How electric cars drive

By the end of this topic you can

• You can explain what regenerative braking is and how it feels
• You can control an EV smoothly when moving off, given its instant power
• You can use one-pedal or strong regen settings while still covering the brake
• You can plan a trip with realistic range in mind
• You can explain how learning in an automatic EV may affect your licence

What you need to know and understand

• EVs have no gears to change, so they drive like an automatic
• Full power is available from a standstill, so gentle pressure on the accelerator matters
• Regenerative braking uses the motor to slow the car and put some energy back into the battery
• Strong regen can slow the car quickly when you lift off, so drivers behind need warning
• Range drops with high speed, heavy loads, towing, hills and heavy air conditioning use
• EVs are very quiet at low speed, so pedestrians may not hear you
• If you pass your test in an automatic, an automatic-only condition may apply; the rules vary by state

Instant pull and no gear changes

A petrol engine builds power as revs rise. An electric motor gives strong pulling power from zero, so the car can surge forward if you press too hard. Squeeze the accelerator gently, especially in car parks and when moving off from lights.

Because there is no clutch or gearbox to manage, an EV is classed as an automatic. In several states, passing your driving test in an automatic means you may only drive automatics until a condition is lifted. How long that lasts and how to remove it varies by state, so check with your state road authority, such as Transport for NSW, VicRoads or Queensland TMR.

Regenerative braking and one-pedal driving

When you lift off the accelerator, the motor works like a generator. It slows the car and sends some energy back to the battery. Many EVs let you choose how strong this is. On the strongest setting, often called one-pedal driving, the car can slow almost to a stop without you touching the brake.

Regen does not replace the brake pedal. In an emergency, or on a slippery or steep road, you still brake firmly with the foot brake. Many EVs switch on the brake lights when regen slows the car hard, but do not rely on this: check your mirrors and lift off smoothly.

• Start on a low regen setting until you are used to it
• Lift off gradually rather than suddenly
• Keep your foot ready to cover the brake near hazards
• Read the owner's manual for how your car's regen and brake lights work

Range: what the dashboard figure means

The range shown on the dashboard is an estimate based on recent driving. It falls faster on the freeway at high speed, when climbing, towing or carrying a heavy load, and when running the air conditioning hard on a hot day. Stop-start town driving is often efficient because regen recovers energy.

Plan longer trips around charging stops, allow a buffer, and do not wait until the battery is almost empty. Charging is covered on its own page in this module.

Common mistakes

• Pressing the accelerator like a petrol car: use gentle pressure because power arrives instantly
• Lifting off suddenly in strong regen: this can surprise the driver behind, so ease off smoothly
• Forgetting the brake pedal: regen is not enough for emergency stops
• Trusting the range figure on a long, fast trip: allow a buffer and plan charging stops
• Forgetting pedestrians cannot hear you: watch closely in car parks and near schools

Test yourself: How electric cars drive

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• VicRoads Drive Test Car Requirements