How does an Electric Car "Feel"?
For first-time owners of electric cars, it may take time to get used to driving an electric car, because an electric car is definitely different from a conventional car. The first thing you will notice in most electric cars is the lack of a gearbox. The gear lever usually looks the same as that of an automatic transmission car, but some models have only a switch with a forward or reverse option.
When you turn on the ignition of an electric car, you will immediately note that there is no sound or vibration at all. It is so silent that it may seem as though the engine is not running. In fact, many people, upon driving an electric car for the first time, are hesitant to believe that the car’s engine is actually running when it is. Even when you put the car into “drive” gear and step down on the accelerator, it is still very silent.
Because electric cars are totally silent when driven at low speed, you will have to get used to driving without hearing and feeling the purr of an engine. As you increase the speed of your electric car, the interior still remains much quieter than the sound in a combustion engine car. The only overt sign that your car is actually running at a higher speed is the increase in the noise you will hear from the wind and the traffic outside. And even so, most modern electronic cars have superior insulation to eliminate the noise from the outside. (Although these same qualities can also true for other modern cars being built today; they make very little noise at low speed and are well insulated from outer noises, making for a more peaceful drive.)
Aside from the non-existent noise of the engine, the electric car also has smooth power delivery with no engine vibration at all. While “motoring” around, you will also notice that your electric car has a very quick response when you pull away and delivers excellent performance at low speed. Driving around town in an electric car can be a very pleasant experience.
As you increase your speed when driving on open highways and freeways, the electric car may seem under-powered. This is not true for all electric cars but it is well known that electric cars are not meant for high-speed driving. They can run at an adequate speed, but they are not designed to give a superior performance at high speed.
Braking in an electric car can feel quite different compared to that of a conventional car. Many electric cars have two kinds of braking systems: a regenerative braking system in addition to the standard braking system. Regenerative braking means that when you step on the brakes, the car uses its momentum to generate more power for its batteries.
Different electric car manufacturers use various ways to install the regenerative braking system. The best method is the one in which it is integrated into the brake pedal. As you step on the brake, power is