Category: Car

Driving an Electric Car

In the driving seat

Driving an electric car (EV) can be a unique and enjoyable experience. Here’s what you might notice:

Quiet Ride

One of the first things you’ll notice is the silence. EVs are much quieter than traditional internal combustion engine cars, creating a serene driving environment. This lack of engine noise makes the ride more relaxing and less stressful. At low speeds (less than 20 kph), all EVs have to generate some form of artificial ‘engine noise’ to make pedestrians aware of their presence. You can often select the type of ‘engine noise’ your EV uses.

Instant Torque

Electric motors provide instant torque, which means acceleration is smooth and quick. You’ll feel the car respond immediately when you press the accelerator, making for a more dynamic and enjoyable driving experience.

Most EVs intentionally limit their maximum top speed to just over the normal legal limit, but they do not lack performance (acceleration) below the speed limits. Usually, EVs offer different driving ‘modes’ such as Normal, Sport and Eco. These let you tailor the power delivery to the road conditions. You may find they limit the power used during acceleration and possibly the air conditioning/heating available a little, especially in Eco mode.

Regenerative Braking

EVs usually come with regenerative braking systems, which capture energy normally lost during braking and use it to recharge the battery. Braking can feel different from in a traditional internal combustion engine car, as EVs slow down more rapidly when you lift your foot off the accelerator.

Standard braking (friction brakes) –  In traditional vehicles, pressing the brake pedal uses friction to slow down the wheels. This friction converts the vehicle’s kinetic energy into heat, which is lost to the environment.

Regenerative braking – When the driver applies the brakes or lifts their foot off the accelerator in an EV, the electric motor works in reverse. Instead of using power to drive the wheels, the motor acts as a generator, using the motion of the wheels to produce electricity. This electricity is then sent back to the battery to be stored and reused later for acceleration.

Benefits of regenerative braking:

        • Energy efficiency – Captures energy that would otherwise be wasted.
        • Extended range – Helps electric vehicles go farther on a single charge.
        • Reduced brake wear – Less reliance on traditional friction brakes leads to lower maintenance costs.
        • More effective in urban driving where there are junctions, traffic lights and roundabouts than on long steady journeys on motorways

Limitations:

        • Less effective at low speeds – Regenerative braking is more efficient at higher speeds.
        • Battery limits – If the battery is full or near capacity, it may not be able to accept more energy.

Blended braking systems – Most vehicles still use a combination of regenerative and friction braking for consistent performance.

Smooth and linear power delivery

EVs provide a smooth and consistent power delivery without the need for gear shifts. This creates a more seamless and uninterrupted driving experience.

Lower centre of gravity

With batteries typically mounted low in the chassis, EVs often have a lower centre of gravity. This improves handling and stability, making the car feel more planted on the road.

No Emissions

This is one of the biggest differences between an EV and an internal combustion engine car. Driving an EV means producing no tailpipe emissions, which is much better for the environment and gives you a sense of contributing to a cleaner future with a less polluted environment.

Charging Convenience

Instead of needing to find and often queue at a service station, you will most probably be charging your EV at home or at a public charging station. These can be found at supermarkets, retail parks and public spaces. No more standing by smelly fuel pumps!

Advanced Technology

Many EVs come equipped with the latest technology, including advanced infotainment systems, connectivity features, and driver-assistance systems.

The overall driving experience of an EV can be incredibly satisfying, combining the thrill of instant acceleration with the tranquillity of a quieter cabin. Plus, knowing you’re driving a vehicle that’s better for the planet in the long term is a great bonus!

Next Month: I’ll be looking at hybrid vs. plug-in hybrid vs. full EV to discuss which might be best for you…

What to look out for when buying a used electric car

Buying a second-hand electric car can be a smart financial decision, but it’s essential to be thorough in your evaluation to avoid hidden problems.

Many of the following checks are the usual ones you should do when buying any sort of car before parting with your money.
First steps
Research the model’s reputation and read reviews from other owners. This can give you insights into common issues and reliability.  Search on YouTube for other owners’ reviews on the model you are considering.
Documentation & ownership
  • Carte grise: Ensure the seller is the legal owner
  • Insurance claim history (useful for accident history)
  • Service book/history: Proof of regular maintenance – sometimes digital
  • Crit-Air Certificate: Still mandatory in many regions
  • Loan Status: Make sure there’s no outstanding loan or lease on the car
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): Check the VIN on the chassis, engine, and documents match
Car’s physical condition
Exterior:
  • Scratches, dents, rust, uneven paint may indicate previous accident damage/repair
  • Condition of tyres – uneven wear may indicate alignment issues
  • Windscreen & lights – cracks or fogging
Interior:
  • Seats, upholstery and roof lining condition
  • Functionality of AC, heater, infotainment system
  • Dashboard warning lights
  • Window, lock and mirror controls
On the test drive
  • Steering alignment and play
  • Smooth drive engagement
  • Brake responsiveness and noises
  • Suspension comfort
  • Acceleration and pickup
Mileage (kilometrage) & odometer
  • Cross-check the kilometrage with the car’s age and service records
  • Be cautious of tampered odometers
Accident or Flood Damage
  • Look for mismatched paint and welding marks
  • Rust in odd places like under carpet or seats
  • Musty smells or water lines inside
Vehicle History
Optional but wise
  • Mechanic inspection: Have a trusted mechanic evaluate the car
  • Check recall history: Ensure all recalls have been addressed
  • Spare key & tools: Ask about duplicate keys, original tools and spare tyre
Special points for electrical vehicles (EVs)
Battery Health: This is the most critical aspect of an electric car. EV batteries degrade over time, losing capacity and range. Ask for a detailed battery health report and check the battery’s condition from the car’s onboard computer.
Usage: Higher kilometrage can indicate more wear and tear. Check the car’s history and previous usage patterns (from the car’s onboard computer). Frequent rapid charging can also affect battery health.
Service history and updates: Ensure the car has been regularly serviced and maintained and look for records of battery health checks, software updates and any repairs. Some EVs require periodic software updates to maintain optimal performance and safety features
Charging System: Check the condition of the charging port and type and condition of cables supplied.  Ensure the car can be easily charged at home or at public charging stations
Warranty: Verify if the car is still under warranty, especially for the battery and electric components.
Range and Efficiency: Check the car’s range and percentage charge.  Compare it with the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure it meets your needs.
Insurance: Get an estimate for insurance costs from your insurer.
Battery Rental: Be aware that some models, particularly the Renault Zoe, launched with the battery rented for a monthly fee. This made the original purchase cost cheaper, and subsequent pre-owned price cheaper, but the new buyer will still have to pay the monthly rental costs  Look for ‘Achat intégral’ on any sales information to avoid this and which will mean the purchase is outright and doesn’t contain this battery rental element.
Buying a used EV can be a smart move, but it’s essential to do your homework and take the time to find the right one for you.

Volkswagen Touran

I owned a Volkswagen Touran back in 2004 until 2008, it was a Sport TDI 140 model with a manual 6 speed box. This particular car replaced a Renault Megane Scenic that we had owned for about 5 years. We had got the MPV bug for sure, mainly for the comfort and practicality of being able to move the seats around and ability to go for long distances without too much strain.

After the Touran we downsized to just one car and had just a Vauxhall Zafira, again an MPV but a 7 seater and also an automatic. Sadly more or less from day one I found the Zafira not as comfortable to drive as the Touran mainly because of the position of the accelerator pedal, it was too far towards the driver. However, we didn’t mind too much because we were in the throws of moving to France so we knew it wouldn’t be for more than two years.

So having moved to France in May last year (doesn’t time fly!) and the lease on our Zafira was coming to an end in April, we had to get another car ordered. It didn’t take me very long to decide on another Touran, although I did look at other makes and models. But each time I came back to a Touran. This time though it is LHD (naturally) and an auto instead of manual.

 

Compared to the old one some things are new, some things are just the same and some things have just been updated. But as you can see the basic style of the car is very similar. Some people don’t like this but I prefer evolution rather than revolution when it comes to car design.

The new one is also a two litre diesel powered model, but an updated version of the previous one. It seems to be more efficient better mpg, or less litres/km if you wish. This one is fitted with the 6 speed DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) autobox which is essentially two gear boxes with one side doing 1, 3, and 5th gears the other 2, 4, and 6th gears and the clever electronics shifts between the gears sequentially in milliseconds meaning that apart from the engine note you don’t notice the gear changes.

It is nice to have cruise control back again, the Zafira didn’t have it at all. And the version in the Touran is an improved version in the way it functions. It will even stay engaged even though the gear box has needed to change down. So as you approach a roundabout at say 90kph touch the brakes and this disconnects the cruise control, the car slows down, may be drops a couple of gears. You negotiate the roundabout than then flick the button to re-engage your previous set speed and the car will accellerate itself back up to 90kph changing gears as required.

The audio system on the car is also fitted with an iPod interface. I know these have been around for years but I never got around to having one fitted on the previous Touran. I’m using my iPod Classic which stays in the car and I sync it to update my play lists every few weeks. On a recent long journey back to UK I caught up on quite a few pod casts which was quite a refreshing change to listening to music.

I’ve done nearly 3000 km in the two months we have had the new car, this has included a trip to North West of England and back again which accounted for about half of that distance. Fuel consumption is very good on anything more than an around town trip, but even then it is in the mid 40’s mpg. The car displays litres/100km but it can be changed to display mpg and miles!! But I leave it in kms as I’m getting used to that now. The displays I’ve managed to change in to English as well.