Is an EV Right for You? A Guide to Test Driving an Electric Vehicle in Calgary
If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re thinking about making the switch to an electric vehicle and want to take one out for a test drive. But, an EV test drive is a little different from driving a gas-powered vehicle. The acceleration is more responsive and the features like one-pedal driving may take some getting used to. So, how can you get the most out of an EV test drive and determine whether it’s the right fit for you? Don’t worry! Read on as our team at GoElectric Calgary walks you through what to look for before and during your EV test drive, from researching the vehicle ahead of time and asking the right questions to evaluating real-world range, charging capabilities, regenerative braking, and one-pedal driving settings.
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Before Your EV Test Drive
Research the Vehicle Ahead of Time
The more you know going in, the easier it is to focus on how the EV feels to drive instead of trying to learn everything at once. For example, take a few minutes to research the vehicle’s estimated driving range. If you regularly travel between Calgary and Edmonton, range will likely be much higher on your priority list. Charging is another area worth looking into. Do you have convenient access to public charging stations? Can you charge at home in your garage, or will you need to install a Level 2 charger? Understanding your charging situation will help you narrow down which EVs make the most sense for your lifestyle. Make sure the EV you’re considering offers charging compatibility that matches how and where you plan to charge most often.
Plan Questions to Ask the Dealer
A test drive is also a great opportunity to get answers to questions that can be difficult to figure out from online research alone. Before you head to the dealership, we recommend making a list of questions that matter to you. For example, how long is the EV battery expected to last? How much does Calgary’s cold winter affect battery performance? What kind of maintenance does the EV require compared to a gas-powered car? If technology is important to you, don’t be afraid to ask for a demonstration. Many modern EVs come equipped with features like built-in route planning that automatically suggests charging stops, smartphone apps that let you monitor charging and control vehicle functions remotely, and adjustable regenerative braking settings that can change how the vehicle feels to drive.
What to Pay Attention to During an EV Test Drive
Real-World Range
The real-world range is one the most important things to pay attention to during your EV test drive. On paper, every EV comes with an official range estimate, but in real life, that number can shift depending on how and where you’re driving. Most EVs will show you an estimated range right on the dashboard, and you’ll notice it updates based on your driving style. If you accelerate hard, drive at higher highway speeds, or use climate control heavily, you’ll see that number adjust in real time. Once you see how range responds to your driving habits, it becomes a lot easier to decide whether the vehicle fits your needs. However, most dealerships only give you a short window for a test drive, which doesn’t always let you understand how the vehicle fits into your daily routine. That’s why at GoElectric Calgary, we offer a 3-day free test drive, so you can live with the EV, try it in real conditions, and get a true feel for range before making a decision.
Real-World Charging
Real-world charging is another thing you should pay attention to during your test drive. Try to think beyond the advertised charging times you see online. Those numbers are usually based on ideal conditions. In reality, things are a bit more flexible. As long as you’re within a reasonable time range, what matters more is how the vehicle fits into your daily routine. For example, most EV owners end up doing the majority of their charging at home using a Level 2 charger in the garage or driveway. This is usually the most convenient setup. You just plug in when you get home, and by morning the battery is topped up and ready to go. So, test it and see whether it actually fits your daily routine. Again, at GoElectric Calgary, you can take one of our EVs home for a 3-day test drive, giving you the opportunity to experience charging in a real-world setting.
Regenerative Braking & One Pedal Drive Settings
Most drivers can’t get used to an EV on the first drive because of regenerative braking and one-pedal driving. It just feels different from what they’re used to in a gas car. Regenerative braking is what helps recharge the battery when you slow down. Instead of wasting that energy when braking, the electric motor reverses and sends some of that energy back into the battery. You’ll usually notice this as a stronger deceleration when you lift your foot off the accelerator. Most EVs let you adjust how strong it feels, with different levels you can toggle through. So, during your test drive, try it in different situations, including slow city streets, parking lots, and highway driving. That’s where you’ll notice whether the regenerative braking setting feels natural or needs some adjustment.
If you’re unfamiliar with regenerative braking or one-pedal driving, our team at GoElectric Calgary can explain how these features work and help you find the settings that best match your driving style. Even better, with our 3-day test drive program, you can take an EV home and experience these features in your everyday driving environment, giving you plenty of time to build confidence behind the wheel.
Get 3-Day Free Test Drive at GoElectric Calgary
Now that you know what to look out for during an EV test drive, it’s time to get behind the wheel to experience it for yourself at GoElectric Calgary. You can check out our EV inventory online or reach out to our team at (403) 246-8990 to get started. Once you’re ready, we’ll help you set up your free 3-day test drive so you can experience charging, driving, and daily use in your own routine!