ADAC test: E-car range with empty battery in everyday use

The following comment analysis refers to the article " ADAC test debunks electric car range myth " by futurezone.de. The ADAC tested how electric cars actually behave when their batteries are supposedly empty and concluded: A hidden emergency reserve ensures that drivers don't suddenly break down. However, the comments show that despite technological advances, skepticism prevails among readers, criticizing their everyday usability, infrastructure, and fundamental political interventions. While positive experiences with electric cars are mentioned, they rarely become the majority opinion.

22 percent of readers see the biggest hurdles in everyday life as the lack of charging infrastructure, too few charging options for people parked at streetlights, high prices, and a lack of convenience when charging. These shortcomings seriously call into question the actual suitability of electric cars for everyday use.

"And when you want or need to recharge, you come across charging stations where the copper traders were working overnight, as seen just yesterday. The cables were missing at all six charging stations." Original comment

"The fact that there are still 20 kilometers available as an emergency reserve is practically irrelevant. What is important is how I, as a lamppost parker in an apartment building, find a charging space after work at 6 p.m. and then how I have to leave again at 10 p.m. to free up the charging space and then finally find a parking space. That's the real problem, not whether the vehicle still has 20 kilometers in reserve." Original comment

"At the latest when the performance drops drastically due to the low battery level, you should look for a safe parking or charging option." Well then, have fun looking." To the original comment

Some commentators emphasize the advantages of conventional combustion engines in everyday use—particularly longer range, easier refueling, and fewer operating restrictions. The existing emergency reserve for electric cars is considered unspectacular, since combustion engines have long offered such features.

"Even combustion engines have a reserve, which was always factored in. Why should it be any different for electric cars? It's just that for combustion engines, there are gas stations practically everywhere, while you have to search for charging stations." Original comment

"Sorry, anyone who's really been talked into this thing, please, it's supposedly so great, right? I don't have such problems with my combustion engine, apart from at least a 30% longer range, even in winter. I fill up at a maximum of 10-15 km away, fill up in 2 minutes, and back to 800 km." Original comment

"I love my powerful Mercedes and like to put premium gasoline in it, why? Because I can and it's fun. I don't need an electric car." Original comment

For a portion of the readership (14 percent), range anxiety remains justified despite current technology: They doubt manufacturer specifications, criticize high range losses due to weather or power consumption, and see the impracticality of many values ​​as particularly problematic.

"Average range 425 km? This figure seems exaggerated. Range anxiety doesn't exist! 85% consider current ranges impractical! Every small car today can travel 600 to 750 km on a single tank of fuel and is ready for the next 700 km in just three minutes." Original comment

"What was that again about the range of battery boxes when you turn on the air conditioning in summer or the heating in winter?" To the original comment

"Anyone who has ever driven an electric car or hybrid knows that the stated ranges can never be achieved in real-life operation. Considering the general outcry over the so-called diesel scandal, I've long wondered why the trickery with the ranges is simply accepted and tolerated politically. But you probably have to come from a certain political camp to understand this." Original comment

Thirteen percent of users perceive political regulations, such as combustion engine bans or subsidies, as intrusive. They advocate for freedom of choice regarding propulsion and see social polarization as a major problem.

"What's all this nonsense about? The government should lift the combustion engine ban and let citizens decide what they want to buy or drive." Original comment

"Everyone should simply drive what they like and what they can afford! Without government interference! It's called a "free market economy"! It used to be called: free travel for free citizens. Neither of those things exists anymore!" Original comment

"How nice it would be if everyone could drive what they prefer, and both sides (combustion engines and electric vehicles) simply left each other alone – just like vegans/carnivores, etc. – just live and let live – simply more together than against each other.... Why can't we get that right in Germany?" Original comment

Around 11 percent of opinions are clearly in favor of electric cars: Users with their own experiences, in particular, describe advantages, falling costs for company cars, technical advances, and call for more openness to technology instead of blanket rejection.

"The e-car bashing is really not funny. Unqualified contributions from commentators who have apparently never driven or owned a BEV. I've been doing this for several years. The development is rapid, because the best range forecast for my current vehicle a few weeks ago was 587 km. Range anxiety is a German phenomenon." Original comment

"Some people write off electric cars. Others simply drive them. Our electric car does more kilometers than my first combustion car. And I never broke down with that one either." Original comment

"If there were a standardized battery exchange system, such as that offered by Nio, at every gas station, an electric car would be an option for me." Original comment

Eight percent of comments focus on criticism of battery technology, fire hazards, and inflated performance and performance data. Readers warn of damage from deep discharge and the potential inconsistency of test results.

"The article forgot to mention that deep discharging of batteries permanently damages their lifespan and performance. Furthermore, the risk of fire increases due to the swelling of individual batteries. I wouldn't rely on the battery management electronics to always counteract these problems." Original comment

"Batteries don't like being discharged to 0%; it ages them quickly. So, for safety reasons, manufacturers display empty at 20%. The same applies to charging; batteries don't like 100%; here, too, manufacturers leave a safety margin in the display." To the original comment

The remaining comments are spread across ironic remarks, nostalgic references to spare canisters, environmental issues, and general skepticism about the electric car debate. In addition to humorous barbs, costs and service issues are also addressed.

"In China, engineers have now achieved a range breakthrough for "climate-neutral" electric cars! They have developed a so-called reserve canister battery! About the size of a suitcase and weighing 100 kg! It fits perfectly on a specially designed roof rack and can be conveniently connected to the main battery with a cable when the battery is discharged! Range problems with electric cars are now a thing of the past!" Original comment

"Electric cars will only become interesting when there are affordable small vehicles and a good charging infrastructure. Until then, I'm happy driving a gasoline car." Original comment

"I find the debates here amusing. But no one notices that e-mobility, which is described as emission-free, is not emission-free." Original comment

The discussion on the ADAC test shows that while advances in electric cars have improved safety technically, in everyday life, infrastructure and pricing remain crucial for many readers. What's particularly striking is that positive experiences with electric cars continue to face strong opposition – skepticism and criticism clearly prevail. Now it's your turn: Have you already had experience with electric cars – and what do you think of current developments? Join the discussion: Would a better charging infrastructure be a reason for you to switch to an electric car?