AAA driver training programs offer some of its students a chance to learn on an electric vehicle.
AAA Northeast has a fleet of Hyundai Ioniq 5s, allowing students to become familiar with the differences between EVs and gas-powered cars.
Douglas Gilmore, a AAA driving instructor for 19 years at the Worcester, Massachusetts, branch, explains how he prepares students to drive an EV and why he thinks the experience is important.
How many lessons do students at your driving school get with an EV?
Gilmore: It’s a random number. The EV we have is shared among three instructors. If I pull into the parking lot and it’s there, I might take it. Some students have taken as many as half their lessons in the EV and some, none.
What are the biggest differences between driving an EV and a gas-powered car?
Gilmore: Their very first impression is “this is weird.”
The gear shift is on the steering column, which isn’t intuitive for someone who has been driving a typical gas-powered car with the shifter in the center console. I coach them that the acceleration is strong at any speed; it accelerates immediately. That can take you by surprise in traffic.
Regenerative braking also takes time to get used to. Whenever you slow from speed, the electric motor becomes a generator that recharges the battery, converting kinetic energy into battery charging, which slows the vehicle down. Regenerative braking in an EV works in conjunction with friction braking.
The level of regenerative braking in the Ioniq 5 can be set between 0 and 4, 0 being none. We typically set the regenerative braking in our EV to 1, the lowest level. If you set it to a higher level, the car can stop itself without the brake lights ever coming on.
What are some aspects of driving an EV that you find people have the hardest time adjusting to?
Gilmore: The hardest adjustment is getting over preconceived notions regarding electric cars. They think it’s slow or too weird. Someone currently driving a gas-powered pickup truck might think an EV is not for them. Once they spend a little time with a hybrid or EV, they find the savings are worthwhile.
Most people are worried about charging an EV. They have range anxiety or don’t think it’s practical. One of the downsides of long trips is planning a route where charging is available, and some people don’t want to plan that far in advance.
Map out your next EV road trip with our find a charger tool.
Does your driving school offer EV driving lessons for adults who are considering buying one?
Gilmore: We’re happy to give anyone a lesson. They can specify what car they would like to use.
Why do you think it is important to introduce new and experienced drivers to EVs?
Gilmore: It’s another option. EV manufacturers are currently offering deals and rebates, and it opens up another range of vehicles they might be interested in. A hybrid or EV might be the best purchase option. More hybrids and EVs on the road mean less pollution in the long run.
AAA driver training programs and EV availability vary by club and location.
AAA’s Recommendation: Whether you own an electric vehicle or a gas-powered car is up to you – and you should consider lots of factors in making that choice. No matter what type of vehicle you’re choosing, we recommend visiting a dealership, test driving one, and asking as many questions as possible to make an informed decision.
