4AM, 3 Fuel Stations Closed, 1 Open, Nozzle Is Jacked. And It Dawned On Me Driving My Cybertruck I Never Worry Like This

Range anxiety is often cited as a major concern for potential electric vehicle owners. However, Matt Matwich's recent post in a Tesla Cybertruck Facebook group flips the narrative. Sharing his 4 a.m. struggle to find a working gas station for his internal combustion engine plow truck, look how Matt highlights a common but often overlooked issue: the inconvenience of refueling ICE vehicles at odd hours. His realization? EVs, especially those like his Tesla Cybertruck, offer unparalleled convenience thanks to home charging.

"Want to talk about 'range anxiety'?! At 4 AM, 3 fuel stations were closed. 1 was open, but the only fuel they had left was plus. The nozzle was jammed, so 20 minutes later, I was still trying to fill my plow truck. It's cold, dark, and it dawned on me that when I'm driving my Cybertruck, I never worry like this. It's always ready to go. For me, ICE just plain sucks," Matt wrote early this morning.

Matt's frustration is understandable at this odd our and his stark comparison reshaped his perspective on “range anxiety,” a term often associated with electric vehicles but perhaps equally applicable to ICE vehicles under certain conditions.

For many ICE drivers, running low on fuel at night or in remote areas can induce anxiety akin to EV range concerns. Scenarios like closed stations, malfunctioning pumps, or fuel shortages are rare but memorable, highlighting a vulnerability that EVs with home charging simply don’t face.

Tesla and other EV owners will easily understand Matt, has they love charging at home and not needing to stop at a gas station. 

While some EV owners comment and say they will never own a gas car, Matt says there is no way around it for him. "Running a snow plow and ice control business there isn't anything that can compete... YET. I believe something is coming. And depending on how its built the newest SCOUTS might be the ticket for light duty. Would love to see a 3/4 ton," Matt says.

Another EV owner, Nick Liolos, who has a business depending on ICE trucks, says "I’m actually in the same boat as you with my business. I have cube vans and we don’t have electric trucks yet but for my personal vehicle I can’t do gas anymore after driving electric. They are just so superior and so many ways. I can’t wait for them to develop trucks so that I can get the hell out of the rest of thosehogs."

If you own a gas car it doesn't mean you have no range anxiety and don't think the range anxiety is only for electric vehicle owners. "Now think of all the people in Florida trying to get gas after the storms. Stations are drained or have gigantic long lines. Power is far more reliable than the gas distribution system it supports. And if you have a modest solar array you are even better off. After every storm the sun eventually comes back out the next day while gas infrastructure takes weeks to be repaired," rightfully writes Bruce Hembree.

On the other hand, to be fair, if you didn't charge your Cybertruck, you'd have the same issue. Soe keep charging on time and planning as much as possible.

How EVs Eliminate This Concern

1. Home Charging Advantage:
   Unlike gas cars, EVs recharge overnight at home. This means a full “tank” every morning without late-night trips to a gas station.
2. Fewer Infrastructure Issues:
   EV drivers aren’t reliant on the fluctuating availability of fuel or the working condition of gas pumps. Home charging units are predictable and reliable.
3. Smart Energy Management:
   Modern EVs, like the Tesla Cybertruck, integrate trip planning and alerts to ensure drivers never stray far from available chargers, reducing range anxiety.

The Role of Tesla’s Supercharger Network: Addressing Range Anxiety on Long Trips

Tesla’s Supercharger network is one of the most significant tools the company has developed to address EV range anxiety, especially during long-distance travel. Tesla owners benefit from a network of over 50,000 chargers worldwide, strategically positioned along highways, in popular areas, and near restaurants or rest stops. Unlike typical public chargers, Tesla Superchargers deliver high-speed charging, adding up to 200 miles of range in as little as 15 minutes on certain models. This fast, accessible infrastructure eases the worry of running out of charge on longer trips, allowing drivers to plan stops that mimic traditional fuel stops.

Tesla’s in-car navigation system adds another layer of convenience. It maps out efficient Supercharger stops along any trip, providing real-time updates on charger availability and traffic conditions. This proactive approach not only simplifies route planning but also provides Tesla drivers with peace of mind, knowing they’re never far from a reliable, fast charging station.

Tesla’s investment in its proprietary Supercharger network continues to make Tesla models particularly appealing for those worried about range, setting the company apart as a leader in EV infrastructure.

Matt’s story exemplifies the evolving narrative around vehicle convenience and reliability. While gas-powered cars have long been considered the default for long-range dependability, EVs like the Tesla Cybertruck are proving to be not just viable alternatives but superior solutions for day-to-day peace of mind. By eliminating the unpredictable elements of refueling, EVs offer a level of convenience that ICE vehicles simply cannot match.

Also see: Tesla Cybertruck Owner Achieves 350 kW+ Charging Using A CCS Adapter At A 3rd Party Charging Station.

What’s your experience with range anxiety, whether with gas or EVs? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below. For more insights into EV ownership and Tesla Cybertruck innovations, stay tuned to TorqueNews.

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.