EVs dictate a different driving style
Electric vehicles are quiet. They offer wicked acceleration and stopping power and driving one really requires a new awareness from the driver.
Despite the challenges with load-shedding, electric vehicle technology is advancing at a rapid rate and so is its affordability. The constant increase in the fuel price may well stimulate sales. Truth is though, that most South Africans still cannot afford an electric vehicle.
The installation of an electric charge point at home is a necessity. Many owners employ solar technology to support ownership but, of course, initial installation is expensive.
And then there is the matter of adapting to a new driving style. EVs deliver instantaneous and full power once you push the accelerator. It is not like driving a normal car at all.
Adapting to this requires training and the CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, is an avid advocate for the training of individual as well fleet drivers of electric vehicles.
“EVs require drivers to understand the range and how to get the most from it, adjusting to instant acceleration, preparing for greater deceleration, and knowing what to avoid. Without training, drivers will not get the full efficiency of an EV vehicle. This decreases energy-saving benefits. In an international pilot, 67 drivers received training on driving EVs which resulted in energy consumption of the fleets decreasing by 16% and range increasing by 20%.”
“Planning ahead is an essential part of defensive driving. In an EV it becomes one of the most important tools in improving efficiency as it decreases sudden braking and harsh acceleration. The safety implication of this is that it accounts for traffic behind the EV driver who may not expect such a harsh deceleration.”
Range anxiety is one of the biggest concerns for EV drivers. But, as with petrol engine cars, the smoother you drive, the better your fuel economy. This also applies to driving EVs – smooth driving will increase your range.
Many will agree with the green advantages offered by EVs, but the fact remains until the Eskom dilemma has been resolved and stabilised, the South African uptake of electric vehicles will not equal that of the rest of the world.
Source: MotorPress
