How electric cars drive

By the end of this topic you can

• You can move off smoothly in an EV without a surge of power.
• You can use regenerative braking and still use the brake pedal when needed.
• You can explain why pedestrians may not hear an EV at low speed.
• You can describe what reduces range and plan a journey with a margin.
• You can adjust for an EV's extra weight in braking and cornering.

What you need to know and understand

• EVs have a single-speed drive, so they drive like an automatic: no clutch and no gear changes.
• Full pulling power is available almost instantly, so a heavy right foot can spin the wheels or surprise you.
• Regenerative braking uses the motor to slow the car and returns some energy to the battery.
• Many EVs let you choose how strong regenerative braking is, and some offer one-pedal driving.
• The friction brakes still do the hard work in an emergency stop; always be ready to use the brake pedal.
• EVs are quiet at low speed, so people walking or cycling may not hear you coming.
• Range drops with cold weather, high speed, heating and heavy loads.
• Battery packs make EVs heavier than similar petrol or diesel cars.

Moving off and accelerating

With no clutch, moving off is simple: foot on the brake, select drive, release the parking brake, check all round, then press the accelerator gently. Because the motor gives strong pull from zero, squeeze the pedal rather than pressing it. On wet roads or loose gravel, a sudden press can make the wheels spin.

Treat the accelerator like a volume control. Small, steady movements give the smooth, controlled drive an examiner or supervising driver wants to see.

Regenerative braking and one-pedal driving

When you lift off the accelerator, the motor works in reverse as a generator. This slows the car and puts some energy back into the battery. On a strong setting, the car slows almost as if you had braked lightly. Some cars can even come to a stop this way, which is called one-pedal driving.

• Learn the regeneration setting before you drive; it changes how the car feels when you lift off.
• Plan ahead and lift off early, so the car slows smoothly and saves range.
• Move your foot to the brake pedal for junctions, hazards and stops; do not rely only on regeneration.
• Keep a safe following distance. Lifting off is not a substitute for proper braking distance.
• On slippery roads, a strong regeneration setting can unsettle the car; a gentler setting may be easier to control.

Quiet running, weight and range

At car park and town speeds an EV makes very little noise. Many newer EVs play a low warning sound, but you should still expect pedestrians, cyclists and children to step out without hearing you. Drive slowly near them and be ready to stop.

The battery adds weight, so give yourself extra room for stopping and take bends at a sensible speed. The weight sits low in the car, which helps stability, but it does not change the laws of physics.

Range is the distance you can go on one charge. Motorway speeds, cold mornings, cabin heating and full loads all use more energy. Plan longer trips with a buffer and know where you can charge.

Common mistakes

• Pressing the accelerator like a petrol car. Squeeze it gently to avoid a sudden surge.
• Relying only on regenerative braking. Cover the brake pedal and use it to stop.
• Assuming people can hear you. Watch for pedestrians in car parks and on quiet streets.
• Setting off on a long trip with a low battery. Leave a margin for cold weather and diversions.

Test yourself: How electric cars drive

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