How to Drive an Electric Car
Find out how to drive an electric car and how it differs from an ICE
Electric cars (EVs) differ from petrol and diesel cars (ICEs), so you have to drive them differently to get the most out of them. However, driving an electric car is no more difficult than driving an ICE once you get used to it.
Read on to find out how to drive an electric car and how it differs from what you might be used to. We've also included some FAQs about driving an EV.
How to Drive an Electric Car
Driving an electric car is mostly similar to driving an automatic ICE vehicle.
EVs have a power button rather than an ignition, so pressing this turns the car on. You then put the car in drive – the drive selector will be in different places depending on the model. Some will be on the dashboard, and others will be located where you would normally find a gearstick. Here is where you can put the car in reverse.
There are no gears, so you don’t have to worry about that. This means that it is impossible to stall an electric car. There is also no clutch pedal, just accelerator and brake pedals.
How Does Driving an Electric Car Differ to an ICE?
While you can drive an electric car the same way as a petrol or diesel car, you won’t experience the full benefits an EV has to offer if you do.
The main difference between an EV and an ICE is the regenerative braking. If you can master that, you’ll find your driving becomes a lot smoother and safer.
Other main differences between driving an electric car and an ICE include:
Preconditioning. You can pre-heat or cool the cabin while it is still connected to your home charging point. This avoids draining the battery and extends your range. It also means your car is always comfortable when you get in and you extend your battery life.
Instant acceleration. An electric motor can apply all its torque straight away. This means you always have 100% energy output and can accelerate faster than most ICES. In fact, an entry-level electric car can accelerate from 0-30 mph faster than a supercar!
Electric cars don’t have gears. This is another reason why EVs accelerate so quickly and a huge difference from an ICE. Although electric cars are classed as automatics, even the on-board computer doesn't change gear. This creates a smooth and linear acceleration graph.
Regenerative Braking
Braking in an ICE is wasteful. While it slows your car down, kinetic energy is wasted as friction. Electric cars overcome this with a process called regenerative braking. Not only does this slows you down, but it also helps to extend the range of your battery.
When you lift your foot off the accelerator, an EV automatically slows down. While you can use engine braking in an ICE, regenerative braking is much more efficient. It feels more like pressing the brake pedal than engine braking.
If you use regenerative braking correctly, you’ll get the most out of your electric car. The electric motor captures the wasted kinetic energy and uses it to recharge the battery. This is why EVs are most effective in urban areas or for stop-start journeys.
Regenerative braking also means that you may only need to use the brake pedal when parking or in an emergency.
In fact, regenerative braking is one of the attributes that makes driving an electric car feel so easy. Once you’ve driven an electric car, you’ll notice how much more wasteful braking in an ICE is.
What Does the Driving Experience Feel Like?
An electric car is very fun to drive. The instant torque and acceleration mean that just squeezing the pedal can shoot you down the road quickly. When you combine this responsiveness with an electric car's composed handling and low centre of gravity, you get a very enjoyable driving experience.
Many EV drivers love that their cars feel sporty but comfortable, as well as the fact that they are so easy to drive.
Is an Electric Car Difficult to Drive?
As we have mentioned throughout this guide, electric cars are not difficult to drive. In many cases, they are much easier to drive than the equivalent ICE.
Once you’re ready to go, you just press the start button and set off. What’s more, the instant power and regenerative braking make driving an electric car very easy and comfortable.
If you can drive a conventional car, you can definitely drive an electric car. The only thing you need to remember is to make the best use of regenerative braking. This will extend your car’s range and keep your driving experience fun for longer.
FAQs
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