First driver of an electric car? Here’s what you need to know:

The switch from combustion to electric cars sounds more traumatic in theory than in practice. This year I replaced my family’s two combustion cars with new electric vehicles – a Hyundai Ioniq 5 and a Kia EV9– and wouldn’t the electric vehicle shift make my list of the top ten life disasters of 2024.

But buying your first electric vehicle is an adjustment. And as with any change in life, there is an initial period of adjustment and some apprehension. Electric vehicles do things differently than combustion engine vehicles. And there are a few quirks that you have to get used to. Here are some of the main ones to look out for.

Instant torque

Torque transmission works differently in an electric vehicle. An internal combustion engine must rev up to its maximum torque range. However, an electric vehicle can deliver this peak torque immediately from a standstill. For the first-time EV driver, this can feel disconcertingly fast and responsive. This speed isn’t a bad thing in and of itself – it’s great for maneuvering in tight traffic situations and perhaps even for dusting Subaru WRX with the unnecessarily throaty aftermarket exhaust – but it may take some getting used to.

Some manufacturers try to mitigate the feeling of overwhelming torque. The Chevy Blazer EV And Chevy Equinox EV are tuned to increase torque more slowly so it feels natural to combustion engine drivers. Chevy’s electric truck, the Silverado EValso limits the torque when tapped and only relieves the entire torque “Wide Open Watts” mode. With other electric vehicles, the driver has to be more sensitive when accelerating.

Range anxiety

Range anxiety is the common term. I’d go with something like “range awareness” or “range awareness” which better reflects the concern about a slow burn. You rarely, if ever, have to worry about refueling a gas car. Unless you are in the most remote desert, there is a gas station there and refueling only takes a few minutes. Driving an electric vehicle is far more complex. It requires forward planning about where and when to charge. It also requires more care with energy consumption through activities such as turning up the entire cabin heater to level 11.

The short answer is: you get used to dealing with the range. The countdown clock doesn’t detract from your driving experience, especially once you’ve done it a level 2 home charger installed and a modern electric vehicle with a range of more than 250 miles. But the countdown clock is always in the back of my mind.

Regenerative braking

For new electric vehicle drivers, braking can feel strange. Internal combustion vehicles rely on friction brakes. Electric vehicles add regenerative braking to the mix, in which the vehicle recovers otherwise lost energy and uses it to charge the battery. On a vehicle with an internal combustion engine, you press the brake pedal to achieve the braking effect. On an electric vehicle with regenerative braking enabled, the car slows down when you lift off the accelerator. Many electric vehicles have one One-pedal driving Mode in which the deceleration is so strong that the driver can stop without touching the brake pedal. For a new electric vehicle driver, it can be a challenge to use the system smoothly (and a rocky ride for passengers).

Regenerative braking systems can vary greatly depending on the manufacturer. Some systems can be peculiar. Mercedes electric vehicles Automatically move the brake pedal so that it is where it would be if you were not driving with a pedal. Some GM electric vehicles have this a recovery on-demand hand paddle to improve regeneration. Most new electric vehicles have at least an on/off function with regenerative braking. The best systems allow for multiple levels of regeneration so new riders can find their comfort level.

The sound of silence

Electric vehicles are smooth and quiet. These are sought-after features of Lexus and other luxury cars with internal combustion engines. But the sheer lack of noise emitted by the vehicle – probably obligatory low-speed noise sounds like an alien spaceship excluded – may confuse new EV drivers. Hearing engine load and gear changes, as well as feeling visceral feedback, is one of the key ways a driver can tell how fast they are going.

There is no great solution for this. Electric vehicles do not provide alternative cues to replace this auditory feedback. The best option is to pay more attention to the speedometer when driving on the highway or on a residential street at 25 miles per hour.

Wait, how do I switch my Tesla to D?

A Tesla is still the first electric vehicle that many owners buy. And one of the most obvious quirks you’ll face with a new car is shifting into forward or reverse gear. The brand that led the cabin minimalism movement now has Stems removed from steering wheel. It ensures a clear aesthetic. But it turns a pointless feature into a nuisance.

Tesla offers several (albeit less intuitive) ways to shift gears. With the beta software, Tesla can automatically determine the gear you need. The car’s camera system detects the huge brick wall in front of you and determines that you need to go into reverse. Alternatively, drivers can access the shift controls on the driver’s side of the touchscreen or above the rearview mirror.