How Do You Drive an Electric Car

Electric cars have revolutionised the way we think about driving. They are quieter, cleaner, and easier to maintain than traditional petrol or diesel vehicles, yet many new drivers still wonder how exactly they work. At first glance, an electric vehicle (EV) looks and feels much like a regular car. It still has a steering wheel, pedals, lights, mirrors, and indicators, but underneath, the technology is entirely different. This article explains everything you need to know about how to drive an electric car, from starting it up to understanding how regenerative braking works, charging habits, and managing range on UK roads.

Understanding How an Electric Car Works

Before getting behind the wheel, it helps to understand what makes electric cars different. Unlike petrol or diesel cars, electric vehicles do not have an engine, fuel tank, or exhaust system. Instead, they use an electric motor powered by a high-voltage battery. When you press the accelerator, energy from the battery flows to the motor, which turns the wheels. When you slow down or brake, some of that energy is recovered and stored back in the battery through a process called regenerative braking.

Because there are fewer moving parts, electric cars are smoother to drive and require less maintenance. There are no gears to shift, no clutch pedal, and no delay between pressing the accelerator and the car moving forward. For many drivers, this simplicity makes electric cars easier and more relaxing to drive.

Starting and Operating an Electric Car

Starting an electric car is often the first surprise for new drivers. Instead of turning a key or pressing a starter button to ignite an engine, you simply switch on the car’s electrical system. Most EVs use a key fob or start button, and once activated, the car powers up silently. Because there is no engine noise, many beginners initially wonder whether the car is on at all. Usually, a dashboard light or ready indicator confirms that the car is powered and ready to move.

Once the vehicle is on, you select Drive (D) on the gear selector or control lever, just as you would in an automatic car. The accelerator pedal works the same way, and the car begins to move instantly and quietly. Because electric motors deliver full torque from the moment they start, the acceleration is smooth and responsive. You do not need to rev the engine or wait for gear changes, which can make the driving experience feel effortless.

Regenerative Braking: How It Works

One of the most distinctive features of electric cars is regenerative braking. When you lift your foot off the accelerator, the car automatically slows down as the electric motor switches into generator mode, converting some of the kinetic energy back into electricity. This recovered energy is stored in the battery, helping to extend your range.

The amount of regenerative braking varies between models, and many cars allow drivers to adjust the strength of the system. In strong settings, you can drive using just one pedal most of the time, as the car slows significantly when you lift off the accelerator. This is often referred to as “one-pedal driving.” It can take a few minutes to get used to, but most drivers find it intuitive and efficient once they adapt.

Regenerative braking also reduces wear on traditional brake components, such as pads and discs, which can last much longer than in petrol or diesel cars. However, it is still important to use the brake pedal when necessary, especially in emergency situations or when descending steep hills.

Charging and Energy Management

Driving an electric car also involves understanding how to manage your battery charge. Instead of refuelling at a petrol station, you plug your car into a charger at home, at work, or in public. Home chargers are the most convenient option, allowing you to charge overnight and start each day with a full battery. A typical home wall box delivers between 7kW and 11kW of power, depending on your supply and vehicle type, which is enough to recharge most EVs in six to ten hours.

Public charging stations are widely available across the UK and come in different speeds. Rapid chargers can restore 80 per cent of your battery in around 30 minutes, while ultra-rapid chargers can do the same in 15 to 20 minutes. When driving longer distances, it is a good idea to plan charging stops using your vehicle’s built-in navigation or a smartphone app.

Battery management is also a key part of electric car ownership. Most cars provide real-time data about range, efficiency, and energy use. Driving smoothly, avoiding harsh acceleration, and using regenerative braking effectively can all help to extend your range. Extreme cold or heat can reduce battery efficiency slightly, so using preconditioning (warming or cooling the cabin while plugged in) helps maintain performance.

Driving Experience and Performance

Once you start driving, you will immediately notice how quiet and smooth an electric car feels. The lack of engine noise creates a calm cabin environment, and because the electric motor delivers instant torque, acceleration is fast and linear. Many drivers find this responsiveness addictive, as even modest electric cars can out-accelerate traditional vehicles from a standstill.

The handling also tends to be well-balanced, as the heavy battery pack is usually mounted low in the car’s floor. This lowers the centre of gravity and improves stability. The result is a confident, planted feel on the road, particularly in corners. However, the extra weight means braking distances can sometimes be slightly longer, so maintaining good awareness and leaving extra space is wise.

For city driving, electric cars are ideal. Their instant power delivery, compact transmissions, and regenerative braking make stop-start traffic much less tiring. On motorways, they cruise quietly and efficiently, although using features like climate control or heating can slightly reduce range.

Cost of Driving an Electric Car

Driving an electric car can be significantly cheaper than running a petrol or diesel equivalent. Electricity costs per mile are much lower than fuel, particularly if you charge at home using a cheaper overnight tariff. On average, driving 100 miles in an EV can cost between £3 and £6 using domestic electricity, compared to £15 to £20 for petrol.

Maintenance costs are also lower because electric cars have fewer parts that wear out. There are no oil changes, spark plugs, or exhaust systems to service. Tyres and brakes may last longer too, thanks to regenerative braking. Insurance costs vary but are generally becoming more competitive as EVs become mainstream.

Safety and Comfort Features

Electric cars are designed with safety in mind. Because the batteries are mounted low, they provide excellent crash protection and stability. Most EVs include advanced driver assistance systems, such as lane-keeping aids, adaptive cruise control, and collision avoidance technology. These systems make driving smoother and safer, especially on long journeys.

Many models also feature smartphone connectivity that allows you to monitor charging progress, set climate controls remotely, or precondition the car before setting off. For winter driving, preheating the cabin while the car is still plugged in ensures comfort without draining the battery on the road.

Learning to Drive an Electric Car

If you have driven an automatic car before, transitioning to an EV will be very easy. In fact, most people find electric cars simpler to drive because there are no gears or engine vibrations. The main differences lie in regenerative braking and range management. It may take a few trips to get used to how quickly the car slows when you lift off the accelerator, but once you do, it becomes second nature.

When taking lessons or a test in an electric car, you will receive an automatic driving licence, just as you would in a petrol or diesel automatic. However, many driving schools are now offering electric car lessons to prepare learners for the growing shift towards zero-emission vehicles.

Tips for Maximising Range

Efficient driving is the key to getting the best performance from your EV. Accelerate smoothly, maintain steady speeds, and anticipate traffic to reduce unnecessary braking. Keep tyres properly inflated, as underinflated tyres increase energy consumption. Where possible, use eco-driving modes provided by the manufacturer, which adjust throttle response and limit power to maximise efficiency.

Temperature also affects range, so preheating or precooling the car while it’s plugged in helps preserve battery life. On longer journeys, plan your route with charging stops in mind and take advantage of rapid chargers on major motorways.

Conclusion: Electric Cars Are Simple and Enjoyable to Drive

So, how do you drive an electric car? The answer is with ease and confidence. Once you understand the basics—turning it on, selecting drive, and using regenerative braking—it quickly becomes second nature. Electric cars require less effort, less maintenance, and provide a smoother and more responsive experience than traditional vehicles.

They are practical for everyday use, cost-effective to run, and kinder to the environment. With charging infrastructure growing across the UK and technology improving rapidly, driving an electric car is becoming one of the most convenient and enjoyable ways to travel. Whether you are commuting through the city, cruising on the motorway, or exploring the countryside, the simplicity and efficiency of electric driving make it a pleasure every time you get behind the wheel.