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Range anxiety has become a buzzword that critics love to throw at electric vehicles. The fear of running out of charge before finding a plug is a concern that’s easy to imagine, but most ownership realities often tell a different story. In fact, some drivers are finding that the real limitations show up not in their EVs, but in their gas-powered cars. That was exactly the case in a post I came across in the “Kia EV9 Owners USA” group on Facebook, where John Militello shared his experience:
“So everybody talks about range anxiety regarding full-battery electric vehicles. I just went on a road trip in my ICE Mustang GT 5.0 V8. My range is 209 miles, and that’s decent mpg for a giant V8. By contrast, my Tesla Model 3 gets 278 miles on a full charge and my Kia EV9 3-row SUV gets 320! While I can’t charge my EVs to 100% in five minutes like I can with gasoline, I can fuel my EVs at home overnight for pennies on the dollar.”
The Comparison That Flips Expectations
John’s story highlights something most people don’t think about: muscle cars and performance vehicles often have worse range than modern EVs. Of course, it may not be a direct comparison since the Ford Mustang GT is a performance car and the Kia EV9 is a family SUV, but the Mustang GT only getting 209 miles of range still underscores the point.
And while they are different types of vehicles, the Tesla Model 3 adds even more weight to the comparison because it blends solid performance with nearly 278 miles of range. That’s all at a price point that makes it one of the best balanced options on the market. This contrast matters because it chips away at the stereotype that EVs are inherently limited. On top of that, the convenience of plugging in at night means no detours to the gas station.
Charging Convenience vs. Fueling Speed
Of course John admits that gas has one clear advantage which is speed at the pump. Filling up his Mustang is a five-minute stop while charging an EV is more situational. But charging fits into life differently. Instead of standing around at a gas station, John’s EVs are replenished while he sleeps. That’s the value people sometimes overlook when comparing charging times to fueling times.
It’s also worth remembering that plenty of EV owners who once doubted the technology came away surprised after giving it a fair shot. First-hand experiences often shift perspectives in a way spec sheets alone never could.
Where Range Anxiety Still Creeps In
That doesn’t mean EV ownership is without challenges. Batteries degrade differently, conditions matter, and not every EV lives up to its rated range. For instance, some owners report issues like a Tesla Model 3 Long Range only delivering around 199 miles no matter what they do. It’s an important reminder that while EVs can outperform expectations, there are also cases where they underdeliver. The truth is somewhere in between the hype and the criticism.
John’s point still rings true though for the majority of driving situations. EVs cover what most people need in day-to-day driving. And when the cost of charging at home is factored in, the financial advantage adds up quickly.
Cost, Convenience, and the Bigger Picture
Speaking of charging at home, it’s often the factor that seals the deal many owners. Gasoline, especially for thirsty V8s, can add up fast. For some drivers, the shift to EVs came down to simple math. One owner put it bluntly when they said they couldn’t justify gas and repairs on their BMW X5 anymore, so they bought a 2025 Tesla Model 3 instead. When gas and maintenance bills stack up against the cost of home charging, the numbers speak for themselves in a lot of cases.
This is why many see EVs not just as a tech upgrade but as a lifestyle shift. It’s the ability to wake up every morning with a “full tank” without ever stopping at a station. For families with multiple cars, that convenience can become the new normal.
Community Reactions That Add Perspective
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In the same thread, a few other EV owners chimed in with their own thoughts.
August Kalb put it simply: “Too many people focus on the 1% and ignore the 99%.”
While people dwell on rare long road trips or charging hiccups, a huge percentage of daily driving fits perfectly within EV capabilities. This is a perspective often lost in debates where the rare exceptions get magnified.
Brett Lyver followed with a deeper take: “EVs are meant for daily typical driving. The infrastructure is much better than 5 years ago but it still has a long way to go to match gas stations. If chargers actually provided the charge they say they’re able to we could charge in 10 minutes. It’s the plethora of necessary apps and so many charging stations constantly out of service. If Exxon etc. ever woke up, they’d have their own charging stations at their current gas stations. It’s a no brainer. Blockbuster missed out, Kodak missed out, and it looks like they’re going to let Tesla win the infrastructure race.”
Brett’s comparison is powerful because it frames the charging infrastructure race as a missed opportunity. Just like Blockbuster and Kodak failed to adapt, legacy fuel companies could risk missing the transition. Tesla’s Supercharger network could cement its dominance in this case.
Broader Context of Range and Ownership
People hear about range anxiety but forget that a Mustang GT’s limited driving range compared to modern electric SUVs says a lot about progress. Meanwhile, improvements in public charging networks and at-home convenience are making EV ownership less of a compromise every year.
It’s also important to frame range properly. Most errands and family trips fall far below even a 200-mile threshold. That’s why conversations about the best electric SUVs for long road trips and real-world EV charging costs compared to gasoline are showing up in so many places. For most, EVs don’t just meet needs as they exceed them in cost and convenience.
That’s why what stands out most to me about John’s post is how it reframes the conversation. When you actually compare them against gas cars like his Mustang GT, the story gets interesting. The EV9 offering more range than a V8 muscle car while also charging overnight at home for pennies really says a lot about where the industry is heading. And when you consider that the Tesla Model 3 combines quick acceleration with better range than John’s Mustang GT, it shows how EVs can deliver both performance and practicality.
Key Takeaways for Readers
- Gas-powered performance cars often have less range than modern EVs, flipping traditional assumptions on their head.
- Charging at home overnight offers unmatched convenience, eliminating trips to the gas station entirely.
- Most driving needs fit comfortably within EV ranges, making range anxiety an overstated concern.
- Public charging still has room to improve, but private networks like Tesla’s highlight the direction things are moving.
Your Thoughts Matter
Do you think range anxiety is exaggerated compared to how often you actually stop for gas in your own car?
And would you trade the five-minute gas station stop for the convenience of plugging in at home every night?
I’d love to hear your take in our comments section below.
Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.
Image Sources: Kia’s gallery and the “Kia EV9 Owners USA” public Facebook group.
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Source: torquenews.com
