jerky and really abrupt,” Kim said, noting that this might cause motion sickness for some passengers.

Adding to Tesla’s challenges, the value of used Tesla vehicles has been dropping. In January alone, the average list price of a used Tesla fell by more than $1,000, while the company’s stock price plummeted by 15 percent during the same period. This decrease may reflect growing concerns about Tesla’s vehicles and the broader challenges electric cars face in widespread adoption.

Despite these obstacles, the future of electric vehicles remains promising. With advancements in battery technology, charging infrastructure, and hybrid options, EVs are positioned to play a significant role in the automotive industry. However, for many drivers, overcoming range anxiety and the higher cost of ownership will be key to fully embracing electric cars.