{"id":81408,"date":"2026-02-08T12:55:27","date_gmt":"2026-02-08T15:55:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/automotive.einnews.com\/article\/890501074"},"modified":"2026-02-08T12:55:27","modified_gmt":"2026-02-08T15:55:27","slug":"after-spending-time-with-evs-it-changed-my-driving-style-and-perception","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/2026\/02\/08\/after-spending-time-with-evs-it-changed-my-driving-style-and-perception\/","title":{"rendered":"After spending time with EVs, it changed my driving style and perception"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Initially, I was not fond of the idea of driving an electric car, and I had several reasons for that. To begin with, range anxiety was the biggest concern. Then came the fact that the sound of an internal combustion engine, that diesel roar can never be replicated in an EV, no matter what kind of artificial sound manufacturers offer. However, after spending a considerable amount of time with EVs, my perception has changed, just as much as EVs have changed my driving style as well.<\/p>\n

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Living with EVs and the benefit of it<\/h3>\n
MG Windsor<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From our long-term fleet at Auto Today, I have driven the MG Windsor <\/a>and the Tata Punch.ev among other EVs, but I have spent a lot of time with the Windsor and the Punch.ev. My experience with both cars has been positive.<\/p>\n

There is a lot of space at the back of the MG Windsor, thanks to the skateboard architecture.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One advantage of an electric vehicle is that it is more often than not built on a skateboard platform. The MG Windsor EV, for instance, is underpinned by a dedicated skateboard architecture. What it means is that by housing the battery pack beneath the floor and pushing the wheels to the corners, this layout frees up interior space, delivers a flat floor, and creates a spacious cabin. The Windsor offers a lot of room, and it\u2019s immediately noticeable to friends and family who have travelled with me and appreciated the space inside. So, in terms of interior space, EVs do have a clear advantage and as a bonus, you also get a frunk.<\/p>\n

Regenerative braking and paddle shifters<\/h3>\n
The Tata Punch.ev comes with paddle shifters to change the level of regen braking.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Now, coming to the driving aspect and how EVs changed my driving style. To begin with, I really appreciate paddle shifters, it comes in the Punch.ev. <\/a>In an electric vehicle, these paddle shifters control the intensity of regenerative braking. In the Punch.ev<\/a>, like most electric cars, there are three levels of regeneration. The first level is ideal for highway use, it isn\u2019t too sharp and feels light enough. The second level strikes a good balance between stronger deceleration and ease of driving, making it suitable for moderate traffic conditions. The third level, while not bringing the sub-4-metre electric SUV to a complete stop, slows the Punch.ev down to around 7\u20138kmph fairly quickly. It brakes quite sharply and works well in heavy traffic conditions.<\/p>\n

Learning the art of coasting<\/h3>\n

Another shift in my driving style after spending time with EVs has been learning the art of coasting. In an electric car, coasting isn\u2019t just about lifting off the accelerator and letting the car roll\u2014it\u2019s about managing energy. Depending on the regenerative braking level, easing off the throttle can either slow the car down or allow it to glide forward smoothly with minimal resistance. When regen is set low, the EV coasts effortlessly, maintaining momentum and using stored energy more efficiently, especially on open roads. This encourages smoother throttle inputs, better anticipation of traffic, and fewer abrupt braking inputs. Over time, coasting becomes instinctive, turning driving into a calmer, more deliberate process where efficiency replaces urgency and every lift of the pedal feels intentional rather than reactive.<\/p>\n

How silence changes behaviour<\/h3>\n
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Silence, too, changes behaviour. In the absence of engine noise, speeds often feel lower than they actually are. Conversations inside the cabin become easier, fatigue reduces over long drives, and you grow more aware of tyre noise, road surfaces and the world outside. Yes, it may seem contrary to the idea that EVs can artificially replicate the sound of an ICE car, something I don\u2019t particularly enjoy, but silence has a lesson of its own to teach. Without constant auditory cues, driving feels calmer and more relaxed, subtly reshaping how you read the road ahead.<\/p>\n

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Speed feels deceptive<\/h3>\n
Speed can feel misleading in EVs. With instant torque and smooth, uninterrupted acceleration, the car builds momentum so effortlessly that drivers often don\u2019t realise how fast they\u2019re travelling.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Speed also feels deceptive in EVs. Thanks to instant torque and seamless acceleration, gaining pace happens effortlessly, often without realising how quickly you\u2019re actually going. It makes you more conscious of the speedometer, rather than relying on engine sound or vibration as a reference. Over time, acceleration becomes something you use more sparingly and deliberately instead of aggressively, especially with efficiency at the back of your mind. Overtaking, too, feels effortless in an EV. The immediate torque and instant power delivery make slipping past others a smooth, almost serene affair, without breaking a sweat.<\/p>\n

Understanding range and overcoming anxiety<\/h3>\n

Range anxiety was another major learning curve. During my initial days of highway driving in an EV, the range dropped rapidly. From 100 per cent battery and a displayed range of around 350 km, it quickly fell to about 199km with 70 per cent battery remaining while cruising continuously at 90\u2013100kmph. Naturally, this made me anxious. However, after that point, the range began dropping more in line with what was indicated on the instrument panel. Over time, I understood how the system calculates range, what to realistically expect on highways, and the actual capabilities of an EV.<\/p>\n

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Rethinking fuel through charging<\/h3>\n

Charging changes your relationship with fuel. You stop thinking in absolute kilometres and start thinking in percentages and usage patterns. Planning trips becomes more about time and charging windows rather than just distance, and home charging introduces a very different, more relaxed ownership experience. But, planning is the key.<\/p>\n

Becoming a more patient driver<\/h3>\n

All of this has ultimately made me a more patient driver. EVs reward anticipation rather than aggression, smoothness over urgency. You lift off earlier, brake less, and plan your moves more thoughtfully.<\/p>\n

EVs didn\u2019t make me fall out of love with combustion engines, but they did teach me that driving doesn\u2019t always have to be loud, rushed, or aggressive to be engaging.<\/p>\n

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– Ends<\/p>\n

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Published By: <\/p>\n

Soumya <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Published On: <\/p>\n

Feb 8, 2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n