The transition to electric mobility goes beyond the development of new vehicles , it is a general paradigm shift. The climatic emergency has accelerated a process that comes from afar, with systematic extensions by the European authorities to car manufacturers. This concern for the environment and the purchasing power of the new generations have transformed the vision of the car itself. Carsharing (shared vehicle) services have seen their users grow and, therefore, their contact with electric propulsion units. Those who have driven one of these models will have witnessed how different it works, starting with the mere act of starting. The electric motor does not generate noise , so to know if it is on, we must be guided by a light warning on the instrumentation panel. In this article we will talk about the keys to get behind the controls of a zero emissions car .
The essence of driving is the same and, for now, the steering wheel and pedals continue to control the reactions of the vehicle . Far are the mechanical gears, everything is managed by electronic systems that calculate the degree of force you exert on the accelerator or brake. It is a common system in any type of current vehicle but it makes special sense in electric models, especially for braking. We will see this detail later, when we talk about car retention and energy regeneration.
Quiet and peaceful
The first element that we must take into account when driving an electric car is its simplicity. We forget about gear changes since they are automatic. What’s more, many of them do not have gears as such. The electric drive does not rise in revolutions nor does it have to manage the pressure in the pistons , hence everything is more gradual and harmonious. There are no vibrations and the noise is limited to a small hiss that soon goes unnoticed, leaving the rolling sounds of the tires and the aerodynamics as the only elements perceived by the passengers.
This aspect, which may seem basic, is the key to understanding the sensations that driving a zero-emission vehicle produces. By not having so many external inputs related to the power and dynamic behavior of the car, your subconscious relaxes and you start to drive in a calmer and more peaceful way. This is the first positive point for zero emissions circulation.
Electric power
Many motor enthusiasts have decided to reject electric propulsion from the outset as the antithesis of passion. Changes create fear and customs are a driving force for our feelings and hobbies. In the face of these struggles we can do little. What we can do is discard the idea that an electric car is boring. For starters, its electric motor offers all the power available from the moment you step on the accelerator . By having an immediate delivery, you do not need to turn up, its torque is available from the first second. Hence, the zero-emission models have acceleration data that nothing envy of the most spectacular sports cars. Additionally, placing batteries on the ground tends to lower the center of gravity and leave the driver in a more sensitive position.
What’s more, the most surreal hypercars of these times feature hybrid powertrains. The Koenigsegg Regera, with 1,500 hp and 2,000 Nm of torque , broke the acceleration and deceleration record of 0 – 400 – 0 km / h set by its brother, the Koenigsegg Agera RS. This work of art of automotive engineering is a plug-in hybrid that combines a block 5.0 V8 biturbo with three electric powertrains .
Driving an electric car has a trick
It is possible that some lucky reader has access to that hybrid Regera. As we believe that the vast majority will settle for a generalist model, we will explain the best tricks for driving. The first thing they should know is that they will live, at first, with the anxiety of autonomy . This fear arises from inexperience and ignorance of the electric vehicle in question, its real capabilities and the novelty of having a piece of information that can mean being left lying in the middle of the road. This panic will disappear with its use , as long as you have the route well managed and no notable unforeseen events arise.
Once autonomy anxiety is managed, you will detect a change in your priorities when driving. For now, general electric cars are models limited to urban and interurban use for commuting to work or similar. Hence, the thrill of driving is secondary, you will prioritize efficiency and autonomy . In order to manage these two elements, zero-emission vehicles come with driving modes.
Driving and braking modes
These driving modes are usually divided into three types: sport, normal and eco . The first one delivers all the power of the engine and its consumption is higher, the normal mode being the most balanced. By activating the eco, the car itself will reduce energy consumption by limiting the comfort systems (heating and air conditioning) and can even turn off the multifunction system if it runs out of autonomy. In addition, it will try to recover more energy through the regenerative system.
Braking and deceleration are key moments for an electric car. At that time, the system will start to recover energy by modifying the operation of the engine to become a generator . In this way, the vehicle is able to capture that energy and not lose it in the form of heat. That means that the braking system of an electric is different and is activated by lifting the foot off the accelerator, at which point we will notice a retention very similar to voluntary braking . This retention can be regulated to be more or less exaggerated, becoming a stop system at its most intrusive point. This type of driving is known as a single pedal since you could end up not using the brake .
