How Do EV Drivers Balance Range and Comfort? Key Insights from Our Interview Study

How do electric vehicle (EV) drivers manage the trade-off between maximizing driving range and maintaining thermal comfort, and what challenges do they encounter?

In the EFFEREST project, we conducted a qualitative interview study with EV drivers to explore their experiences with range prediction, thermal comfort, and the use of different driving modes. We carried out ten semi-structured interviews, each lasting approximately 40 minutes, recorded via MS Teams, transcribed using a combination of aTrain software and manual transcription. Seven male and three female EV drivers participated, aged between 30 and 55 years, with an average age of 43.5 years.

All participants owned their vehicles, either through purchase or lease, representing six different automotive brands. The duration of EV ownership ranged from six months to eight years. Four of the drivers had professional backgrounds related to EVs, either directly within the industry or through associated fields. Additionally, three participants reported having a second, non-electric vehicle in their household.

The insights gathered from these interviews reveal the complexity drivers face when balancing the desire for optimal range with the need for thermal comfort. These findings now form the foundation for the next phase of the project, where we will co-develop user-centered HMI concepts aimed at making the management of thermal comfort and driving range more intuitive and seamless, ultimately enhancing the overall EV driving experience.