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Electric vehicle owners tend to love their cars. EVs offer far more than clean energy. From the ease and efficiency of “one pedal driving” enabled by regenerative braking to the comfort of remote climate control, the convenience of free charging, the tranquility of a quiet cabin where your music sounds much better, and the thrill of instant power, they deliver an experience that feels modern and different. These features not only make driving more enjoyable but also redefine what people expect from their daily journeys.
This has led to a lot of interesting social media comments about how amazingly different it is to drive an EV. Here’s a recent, thoughtful post on Reddit by Many_Initiative6473 with a ton of responses from other EV owners.
“My Honest Take After Seven Months With a Tesla (from a Gearhead)
(This is about my Model Y Long Range, I’m not talking about a company but rather the CAR itself)
I’ve been scrolling through Instagram all morning and for some reason my entire FYP is filled with people ranting about EVs. It’s wild how angry some folks get just seeing an EV mentioned in a car post. It honestly reminds me of the people who clung to their BlackBerrys when the iPhone came out. Same energy.
It’s insanely quick. I’m not just talking fast — I mean quick off the line. 0–30 mph or 30–60 mph, it’s basically unmatched on the road. That snap acceleration is super helpful for merging or avoiding people who try to cut you off. Value for money is unbeatable. I picked mine up used with just 1,000 miles for under $40k. Genuinely, I don’t think there’s a nicer car out there at that price point right now. Free charging is everywhere. I’m lucky enough to have a free 75kW supercharger just a block from my house. Charging hasn’t cost me a dime yet.
Anyway, I’ve been driving a Tesla since January, and I have to say — it’s hands down the best car I’ve ever driven. And I say that as someone who’s really into cars.”
Shadowratenator responded with comment about the ease of charging:
“Once you get a charger at home, you’ll start to feel that it’s insufferably inconvenient to go fill up your ICE cars.”
Many_Initiative6473 commented about the pleasure of owning both EV and ICE:
“I’m saving up to get an older Porsche because I love them. I also still have a 78 fiat spider for Sundays, but I would hate to drive it everyday!”
We surveyed EV drivers to learn the top reasons why they love their cars and this is what we found.
Performance and Instant Power
Electric motors provide instant torque, which means the car responds immediately to the press of the accelerator. There is no delay from engine revving or turbo lag. This instant response makes driving easier, particularly when pulling away from a stop or climbing hills. The sensation of smooth and immediate power often results in what drivers call the “EV smile,” a mix of surprise and delight at the car’s effortless performance.
Access to Free Charging and Home Charging
Charging an electric vehicle at home is like waking up to a full tank every morning. Drivers say it’s one of the biggest perks of owning an EV. No more detours to the gas station, no standing in the cold or dealing with fluctuating prices. Gas prices are up, who cares! Just plug in at night and start fresh each day. Many owners say the ease and routine of home charging makes gas stations feel unbelievably outdated and a waste of time.
If you are willing to put in a little effort to save money, free charging is real advantage of driving an electric car. Retailers are increasingly offering free Level 2 charging to attract customers and make shopping more convenient while their electric vehicles charge. Many stores, including Target, Costco, Macy’s, Kroger, Safeway, and Whole Foods, now provide chargers in their parking lots. Shopping centers are also teaming up with networks like Shell Recharge, which runs ad-supported stations that let drivers plug in at no cost.
Advertising
Who’s paying for this free charging? The retailers are paying to attract customers and encourages longer in-store stays and more browsing time. It’s a new spin on an age-old tactic like coupons, free Wi-Fi, free refills, free beauty gifts, free giveaways and promotions, free diagnostics, free battery testing, free windshield wiper installation, and free dog treats.
Workplace charging is often free as well, and employees aren’t taxed for this benefit. These opportunities make owning an electric car even more cost-effective.
Regenerative Braking and Energy Recovery
One of the most appealing features of electric cars is regenerative braking. Unlike conventional cars where braking wastes energy through friction, an electric motor can switch to generator mode when the accelerator is released or the brake is pressed. This process recovers energy and feeds it back into the battery, making driving both efficient and cost-effective. For example, the Nissan Ariya enhances this with its e‑pedal step feature, which allows one-pedal driving in most conditions. This approach encourages drivers to anticipate braking, improving efficiency and awareness behind the wheel.
Regenerative braking means the physical brakes are used far less often. This extends the life of brake pads significantly. Many EV drivers report going over 150,000 miles before needing replacements. On average, this can save thousands of dollars in brake pad and rotor costs over the life of the vehicle.
Remote Climate Control and Comfort
Electric vehicles offer the convenience of remote climate control, eliminating the discomfort of waiting in a cold car for the heater to warm up. Most EVs work like the Nissan Ariya by using an app, drivers can preheat or cool their vehicle, lock or unlock doors, and check charging status. Preconditioning the car while it is still plugged in also helps preserve battery range. This feature brings a level of convenience and comfort that makes mornings far more pleasant.
Quietness and Relaxation
The quiet nature of electric cars significantly enhances the driving experience. Without the vibrations, gear shifts, or engine noise typical of petrol and diesel vehicles, an EV delivers a smooth and serene ride. Automakers like Nissan take additional measures, such as using special glass and quieter components, to maintain this peaceful environment. Driving an electric car often feels like an instant escape from the usual noise of the road.
Charging for Apartment Dwellers
EV charging is still biased towards people who own a home and can conveniently charge from their garage. However, things are getting better for folks who live in apartments. Many charging companies like ChargePoint have programs to assist landlords with the installation of EV charges to attract residents and increase property values.
Please Drop Your Thoughts in the Comments Below
How much time do you think you save each week by charging your EV at home instead of going to a gas station?
What EV feature completely surprised you after making the switch?
Chris Johnston is the author of SAE’s comprehensive book on electric vehicles, “The Arrival of The Electric Car.” His coverage on Torque News focuses on electric vehicles. Chris has decades of product management experience in telematics, mobile computing, and wireless communications. Chris has a B.S. in electrical engineering from Purdue University and an MBA. He lives in Seattle. When not working, Chris enjoys restoring classic wooden boats, open water swimming, cycling and flying (as a private pilot). You can connect with Chris on LinkedIn and follow his work on X at ChrisJohnstonEV.
Image sources: AI, Tesla media kit
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Source: torquenews.com
