With many driving instructors considering making the switch to electric vehicles (EVs), learner drivers are likely to have new questions which require answers. Here we look at some of the most common questions pupils have about EVs, and how to field them.
Can I learn to drive in an electric car?
Of course. People are increasingly keen on learning to drive in an electric car, and it’s not hard to see why. They’re much more user-friendly than traditionally fuelled cars, for starters. There’s no need to consider gear shifts, get used to the bite of the clutch, or – every pupil’s nightmare – stalling and panicking.
It’s also worth noting that there’s a ban on new petrol and diesel cars coming into effect in 2030. This means the need to drive an EV or other alternatively fuelled vehicle will become more-or-less inevitable.
Is an electric car good for a first car?
Having an EV as a first car is a great way to start, for the reasons listed above. But it also means the driver doesn’t have to get used to one type of vehicle, only to have to get used to another one further down the line.
One of the main reasons people in general are reluctant to make the switch to EVs is mindset. While expense and range anxiety are certainly factors, a negative or uncertain perception is actually considered to be the largest barrier to adoption. Of course, if a pupil starts driving in an EV from the beginning, developing this mindset never becomes an issue.
Can I take my driving test in an electric car?
Yes, it is possible to take the driving test in an EV. The first driver to pass the practical test in a long-distance EV was Navdeep Singh in Hull, October 2012.
If your pupil passes, however, it does mean their licence will only cover EVs or automatics. They won’t be licensed to drive cars with a manual transmission. This can be quite limiting, as manual cars are currently more common, and by-and-large cheaper.
That said, many EV drivers don’t want to go back to manual cars, so this may not be an issue.
How is driving an electric car different from a petrol or diesel car?
Driving an EV is, for the most part, very similar to driving a car with a traditionally fuelled engine. But due to having no system of gears, they’re a lot more responsive. They’re also very quiet compared to petrol or diesel cars, which can have a calming effect.
Find out more about what an EV’s like to drive here.
Are electric cars reliable?
Obviously, it depends on the car to an extent. But on average, electric cars are very reliable compared with their petrol or diesel counterparts. They’re less likely to break down as there are fewer moving parts – so you’re not going to get any problems with the timing belt, gearbox or clutch, for example.
This also means that, in some ways, they’re easier to maintain. You won’t need to check and change the oil regularly, for instance. There are parts you won’t find in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles though, which will need some maintenance – such as the battery and regenerative brakes.
Find out more about maintaining and repairing an EV here.