Approach with caution!

By: Guy Hall, Secretary, Electric Auto Association

We've observed an under-reported health condition: Gas Range Anxiety (GRA). It grows ever-more predictable and common in owners of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). 

Once these drivers notice the electric miles vs. gas miles displays on their dashboards, they can  become obsessed with avoiding the use of their gas engine. They’ve been known to travel miles out of their way to find a Level 2 charging spot and have even bullied limited range electric-only car drivers out of their charging locations. We've also witnessed GRA PHEV owners sleeping in their vehicles while plugged into a Level 1 charging outlet. 

Stopping the spread

At times, these owners compete with each other over miles driven without the use, or purchase, of gas. Conversations have been overheard where drivers claim they have driven two weeks using only electricity. Others claim to have gone a month on just battery power. Some will even boast that they have not purchased gasoline since taking possession of the vehicle in question.

GRA has become such a problematic obsession that we are now reporting incidents to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). I will share the national statistics as they become available. 

Until then, please treat plug-in hybrid drivers as gently as possible. Even if you’re a LEAF owner with a limited number of miles remaining, recognise that GRA is a medical problem and the plug-in hybrid owner may not be in control of his or her actions. 

It's not personal. Do not approach. Simply find another charging location. Leave potato chips or donuts nearby. 

Postscript:

I recently assisted a woman who was distraught because her Chevrolet Volt was running the gas engine despite the nearly full battery charge the car was registering. When we spoke, I discovered she had not added gas to the tank for a year. We concluded that the Volt’s computer had determined to burn-off the old gas before it went stale. This is a true story.