The Arnold Clark Innovation Centre opened last year
The Arnold Clark Innovation Centre opened last year
An advanced driving instructor has revealed the top things you should look out for when driving an electric vehicle (EV) for the first time.
Dugie Campbell, a Fleet Trainer since 1984, was speaking at the first Arrive and Drive session to take place at the Arnold Clark Innovation Centre.
Launched by Energy Saving Trust and funded by Transport Scotland, the sessions are designed to help driving instructors in Scotland learn more about EVs.
The session consists of two parts. Firstly, a virtual introduction to EVs and then a one-to-one driver training session with an advanced driving instructor.
And Dugie believes that those new to driving an EV should prepare for the lack of engine noise.
He said: 'The biggest difference for people is anticipation and dealing with the silence because they’re getting no feedback from the engine to tell them which gear they’re in.
'They’re also having to anticipate the action of pedestrians, cyclists or any other road user who may not hear them coming.
'Developing a different level of awareness is paramount.'
However, Dugie reckons EV newbies should embrace the ever-growing technology and hopes they’ll be able to make the switch to electric with ease.
He also spoke about regenerative braking – a function all electric vehicles have where the kinetic energy generated from slowing down is captured and stored in the battery.
Dugie said: 'One-pedal driving means the task of driving is so much easier.
'You can drive with one pedal on some EVs as you’re regenerating power by deaccelerating.
'If a driver doesn’t need to brake on approach to a junction, it means they can allocate their senses elsewhere because they’re not being distracted by changing gear or putting their foot on the brake.'
The Arnold Clark Innovation Centre opened last year year on Dumbarton Road in Glasgow’s west end with the aim of educating visitors about the benefits of alternatively fuelled vehicles and why they are becoming so important.
Speaking about the Innovation Centre, Dugie added: 'It’s very impressive. There’s access to information which anyone would require if they’re thinking about leasing or purchasing an EV.
'Things like the display of how an EV battery works, gives people a better insight and demonstrates the new technology.'
Further Arrive and Drive sessions are taking place in January, February and March 2022. For more information about the sessions and to book, visit here.
