For a while now, whenever we post anything about electric cars on social media, we receive hundreds and thousands of comments across Facebook and Instagram with polarising opinions.
There are the superfans, the tentatively curious, the actively looking to switch. Then there are those who just cannot, will not, entertain the idea that electric cars can be as exciting as petrol or diesel cars.
So, we decided to invite five of our Facebook petrolhead followers to a track day with Rory Reid in an attempt to change their mind and convert them to an Electric Champion.
Here’s how that went.
Our last guest got in touch to tell us electric cars are “not very fast or efficient”. Watch to find out whether a spin in an Audi RS E-Tron GT changed his mind.
Looking at electric cars more generally, including your standard family-friendly models, there are two elements to consider when we talk about speed: acceleration and maintaining that speed.
When it comes to acceleration, the bit most drivers are bothered about, electric cars hold an advantage in their instant torque. There’s no waiting for power to build up or for the transmission to get in gear; you just hit the accelerator and you’re away. As they have fewer moving parts, electric cars are able to tap into more of their available horsepower too.
The lack of transmission does mean that electric cars can’t sustain those high speeds for as long as a petrol or diesel model. This will likely change as manufacturers invest more in electric drivetrains, so watch this space.
Episode Four: Do electric cars make noise?
Sceptic number four told us electric cars are soulless and lack the noise of internal combustion engines.
It’s true that electric cars are very quiet. Given the way they’re built, they tend to only generate noise through their tyres or by wind resistance at higher speeds.
Many drivers still want the roar of an engine when they accelerate, even though the ways those engines are now built mean that roar isn’t quite what it used to be.
Wants aside though, there are safety risks around not being able to hear cars approach – particularly for pedestrians.
To tackle this, all new four-wheel electric vehicles must be fitted with an acoustic vehicle alert system (AVAS). This usually sounds when the vehicle is reversing or travelling at less than 18 mph. The rules apply to all new electric and hybrid cars registered from 1 July 2021.
Learn more about the ways electric cars work.
When one sceptic told us electric cars are “a bit shocking to be honest”, we appreciated the pun but wanted to know more. A fan of Ferraris, Lee didn’t see how electric cars could compete with sports cars.
Well, the future of all cars is electric – including sports cars. The New Ferrari 296, for example, is part electric – while the Audi RS E-Tron GT and Porsche Taycan featured in our videos are fully-electric. They boast some impressive stats, like 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds and 2.6 seconds respectively. The Rimac Never is currently the fastest electric car, with a top speed of 258 mph and a 0-60 mph acceleration of 1.85 seconds.
With electric racing events like Formula E growing in audience and investment every year, the innovation in electric sports is just getting started – who knows what future classics and history makers are being built right now?
Browse electric cars available for sale.
Episode Two: What makes electric cars good?
We’ve long been in love with cars, and there are stark differences between our diesels and petrols and their battery-powered successors. But electric cars have a number of practical and inspirational touches that, over time, will excite us as much.
There’s the onboard tech, the streamlined systems and the enviable handling that make them a new and exciting way to drive. There’s also the reduced running costs, their greener credentials and an increasing choice at different prices.
Sure there’s work to be done on the infrastructure and charge times, and there are ways to more efficiently reuse and dispose of batteries, but we’re at the start of a long journey towards something special with electric cars. Read more about the benefits and downsides of owning an electric car.
Our first sceptic told us that electric cars 'take the fun and skill out of driving’. Watch to find out how they felt after a spin in a Porsche Taycan.
Of course, we’d expect a certain level of performance from a Porsche. But even standard, everyday electric models are exceptionally fun to drive. As electric cars are automatic and have no gears,they’re incredibly easy to get going. Simply hop in, hit start and set off.
As a rule, electric motors are powerful and responsive – and they tend to have more torque than petrol or diesel models, meaning they’re quicker to accelerate and swift when driving.
When electric cars are built around their batteries, the battery tends to be between the axles – meaning there’s a lower centre of gravity and much better driving dynamics. Coupled with stiff suspension, this gives electric cars a sporty, certain, and comfortable driving experience.
Electric cars may not be for everyone today, but before long there’ll be an electric car for everyone. So, are you still an #ElectricSceptic?
We want to hear what you love, what you hate, and what you’re curious about when it comes to electric cars – share it all with us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
You can learn more about electric cars in our hub, and enter our monthly giveaway for your chance to win a brand-new electric car for free!
