ECO MOTORS NEWS interviewed 5 electric car owners in order to gain a better and more concrete understanding of what motivates drivers to go electric and, above all… to stick with it! Although their answers sometimes differed, they all agreed that it took them no more than a few days to adapt to driving electric. We also asked each of them how likely they were to go back to combustion engines one day. So, do they regret their choice?
Charles. Content creator (Weelyke) / Hyundai Ioniq 6 / Electric for over three years
The thing that made me switch to electric was clearly the low running costs. Since then, I’ve come to appreciate the comfort, the quiet ride and the maximum torque that’s immediately available. The fact that I don’t have to go to service stations any more, with the recurring savings that that brings, is great too! On the other hand, it took me a while to learn about the specific ecosystem of electric mobility, to understand the different charging powers and to plan my stops accordingly.
→ Probability of going back to combustion: 0%.
Jordan. Chartered accountant / Volkswagen ID.7 / Electric for less than a year
I received an attractive offer on an electric model and decided to take the plunge. There’s no vibration, it’s quiet, it picks up quickly, and it’s ready to go every morning after recharging at home… To be honest, I didn’t notice any disadvantages compared with my old internal combustion engine. And the transition has been easier than I imagined!
→ Probability of returning to combustion: 0%.
Quentin. Delivery driver / MG5 / Electric for over three years
For me, the catalyst was the prospect of « driving for free thanks to the sun ». In fact, combining domestic photovoltaic panels with an electric car means converting solar energy into kilometres without the need for a checkout. On a daily basis, it’s the torque available at any speed without having to downshift, and therefore without jerking, that I appreciate most. The only thing I don’t like about the internal combustion engine? The smell of diesel! (laughs)
→ Probability of returning to combustion: 0%.
Sandrine. School teacher / MG4 / Electric for over a year
I wanted to replace my economical city car, and compared with the models available in this category, the electric version offered the lowest running costs. Since then, I’ve noticed – as many electric car enthusiasts do – the savings per kilometre, both on the energy bill and on maintenance, which is also cheaper than on my small internal combustion car. The fact remains that with a real range of around 300 km, you still have to deal with multiple recharges on long journeys… I’m willing to make a compromise, because the financial aspect makes up for it, but, in my opinion, the internal combustion engine still has the advantage on very long journeys for the time being.
→ Probability of going back to combustion: 0%.
Valentin. Taxi driver and content creator (TaxiEnVE) / XPENG G6 / Electric for over a year now
As a taxi driver, the prospect of halving, or even two and a half times, the cost of running my vehicle was very appealing. Since I switched to electric vehicles, I’ve been able to confirm these savings on a daily basis. To be honest, I can see nothing but benefits in this transition. Financially, in terms of driving comfort and reliability, I have no regrets!
→ Probability of going back to combustion: 0%.
