What Petrol and Diesel Car Owners Should Check During an EV Test Drive
If you’re driving a petrol or diesel car today maybe a Creta, City, Baleno, or a Fortuner switching to an EV isn’t just buying a new car. It’s changing how you drive, fuel, plan trips, and think about ownership.
A test drive is your first real chance to check: Will this EV truly match or beat what you already have?
This guide helps you ask the right questions beyond what the showroom wants you to notice.
1. Do You Miss Engine Feedback or Enjoy the Silence Instantly?
The moment you start driving an EV, something will feel missing:
- No engine noise
- No clutch vibration
- No gear shifts
Some drivers feel peaceful. Others feel disconnected.
During your drive:
- Notice if you naturally enjoy the quiet
- Or feel like you’re “waiting” for engine feedback
Neither reaction is wrong but you must know what you prefer.
2. Drive EV Car Like You Normally Would in City Traffic Not Like a Demo Lap
Don’t treat the test drive like a “demo show.”
Instead:
- Turn on AC
- Drive in stop-start traffic
- Take a slow turn
- Try overtaking at 40-50 km/h
Ask yourself:
- Does it feel natural after years of ICE driving?
- Or does the instant torque make it harder to control?
Your real daily drives, not test routes, are what matter.
3. Switch Electric Car Modes and Ask: “Which One Feels Closest to My Current Car?”
Electric cars often have 2-3 drive modes:
- Eco for max range (less pickup)
- Normal for balanced daily use
- Sport for sharp response
You’re used to the torque curve of a petrol or diesel engine where pickup builds. EV torque is instant.
Switch between modes and check:
- Does Eco mode feel like your regular driving?
- Does Sport feel too jumpy for city use?
Pick based on your comfort, not on who boasts bigger numbers.
4. Release the Pedal and Notice the Regen Is It Comfortable or Annoying?
Regenerative braking is where many ex-ICE drivers feel weird.
- Lift your foot slightly – car slows down more than expected
- Higher regen levels = stronger “engine braking” feel
Ask:
- “Can I adjust regen level manually?”
- “Is there one-pedal driving mode?”
Test it at low speeds. Good EVs let you adjust it to feel closer to ICE coasting if you want.
5. Try a Highway-Like Stretch Even for 2 Minutes
Ask for a short straight stretch doesn’t have to be a real highway.
Test:
- Stability above 60-70 km/h
- Steering feel too light or planted?
- Braking feedback at moderate speed
Ask:
- “At what speed does range drop fastest?”
- “What range can I expect on a Pune-Mumbai or Jaipur-Delhi style drive?”
It’s better to know now than discover later on a road trip.
6. Sit in the Back Would You Accept This as Your Primary Family Car?
If you’re switching from an SUV or sedan, rear seat comfort matters.
While sitting in the back:
- Is the seat too high due to underfloor battery?
- Is under-thigh support good enough?
- Is there a proper footrest area?
Also check:
- Boot space can you fit airport luggage, not just groceries?
If the EV compromises too much, you’ll miss your petrol/diesel family runs.
7. Ask What You Can’t See: “How Long Will This Car Feel Like It’s New?”
In petrol/diesel cars:
- Small issues build slowly engine tune-ups, belt replacements, minor leaks
In EVs:
- Batteries degrade
- Software ages
- Sensors may glitch
Ask the rep:
- “What are the most common complaints by year 3?”
- “Is battery health checked during every service?”
- “What happens if range drops below 80% after warranty?”
You need a practical answer, not promises.
8. Imagine Forgetting to Charge Once Then Ask What Happens Next
You’re used to last-minute refueling anywhere. EVs demand planning.
Ask:
- “If I forget to plug in one night, how do I recover next day?”
- “Where’s the nearest public fast charger near my office/home?”
- “If I run low, how much time does a fast charger really take to add 100-150 km?”
This one situation recovery from low charge defines daily convenience.
9. Ask to Compare with Your Own Car: “What Will I Miss, and What Will I Stop Missing?”
Don’t just ask about features.
Ask the rep directly:
- “What do City/Creta/Brezza owners usually say after a month?”
- “What do they miss the most?”
- “What do they say they never want to go back to?”
You’ll hear honest tradeoffs:
- Miss: Immediate refueling freedom, road trip impulsiveness
- Love: Silent rides, lower service costs, instant pickup
If ev car test-drive feels natural, reassuring, and logical within the first 10-15 minutes, that’s a good sign.
