Do any of you consider that possibility, and if so how do you account for it either practically or just mentally?
Unlike a gas car, when an EV is stationary it’s using basically no energy. Climate and the computers would still be running but relative to driving at a normal speed that’s not much at all.
So even if you were stuck in a traffic jam you may still be better off because you’re not losing ‘fuel’ as fast as an idling gas car.
During the 2021 winter there were articles about how people were afraid they’d freeze to death in an EV if trapped in a massive traffic jam for a very long time. As I remember papers looked into it and found the EVs would actually keep you warm much longer because of how little energy the climate system used compared to keeping a full engine running enough to heat the cabin.
How is that different from getting caught in some disaster without a full tank of gas, or at least enough gas to make it out of the area?
But we are talking about getting caught not full - I'm still going to have more range on a half tank than most EV have full.
If had to pick (and I guess I have) , I wouldn't pick an EV for evacuation. It is difficult to toss in a jug of electricity, but I can easily add 200 miles of range with two five gallon cans.
Now I just need some autopilot because I don't think I can stay awake for 900 miles of driving!
Lest I be framed a hater with my diesel (no rolling coal for me) truck, I think EVs have there place - just not in my area (yet).
Where I'm at, 250 miles wouldn't be crazy. I have to drive an hour to see a stop light and in the summer, that city will be booked full. The next city is isn't any better, but at least I'd have family to crash with.
All the other drivers with half-empty tanks will probably be thinking the same thing. Long lines, flaring tempers. Once the stations run out, there will be no deliveries until after the crisis.