Photo Credit: iStockWhen comparing the range of new electric vehicles over the years, the market may look stuck near the same benchmark of roughly 500 kilometers, or 310 miles.But an online conversation on the r/ElectricVehicles suggests that may be the wrong yardstick for judging progress. Instead of chasing much bigger numbers on a full battery, manufacturers and drivers may be placing more value on shorter charging stops.What's happening?On Reddit, one user asked whether EV battery development had leveled off. AdvertisementAdvertisement"There's always talk about some 'miracle battery tech' around the corner but we don't seem to see it hit mainstream production," they wrote. "Or is there a very slow and incremental growth that's not obvious but can be seen on a chart?"The replies largely rejected the idea that battery advances had stopped. Several people said the focus has moved away from maximizing range and toward improving charging performance. "I think it shifted from range obsession to quicker charge," a user offered, while noting that aiming for higher ranges could translate to even heavier batteries and dwindling efficiency.Participants also argued that progress is still happening even if it looks more incremental than revolutionary. AdvertisementAdvertisement"The average car does 450-500km of range now, so an incremental improvement — but 800V cars are now becoming more common, so charging time is almost halved," another noted. Others highlighted ongoing gains in chemistry, durability, and cost."It's more a revolution of cheaper products that last longer and perform about as well rather than a revolution of improving performance," a commenter suggested. They also pointed to the upcoming battery innovations like solid-state and semi-solid-state batteries that are "certainly closer" than in the past.Why does it matter?If bigger packs keep adding weight and cost, faster charging can do more to improve day-to-day usability than simply stretching range ever higher. That can make a smaller battery feel workable for both routine trips and longer drives.AdvertisementAdvertisementEVs already tend to offer lower fueling and maintenance costs than many gas-powered vehicles, and drivers may not want to spend extra on battery capacity they need only a handful of times each year.Faster charging can help buyers avoid overspending on a massive battery pack while still benefiting from the savings of driving on electricity.Commenters also said the range question depends heavily on conditions. Drivers described how cold-weather highway travel can cut into usable distance. Improvements in those specific areas would go a long way toward cutting down on range concerns.What's being done?One visible change is the spread of 800-volt EVs, which can reduce time at the charger. For consumers, the next notable improvement may be less about huge range jumps and more about spending less time plugged in.AdvertisementAdvertisementBattery development is also continuing in less obvious ways, including alternative chemistries such as lithium iron phosphate and sodium-ion options. The upper limit may also be higher than some shoppers assume. "Volvo makes a 40-ton EV truck with 700km range," a commenter pointed out. "If there is a cap it is pretty far out there."Charging speed, winter performance, nearby infrastructure, and battery chemistry can matter just as much as range, especially if a smaller, less expensive EV can still handle nearly all weekly driving needs."The average driver doesn't need more, so fast charging is the next big target," a commenter concluded.AdvertisementAdvertisementGet TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.