As a driving school teacher in the Canton of Ticino, I increasingly find myself instructing new drivers on electric vehicles. This transition, besides being technological, is above all cultural.
The differences between driving a gasoline car and an electric car are significant and directly affect driving style, perception of the vehicle, and habits behind the wheel. What are the top 5 differences between driving a gasoline car and an electric car for learner drivers?
1. Immediate acceleration
Electric cars offer immediate maximum torque: as soon as you press the accelerator, the response is instantaneous and vigorous. This translates into much faster acceleration than gasoline engines, which need to rev up to express full power. In the city, this can be very useful for getting into traffic quickly or overtaking safely.
Challenge for the learner: novice drivers accustomed to a smoother response from the heat engine may struggle to properly dose the throttle in the early stages, risking rough starts or inaccurate maneuvers. Therefore, first theoretical and then practical training focusing on the characteristics of electric vehicles proves essential.
2. Absence of manual transmission
Electric cars are equipped with a single-speed automatic transmission. This means there is no clutch and no need to shift gears. Driving becomes smoother, especially in traffic situations or uphill, where using the transmission can become complex for the inexperienced. In addition, the absence of breaks between gears makes the driving experience more linear.
Challenge for the learner: those who have learned to drive in manual transmission cars will have to adapt to the lack of mechanical "feedback" from the engine and learn to manage speed and space more precisely, without relying on the gear engaged to slow down or maintain control.
3. Regenerative braking
Regenerative braking is one of the main features of electric driving. When you release the accelerator, the car automatically begins to slow down, converting kinetic energy into electricity to recharge the battery. In many models it is so effective that it can be driven almost exclusively with a single pedal, so-called "one-pedal driving."
Challenge for the learner: adaptation to regenerative braking must be gradual and monitored by the instructor, as deceleration occurs without applying the brake. It takes time to learn to correctly predict stopping distance and maintain a smooth ride, avoiding braking too hard.
4. Running quietness
Electric motors are virtually silent, which greatly improves interior comfort. However, the almost complete absence of noise makes the car less perceptible to pedestrians and cyclists. For this reason, electric cars are often equipped with low-speed artificial sounds to enhance safety in urban centers.
Challenge for the learner: the silence of the car can make learners lose awareness of speed, especially in city settings. In addition, the absence of engine sound as an indicator requires learners to pay more attention to on-board instruments to monitor gear.
5. Weight distribution and stability
Batteries in electric cars are usually placed in the vehicle bed. This lowers the center of gravity and provides greater cornering stability and better road holding. However, the weight is generally higher than in a gasoline car, affecting dynamics under braking and acceleration.
Learner challenge: Increased stability can give a false sense of security. Inexperienced drivers must learn to manage the car's mass in direction changes and emergency braking, especially on slippery surfaces.
Driving an electric car, in conclusion, is not more complicated: however, it is definitely different than driving a gasoline car. For new drivers in Ticino, familiarizing themselves with the specific characteristics of these vehicles is essential for safe and efficient driving. The teaching approach must therefore evolve, integrating simulations, practical exercises and training aimed at the new electric mobility, which is becoming increasingly common on Switzerland's roads.
Check out more articles with practical examples in our blog.
Sources: TCS | AutoScout24 Switzerland | Honda Switzerland - Electric Section | SwitzerlandEnergy | Wikipedia