G'day - Nicholas from the Amber for EVs team here. If you're new to EVs, you've probably experienced it: that nagging worry about whether you've got enough charge to make it home. But here's the good news - a new Australian study shows that range anxiety is temporary, and your charging habits will naturally evolve as you get comfortable with your EV. Here's what we learned.
What the research found
Researchers from The University of Queensland, Deakin University, and The University of Sydney tracked 643 Australian Teslas between November 2021 and March 2024, analysing 301,926 charging events across different states (you can check out the full report here). Using per-minute telemetry data collected via Teslascope's API - complete with geotags and AC/DC charging flags - they performed statistical analysis and regressions to see how behaviour shifts as drivers rack up kilometres. The patterns were clear.
As you clock up more kilometres in your EV, three things happen:
You let your battery run lower before plugging in. The starting state of charge (SOC) trends downward as odometer readings increase, for both AC and DC charging. What's interesting is that DC fast-charging sessions consistently start at lower SOC levels than home AC charging - classic "I actually need this top-up now" behaviour versus "might as well plug in while I'm home" habits.
You charge less frequently. The number of charging sessions per 100 km drops as experience builds. Early habits often look like frequent top-ups, but over time you'll consolidate into fewer sessions as your confidence grows.
You charge more energy per session. Instead of constant small top-ups, you'll shift to bigger charges that align with when energy is cheapest (or when your solar is pumping).
The study also found that DC fast-charger usage inches up slightly with experience, and drivers visit more unique charging locations over time. This points to growing confidence in taking longer trips and exploring the public charging network, even though home and destination AC charging remain the backbone of most drivers' routines.
What this means for you
If you're early in your EV journey, it's completely normal to feel cautious about range. But your habits will shift faster than you think. Here's what to expect and how to make the most of it:
Home charging is your best mate. It's convenient, you're in control, and—when you time it right—it's dramatically cheaper than petrol. (We've covered just how cheap home EV charging can be in a previous blog.)
Timing matters more than you think. Don't just plug in every night on autopilot. Charging during the day when solar generation is high, or during off-peak periods, can slash your costs. Bigger, better-timed sessions beat constant sipping from the grid.
Trust will build quickly. Within a few months, you'll have a feel for your car's real-world range. You'll naturally let your state of charge (SOC) run lower, charge less often, and time your sessions to when energy is cheapest and cleanest.
Range anxiety fades fast
Range anxiety is real at first, but it doesn't last. The research backs what many EV drivers already know: as you get comfortable with your car, you'll stop babying the battery and start optimising your charging around what actually saves you money. And with the right setup, you can enjoy massive fuel savings compared to a petrol car from day one.
