Over the past few years I have driven numerous EVs and tried to write a review for each. Most of those test drives are now obsolete because the cars and technology is changing so fast. Keeping a report of each test drive here is just not practical or helpful to you as they are out of date. So, I am changing my approach to reporting on the most recent test drives and keeping that information on my Blog Page. I strongly suggest you look through my blogs for the most recent/relevant test drives that interest you.
Although many of the currently available EVs are similar in many ways (size, performance, looks), they are actually quite different in the way they drive, feel, and are operated. Because of this, you should test drive each EV you are considering before making a purchase (sometimes, dealers will allow you to take the EV overnight to thoroughly drive and get the feel for operating the car). I suggest you try that to maximize your exposure and experience with the EV.
Some things to consider while test driving an EV:
- How does it look from all angles? Would you be excited to show it to your friends? I think tires and wheels can make or break the look of a vehicle. How do they strike you?
- Is it the right size to meet your needs? Not to big to drive around town, but big enough to carry your passengers and there stuff. You need to think about how you will actually use the vehicle. Will child car seats fit in the back row and still allow enough room for the driver and passenger to be comfortable? Does it have enough room for luggage on a long trip? Etc.
- Can you get comfortable in the EV. Good position? Comfortable seating? Access to controls? Visibility out all viewpoints? Etc.
- How are the controls laid out for day-to-day operation? Enough buttons for commonly used controls? Can you easily use the computer screen to operate the car when needed and no buttons are provided? Can you get used to a new "feel" of operating the EV?
- Trim levels and technology availability. Learn about what tech comes with what trim level (in some EVs there can be big differences). Don't get caught buying a cheaper trim level only to find out it doesn't have the tech you wanted. Try and do research ahead of the test drive and ask to drive the trim level that you think would meet all your needs.
- How does it drive? Fast enough? Handling? Smooth? Quiet? Steering feel? Operating most used controls? Visibility? Technology interaction? Etc.