Test drive an EV like a pro
Test driving a brand-new car is an exciting mix of unusual smells, fancy tech and shiny paintwork.
If you’re test-driving an electric vehicle (EV), you’ll also notice some quirks that might feel unfamiliar.
Before making a big investment in a new car, you want to make the most of the test drive. Read on and our guide will help you find the right EV for you.
Where to find a demo EV
COVID-19 upended the vehicle global supply chain, making some models hard to find in Australia. Although the worst is over, some types of EVs still have long wait times, but you’ll usually find a demo model.
If you’re test-driving an EV from a manufacturer that also produces ICE vehicles – such as Kia and BMW – contact your local dealership to see if they have demo models available.
EV-only showrooms are becoming more common – think of it like an Apple Store but with cars. You can visit an EV showroom – such as CUPRA’s in the Adelaide CBD – to check out the cars and then arrange a test drive in a different location. Read more about the future of car dealerships here.
EV-only manufacturers like BYD and Tesla allow you to book a test drive through their websites. You can choose the model, enter your details and travel to a specified location to start your test drive.
Watch out also for drive experiences, where the manufacturer provides EVs in one location for you and others to test. Some organisations also host multiple-vehicle EV test-driving events, such as the event RAA held last year.
Behind the wheel
In many ways, shopping for an EV or an internal combustion engine (ICE) car is the same. You need to make sure your basic car needs are met, like space, comfort, standard equipment and budget. The EV differences become clearer when you climb into the futuristic cabin.
Some EVs have a traditional dashboard and instrument layout, while others – like the Tesla – adopt a minimalist approach where most functions are controlled through a touchscreen. Style is a personal choice but think about everyday practicality. Do you want to be scrolling through touchscreen menus each time you adjust the climate control or change the music, or would you prefer to do so with buttons and dials?
On the road
Most EVs have a start/stop button and start with a fob, card, or smartphone app. When starting an EV, you won’t hear the engine roar to life. Instead, it’s so quiet you might wonder if the car has started at all. All EVs are automatic, and have a dial or lever for park, reverse, neutral or drive.
RAA Future Mobility Expert Mark Borlace recommends test driving them on a variety of quieter roads you know while you get used to EV driving, as well as going easy on the accelerator.
“Electric motors deliver big doses of torque, and you’ll feel an instant response when you put your foot down,” he says.
EVs use regenerative braking to recharge the battery while you drive. This increases efficiency and gives you a smoother ride, but it might feel odd at first when you take your foot off the accelerator. The regenerative braking effect varies from car to car and in some models it’s adjustable so experiment if you can.
“Some EV models feature one-pedal driving, where regenerative braking is strong enough to bring your car to a complete stop,” Mark says.
Of course, the brake pedal is there if you need to stop suddenly.
Other EV features
You’ll notice the lack of engine noise in an EV, especially at low speeds, and a quieter cabin where music and conversations seem clearer. When test-driving the EV, take it on a freeway to compare the cabin noise at low and high speeds.
“EVs are heavy but have a lower centre of gravity, thanks to floor-based battery packs, so the extra weight doesn’t have much of an effect on handling and responsiveness,” Mark says.
Most EVs will have parking aids so park it in various spots you normally go to. Is it manoeuvrable with good visibility? Check the EV has enough boot space for your needs and a full-size spare tyre if that’s important to you. Also test drive it at night if you can.
During your test drive, keep an eye on the battery charge indicator on the dashboard or touchscreen and what range the car will give you. Will that suit your everyday needs, or will you need an EV with a longer-range battery?
When you drop the EV back to the provider, ask if you can test the charging cable to get a feel for the process.
Images: Newspress Australia