EV driving

Getting used to driving an EV

When comparing to petrol or diesel cars, electric vehicles (EVs) are usually a much quieter ride as they have fewer moving parts. They can feel quicker ‘out of the blocks’ too. Electric motors transmit power directly to the wheels, so it can take a little time to get used to the improved acceleration.

Key differences

You’ll notice how rapidly an EV slows down when you take your foot off the accelerator pedal. EVs collect the resulting friction and convert it into an electrical charge, which runs back into the battery. This is called ‘regenerative braking’.

Another important difference is that EVs only have forward and reverse gears. They use electrical currents to generate the power to turn the wheels, so there’s no need for a gearbox.

Overall, the experience is like driving a traditional automatic vehicle, but with many noticeable improvements.