Electric vehicle (EV) drivers aren’t just concerned about how fast they can charge – they’re increasingly worried about how far they can go. As EV adoption grows globally, so too does the pressure to overcome what’s known as ‘range anxiety’ – the persistent fear that a battery will run flat before reaching a charging station.
While much of the attention tends to focus on bigger batteries and faster charging networks, small components like bearings can also have a major influence on efficiency and range. According to Chris Johnson, managing director at SMB Bearings, bearing technology is one of the most overlooked ways to improve electric vehicle performance.
“Bearings play a far bigger role in EV range than most people realise,” says Johnson. “Reducing internal friction and extending drivetrain life are essential if we want EVs to go further, last longer, and run more efficiently.”
A modern form of angst
Range anxiety has been part of EV life since the earliest models. Johnson points to New Scientist, which once called it “another form of modern angst” – akin to IT stress or smartphone dependency. “It’s that fear you’ll run out of charge and be stranded,” he explains, “especially when there’s still uncertainty around charging infrastructure in many areas.”
That uncertainty has been a significant barrier to EV uptake. A recent survey by S&P Global Mobility found 62% of respondents were “waiting until vehicle technology improves before purchasing a new car”. Longer trips in particular tend to amplify people’s concerns about running out of range.
But technology is improving, Johnson notes. “Fifteen years ago, a first-gen Nissan Leaf gave you around 160 kilometres on a full charge. Today, many new EVs can do over 400 – and it’s only getting better.”
Other innovations are on the horizon too, including mobile charging stations (MoCS) and peer-to-peer charging, where cars can share power. Still, Johnson says real progress depends on refinements inside the vehicle itself.
Getting to the heart of the vehicle
“Battery size matters, but it’s not the only piece of the puzzle,” says Johnson. “It’s just as important to make sure the vehicle is using its energy efficiently.”
That’s where engineering comes in. Lightweight materials such as aluminium and carbon fibre help reduce power demand. Aerodynamic body shapes cut air resistance – especially at high speeds. And at the very core of the vehicle, bearings quietly keep everything running smoothly.
“Bearings are crucial,” says Johnson. “They reduce the friction between moving parts, which means less energy is lost and more is used to actually drive the vehicle. Every watt of power saved is a watt that extends your range.”
Choosing the right bearing
Johnson says ceramic hybrid bearings are an excellent option for EVs. “These combine steel rings with ceramic balls – usually silicon nitride – and offer high durability with very low friction,” he explains. “They’re perfect for high-speed motors and help transfer power more efficiently from the motor to the wheels.”
Another key choice is sealed bearings, which are designed to keep out contaminants like dust, moisture and road debris. “If particles get into the bearing, they can cause premature wear and increase friction,” says Johnson. “Sealed bearings help maintain performance and reduce maintenance.”
Non-contact sealed bearings are especially valuable in wet or rough environments. “They protect the drivetrain and support consistent performance, even in challenging conditions,” he adds.
Managing more than just speed
EV drivetrains also face complex loading conditions, especially as technologies like regenerative braking become more common. “When you’re recovering energy from braking, the forces shift quickly and often,” says Johnson. “The bearings need to handle both side-to-side and axial loads at the same time.”
For this, Johnson recommends angular contact bearings. “They’re designed to deal with both directional forces at once, making them ideal for EVs under regenerative braking. They reduce energy waste and improve overall drivetrain efficiency.”
A small component with big impact
In the end, says Johnson, solving range anxiety isn’t just about installing bigger batteries or rolling out more charging stations. “It’s about refining every single element inside the vehicle,” he says. “Bearings may be small, but they make a big difference.”
With the right supplier and the right bearing choices, manufacturers can unlock major gains in performance and reliability. “Precision-engineered bearings are absolutely part of the solution,” Johnson says. “As the EV sector continues to grow, they’ll be one of the silent technologies helping drivers go further – and worry less.”