What Do Owners of Electric Cars Miss About Driving Gas Cars?

As a seasoned electric vehicle (EV) owner, what I miss most about driving a gas car is the habit of using regenerative braking during turns. This driving transition experience was challenging as I would let off the gas, apply a little brake, and then resume gas during turns. With an electric car, I must coast through the turns and then resume power at the last second. This adjustment took some getting used to, but now it's second nature.

Less Sound, More Silence

While the noise and vibrations of a gas engine might be a thing of the past, the silence of an EV can sometimes be a source of nostalgia. The sounds from my previous Kia Soul car were not impressive and often painful to listen to. Sound and vibration differences are two aspects that can take time to adjust. Yet, the absence of engine noises and the quiet ride are benefits that outweigh the nostalgic sounds.

Convenience Redefined

No more having to turn on my air conditioning or heated seats without anticipating a drop in range. In fact, this convenience hasn't been a significant issue for me. The transition to an EV has brought a multitude of conveniences:

No more stinky exhaust. No more trips to the petrol station. No more dealing with gasoline or diesel smell on my hands. No more standing in the rain or cold to refuel. No need to plan my week around fueling up. No more concerns about coolant and oil levels. No need to schedule frequent engine services.

Additionally, starting the car in winter and defrosting the windows no longer requires immediate attention. Instead, I can schedule my trips or control the heating with my phone. The same goes for summer air conditioning. These conveniences make my life significantly easier.

Towing and the Future of EVs

Currently, my preference between an EV and a hybrid or gas car is largely based on towing. I own a Tesla Model 3 and keep my Toyota Highlander for one main reason: towing, mostly towing my RV trailer and occasionally a smaller trailer for moving things.

For longer drives, such as my trip to my dad's house 330 miles away, I favor the Model 3. Even though the trip involves two 15-minute stops at a supercharger, it's cheaper than using the Highlander. A bonus is that I can install a circuit for my dad's Model S, which allows for convenient charging at my dad's house.

When it comes to road trips to northern Michigan, where my sister lives, I am slightly less enthusiastic about driving the Model 3 due to a 2-hour recharge period. However, it's still more efficient to drive the Model 3 than the Highlander for a 500-mile drive in a single day.

However, one drawback is that the Model 3 cannot handle heavy towing, especially my RV trailer. This is an important consideration as California's law to only sell EVs in the future might face challenges due to the limitations of current EVs in towing.

Yearly Reflections: Avoiding Gas Stations

After owning my Model 3 for half a year, I have noticed a significant change in my driving behavior. I rarely visit gas stations, and the routine of cleaning the windscreen with a squeegee after a bug splatter is a thing of the past. This shift in routine has made me realize how much I no longer rely on gas stations for convenience.

Even though I miss some aspects of driving gas cars, the overall transition to an electric car has been overwhelmingly positive. The convenience, environmental benefits, and cost savings make it a worthwhile change for many.