“Electric cars are the future” is a message you have probably heard countless times from politicians, car manufacturers and motor experts. Is it simply PR marketing schpiel to get people to part with their cash and splash out on something new and shiny, or is it genuinely true?
I’ve been behind the wheel of several electric cars from the top-end of the market to the latest wave of cheap Chinese electric vehicles. I’ve always thought of myself as somewhat of a traditionalist when it comes to motoring. Controversially maybe, I love petrol! The smell of a proper exhaust, the reverberating noise of a real engine revving up. The simple pleasures any petrolhead will understand.
But as I strapped myself in behind the wheel of my first EV over a year ago, the Volkswagen ID 7, I must admit I was pleasantly surprised.
All it took was dab on the throttle, no more than a twitch of the toes, and the car vaulted forward with the same thrust expected from a sportscar, not a family roadster.
This impressive torque was also a feature on the cheaper models I've recently gotten behind the wheel of, namely the MG3 Hybrid+ and the BYD Otto.
For me, range anxiety is also a non-issue. A full charge leaves hundreds of miles on the battery making it more than sufficient for day-to-day transportation.
Those commuting vast distances or a once-a-year trip to Cornwall may be the only time you're struggling on charge.
The electric cars I've driven have all featured impressive central consoles with detailed maps showing where the nearest charging bays are and if they are full.
I never found myself having to go out of my way to get to an available charging bay and I never once worried about breaking down. However, there was still much about electric cars that I have yet to get used to even after several experiences.
Nothing will prepare you for the lack of any engine noise or vibration when driving off, sitting idle or parking.
You're forced to almost manually check whether the battery is actually switched off when leaving the car as it sounds exactly the same as when the engine is running.
I can imagine situations where unaware road users literally leave their cars live, effectively running, outside their house and walk off.
From a driver’s perspective, the whole thing feels sort of lifeless at times. The lack of any engine vibrations makes it feel like you're on a train instead of behind the wheel of a vehicle.
Although charging at home is very affordable, topping up in public at many of the UK's public bays isn’t
I spent more money topping up an EV at a rapid charging bay in my town than I put into my own 1.0-litre petrol car – for fewer miles.
Those without their own driveway or other off-street parking should consider this before splashing their cash and finding out the hard way.
Electric cars certainly have a lot of good selling points and are a welcome addition to the UK motoring scene. However, manufacturers still have to iron out some cracks until everyone is likely to be totally on board.
Facebook Conversations