The Experience of an Electric Vehicle
Car makers have worked hard to ensure driving an electric car is no different from driving a conventional car, but there are a few subtle differences to look out for.
The Silent Type
The first significant thing you’ll notice when driving an electric car is the quietness. No gearbox means that acceleration is smooth and seamless. Apart from the low hum when accelerating, the only accompanying sounds on your journey are the wind and the low rumble of the road. Electric cars are so quiet that they now by law must be fitted with an Acoustic Vehicle Alert System to emit a sound when reversing or travelling slower than 12 mph.
Step inside the Citroen E-C4 Electric Hatchback and you can enjoy an almost silent ride due to the lack of mechanical noise.
More Interior room
Electric cars have electric motors instead of internal combustion engines, so this gives plenty of room to create a high-end interior experience, plus advancements in technology mean that parts of the vehicle are smaller.
Check out the Renault Megane E-Tech Hatchback which has a spacious boot as well as roomy seats to relax in.
Regenerative Braking Mechanism
One distinguishing feature of EVs is regenerative braking. With regenerative braking, the kinetic energy is converted back to electrical or chemical energy which is then stored in the battery during braking. This increases the vehicle driving range by 10% as the energy stored does not go unused. Take the Nissan Leaf Hatchback out for the spin and test its braking and you’re guaranteed to enjoy a smooth drive.
Regenerative braking is one of the most significant differences in driving an electric car, and this is also what makes them so easy to drive! Once you start driving an electric car, you might never think again about driving a conventional car. Braking can feel wasteful because you’re not reusing the captured energy
Park Assistance Feature
The EV’s Parking Assistance is particularly intuitive, using advanced AI tech. Combining reversing cameras with sensors, they’ll help you manoeuvre your car into the smallest space.
Find yourself in a bit of a tight spot? Then check out the Kia EV6, it has remote smart parking assist that you can avail of without even sitting in the car!
Are electric cars difficult to drive?
One of the reasons that electric cars are so easy to drive is because they are electric. There are no gears, you just climb in and press the start button, choose a drive, and you’re off! It’s that easy!
It's simple to speed up in an electric car but the slowing down process has an even better design. Every time you take your foot off the accelerator or push the brake pedal in, this not only slows the car down but also tops the battery up a little. Magic!
Most electric cars, when you take your foot off the pedal, allow the car’s built-in energy capture systems to slow you down enough for most situations. But don’t worry, there are conventional brakes when you need to stop suddenly.
Although you do drive an electric car the same way as a conventional car, you may notice some small changes in your own driving behaviour. Get into the habit of reading the road ahead and this will not only improve the car’s range but, by lifting off a bit earlier, you won’t use as much energy. Make the most of the car’s braking system and this will make you a smoother and safer driver. By looking further ahead to check the road and when you need to lift your foot off the pedal, you may see possible hazards sooner.
Why not try the electric vehicle experience for yourself and book a test drive with the Charles Hurst Electric Vehicle Experts today?
EV Videos
Browse a selection of our Electric Vehicles below, from home charging know how's to tech and specifications.
1
.
