How do I drive an electric vehicle?

Driving an electric vehicle is similar to driving a traditional vehicle with an automatic transmission.

Automatic cars work by changing the gears for you under normal driving conditions.

Most automatic gearboxes will let you select between ‘P’ (for park), ‘R’ (reverse), ‘N’ (neutral) and ‘D’ (drive).

Each gear simply does what it says.

– Park should only be used when you’re stopped and getting out of the car. This ‘locks’ the transmission, preventing it from rolling away (but you still need to apply the handbrake when parked as well).
– Reverse does as it says – acts the same as a reverse gear in a manual, and should be selected when you want to drive backwards.
– Neutral is the same as knocking a manual gearbox out of gear. It shouldn’t be selected when moving – this is known as coasting – but can be used (along with the handbrake) if you’re stopped for a short period of time.
– Drive will select gears automatically and allow the car to move forwards.

Did you know that most manufacturers offer electric models as an alternative within their existing vehicle lineup? For example, the Peugeot 208 includes an electric version.