Totally agree about smoother driving, though I admit it's tough to resist that instant torque sometimes. Funny thing is, it reminds me of driving my old '68 Mustang—obviously not electric, but the principle was similar. If you floored it everywhere, you'd be at the gas station every other day. Learned pretty quickly to ease into acceleration and coast more often. Guess some habits carry over no matter what you're driving... makes me wonder what other classic car tricks might apply to EVs?
"Guess some habits carry over no matter what you're driving... makes me wonder what other classic car tricks might apply to EVs?"
Interesting comparison, but honestly, I'm not sure how far the classic car analogy goes. With my luxury EV, I've found that managing range anxiety is less about coasting or gentle acceleration (though those help) and more about smart use of regenerative braking and pre-conditioning the battery. Classic cars never had regen braking or battery management systems, so maybe it's time we develop some new habits rather than relying on old tricks... just my two cents.
Interesting points, but I wouldn't completely dismiss the classic car analogy just yet. Recently got my first EV, and I've found myself instinctively doing some of the same things my dad taught me when I learned to drive on his old '85 sedan:
- Still checking tire pressure regularly—turns out that's just as important for EV range as it was for gas mileage.
- Keeping an eye on weather conditions, since cold snaps can really mess with battery performance (reminds me of how carburetors used to act up in winter).
- Carrying a basic emergency kit is still smart. Sure, jumper cables might be less useful now, but having a portable charger or knowing where charging stations are located feels like the modern equivalent.
I agree regen braking and battery management are totally new territory, but maybe some old-school habits aren't entirely obsolete... just adapted a bit? Curious if anyone else has noticed similar carryovers.
"Carrying a basic emergency kit is still smart. Sure, jumper cables might be less useful now, but having a portable charger or knowing where charging stations are located feels like the modern equivalent."
Good points, but honestly, how practical is carrying a portable charger for an EV? I've looked into them, and most portable battery packs I've seen barely give you enough juice to limp to the nearest station. Seems like planning your route around charging stops is way more crucial now than keeping a backup charger in the trunk... or am I missing something here?
"Seems like planning your route around charging stops is way more crucial now than keeping a backup charger in the trunk..."
Yeah, that's pretty much spot-on. Most portable EV chargers I've seen are bulky, pricey, and barely give you enough miles to reach the next station. Honestly, they're more peace-of-mind gadgets than practical solutions. Better off just knowing your car's range limits and having a solid charging plan... or maybe keeping a roadside assistance number handy, just in case.
