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Driving an EV The future of eco-conscious driving starts here Zero emissions, convenient charging and low maintenance – electric vehicles
are the future of eco-conscious driving without compromising on performance,
safety or value.

Why Choose to Drive an Electric Car

Electric cars are fast becoming the latest focus in the automotive industry, with environmental concerns being at the forefront of their emergence, but if you’ve only ever driven a vehicle with an internal combustion engine (ICE), there are probably some unique differences that only apply to electric vehicles.

Most of these are minor mechanical changes that don’t really affect the experience of driving, but some of them are distinct advantages that electric cars specifically can offer. Read on to discover how electric cars differ.

The basics of driving an electric car In some ways, electric cars are similar to modern automatic petrol or diesel cars. For example, you start an electric car by simply pressing a button inside the car and can set off simply by making sure you have selected Drive in the car’s system. You will find this on the gearstick or equivalent, like a rotary dial. There are also no gears to worry about and as such, no clutch pedal, just an accelerator and a brake. So, if you’re used to the ease of driving an automatic car, the switch to electric is an even simpler way of driving.
Do electric cars make noise? Electric vehicles are known for their near-silent operation because they do not have an engine and as many moving parts making those familiar humming and clicking noises that you’re used to in an ICE vehicle. However, in 2019 the EU introduced legislation that meant electric cars had to add artificial noises so that pedestrians are able to hear them coming. These legal warning sounds help to improve road safety and minimise the risk of accidents.
Electric cars and regenerative braking If you’re interested in buying electric or hybrid, you might have heard of regenerative braking before. In a petrol or diesel car, pressing the brake usually results in friction that not only slows the car down, but also generates heat and wears away the pads and discs over time. In an electric or hybrid car, kinetic energy is produced from the car’s momentum which is converted into electricity when you slow down. This electrical energy can be used to recharge the car’s battery, and the process is known as regenerative braking.
What does it feel like to drive an electric car? Due to the lack of gears and the electric motor delivering max torque straightaway, electric cars are known to accelerate a fair bit faster than petrol or diesel vehicles in the same class. When the regenerative braking kicks in, you’ll likely feel the car starting to slow down. Some electric vehicles can also handle quite a bit differently to your petrol or diesel car, as they are heavier due to the battery. This can make a difference in the corners, however overall they are generally steadier than a conventional car which can be a great benefit once you’re used to it.

Find out more about electric vehicles