What are the benefits of electric cars? | RAC Drive

Electric cars are enjoyable to drive

With only one gear to speak of – similar in practice to an automatic petrol or diesel car – EVs are very easy to drive. Just turn the car on, select ‘Drive mode’ and you’re away. The majority of EVs have a console-mounted gear selector, but a few use a ‘twist-and-go’ stalk near the steering wheel.

Instant torque from a standstill makes EVs fast to accelerate. But along with the lack of a mechanical engine, it also makes them smooth. The cabin is usually whisper-quiet, making for a very relaxed driving experience. You couldn’t feel less stressed on the daily commute.

Because of their torque and powerful electric motors, electric cars can offer very serious performance. Take a Tesla Model S Plaid for example: with 1,020PS, it can get from 0-60mph in 1.9 seconds (after its initial rolling start has been subtracted). 

Compare that to a 580PS Porsche 911 Turbo, which dispatches the 0-62mph dash in ‘only’ 2.8 seconds. An Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD with 570PS is slower than the Tesla, too (3.7 seconds). The Tesla EV is faster, yet can do almost 400 miles on a single charge – and carry four people and their luggage.

Along with the same high-tech safety systems that we’ve come to expect on modern cars, EVs also have a range of functions to help you eke out range. Most will also show you on a map how far your current range allows you to drive, and locate the nearest charging point. 

Configurable via the car’s infotainment system, many EVs let you to programme a charging schedule, so the car will charge when electricity is cheapest. This can be actioned on a smartphone app, as can the aforementioned pre-conditioning. 

A small number of EVs, such as Tesla’s family of cars, offer video games that can be played when the car is at a standstill. Some, like the Honda e, even have three-pin plug sockets, so you can connect devices such as a laptop or console gaming system. That way you can drive a few laps of Mario Kart while you charge the car itself.