Learning Point 457 | EV Acceleration

[@tomsixsix]

Hi Ashley - this is my clip. I was the passenger, my partner was driving, and I was the one pressing the save button. So no distraction to the driver. I think I accidentally pressed the menu button instead so got lost in the system menu... However, the advice on acceleration and lane placement has been taken. I suspect she was shaken up by the near collision and wasn't quite thinking straight.

[@ashley_neal]

Thanks for sending in and a more detailed explanation. A lot of people can learn and be more prepared from this clip. 👊

[@MarkWoodrow00]

Thanks for the clarification. I had a near miss once a few years ago and there are definitely a few minutes where the adrenaline impairs judgement afterwards.

[@smilerbob]

Thank you for sharing with us and an important lesson for all, careful with our own acceleration but also be prepared for others accelerating when we emerge. Having my own poor emerge recently faster acceleration can be useful but alsp aware how thinking of other things can affect our own driving and judgement

[@dutchhondarebel]

Thanks for sharing! I think a lot of people underestimate the significantly different driving dynamics of an EV compared to conventional combustion vehicles.

[@PedroConejo1939]

@@smilerbob Acceleration, like laxative, is good at the right time and in the right amounts. Too much at the wrong time can lead to a shitload of trouble.

[@gordon861]

Just because they can accelerate quickly, doesn't mean that you should at all times. Same as on a bike, I can go from stopped to speeding in a few seconds but I don't when it's gonna get me killed because someone isn't expecting me.

[@MrTone71]

Exactly this, I see too many EVs race away from traffic lights or onto roundabouts, seriously reducing reaction times.

[@peterthompson9854]

You have to expect people not to expect it! And like bikes, EV's take longer to stop. Lethal combo.

[@joejoejoejoejoejoe4391]

Accelerating a 3 ton vehicle like that is going to wear the tyre down in no time.

[@Asto508]

@@joejoejoejoejoejoe4391 It's also just the weight, which is usually up to twice as much. Which is a funny fact that EVs create much more dust emissions from increased tire wear.

[@johnbooth5199]

​@@MrTone71 I was approaching a roundabout, and a tesla model 3, was approaching from the right. If it was a normal small car, i'd have got on to the island, before the other car. Except the tesla driver pressed the warp pedal, and shot onto the island. It's a good job that I expected it. Too many people take advantage of the electric acceleration. I knew I couldn't have out accelerated an EV, so I held back and waited.

[@timfontana2769]

As fun as flooring it away from the lights can be, I think the most transferrable lesson here is simply don't go from standstill to quickly accelerating when there are entry and exit points. I'm absolutely not against putting your foot down but there is a time and a place and this wasn't it.

[@ncc13701]

Poor road design to have a signal controlled pedestrian crossing immediately followed by a junction. Better to signal control the whole junction.

[@Lewis_Standing]

Clearly the Sportage's fault. He didn't have the time to pull out even if the car was accelerating slowly.

[@diavalus]

@@Lewis_Standing I am surprised many don't talk about this, that car was clearly forcing the junction as well.

[@TestGearJunkie.]

On a motorcycle there can definitely be a time and place for it. I remember once many years ago (sometime in the 80s I think) I had just come off a roundabout onto a flyover. There were 5 or 6 cars in the nearside lane of the dual carriageway, and they were still going fairly slow, so I decided to overtake them as the offside lane was (so I thought) clear. As I got alongside the front car in the queue, I saw a pair of white (yes white) lights in front of me, in my lane. I quickly realised they were *_reversing_* lights - a car was reversing back towards the roundabout..! I dropped a cog and opened the throttle; I cut the car I was overtaking up something terrible, but I managed to get out of trouble. If I'd been in a car, I would have hit the reversing vehicle, no doubt about it. Although it was 40 years ago, I've never forgotten that incident.

[@wibbley1]

@timfontana2769 If the driver wants to play grand-prix with the traffic lights, do it on a track, not the public highway. F for the driver and retaining required.

[@thegrowl2210]

In other words, what happens when you take a thoroughly average driver, and give them an above average performance vehicle.

[@rufusgreenleaf2466]

Not just that but an above average automatic performance vehicle. Especially when people expect to run out of revs in first gear. Some don't realise the car is still accelerating.

[@ricequackers]

Yes, I'm also concerned about non enthusiasts without the experience and practice driving 300, 400, even 600hp family cars. Even 200hp on a smaller car is plenty for getting into trouble - that was considered hot hatch territory a decade or two ago, now it's somehow considered standard for a regular family crossover. I do like my fast cars, but honestly anything over 350-400hp is completely wasted on public roads.

[@GreatSpot8608]

​@@ricequackers to be fair, EVs are so heavy that 200bhp feels more like 130-150

[@Asto508]

@@GreatSpot8608 EVs have a much higher torque at low speeds, so their torque-to-weight ratio is still much bigger there. What you describe is only noticeable on higher speeds, outside the critical environment of inner cities.

[@damonrobus-clarke533]

@@GreatSpot8608er, no it doesn’t, the torque all arrives at the same time, even relatively low torque can catch you out.

[@MrJinxmaster1]

Honestly it's the same as if you were driving a super car. Just because you can do 0-60 in a few seconds doesn't mean you should in the middle of a reasonably convoluted urban environment.

[@The18107j]

The high acceleration of an EV can quickly get you out of trouble, but it can just as quickly get you into trouble. Follow the #1 rule of the road: Be predictable. Other people can only get out of your way if they know where you'll be.

[@15bit62]

In 35 years of driving i have been in only one situation where i had to accelerate out of trouble that i hadn't accelerated myself into first. I honestly have no patience for the whole "power is a safety feature" argument. It's just nonsense.

[@ibs5080]

Aa soon as I saw the title in the thumbnail "Don't expect the acceleration" I immediately thought it would involve an EV. The very rapid acceleration from these vehicles is something relatively new to watch out for and I sense some EV drivers take delight in surprising others.

[@enoz.j3506]

And increased tyre ware, which no one seems to mention in the ,buy electric con, push ads.

[@caramelldansen2204]

​@@enoz.j3506*wear

[@djtaylorutube]

​@@enoz.j3506You do understand that hash acceleration (and subsequent tyre wear) is optional?

[@tomsixsix]

@@enoz.j3506 You will only wear the tyres more in an EV if you drive like a nutter - if you drive like a "normal" person they last the same amount of time. My boss just replaced the tyres on his Model 3 at 40,000 miles. He drives like a priest.

[@Asto508]

@@tomsixsix Usually EVs are fitted with tires that have a lower roll resistance to compensate for the increased wear and have larger rims to compensate the lack of range. They are also much more expensive in comparison. They are also way more prone to damages on the kerb or just normal potholes due to their low sidewalls. It's definitely a problem that EV buyers should be aware of.

[@eddyrichards8474]

I drive an EV, most of the time it's best to accelerate relatively gently - apart from anything else it preserves your battery better. Save the instant high acceleration for when you need it - it is great though knowing you've got the option. The driver in the clip should pay more attention to what other drivers are doing and anticipate their actions.

[@misstakenot9582]

Using "Eco" mode tames the acceleration a bit.

[@eddyrichards8474]

@@misstakenot9582 Indeed, and I usually stick the car in Eco mode before I start (as well as turning off the annoying and useless Keep lane Assist 'safety' feature). Your right foot can also be used to adjust acceleration!

[@paulsengupta971]

@@misstakenot9582 So does controlling your right foot.

[@fetchstixRHD]

@@paulsengupta971: Though with certain EVs, its difficult to get a non ridiculous rate of acceleration without choosing some form of “eco mode” (had one where I would always need it turned on, because between starting to regenerate and actually accelerate, you’d need *very* fine control to get an acceleration rate you want without flying)

[@paulsengupta971]

@@fetchstixRHD Ah, I haven't experienced that, but then I haven't driven one of those ludicrous mode Teslas (I have driven other Teslas). But then my daily driver is a twin turbocharged Jaguar so I might be used to it.

[@izzard]

I set my EV to start in "economy" mode, after a few years of enjoying the instant acceleration. This remaps the accelerator pedal to be less aggressive pulling away. It's much more pleasant pulling away with less power, and just as smooth. And I can still hit the pedal for more acceleration if I ever need it to mitigate a hazard.

[@ace_55581]

Personally I think the rate some of these new cars can accelerate is absurd. The average driver is no Lewis Hamilton, but you can go out and buy a shiny new car capable of 0-60 in 3 seconds. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a car bore enthusiast and love the whole thrill of a powerful car. But I’ve had addition tuition and spent time on track. I think any car capable of accelerating to 60mph in under 4 or 5 seconds should come with extra driving tuition.

[@Manu-Official]

3 seconds is hypercar department. Regular brands don't offer base models doing that sort of 0-60. IE peugeot e-308 9.5 seconds, Vauxhall e-Astra 9.2 seconds, VW e-Golf 9.6.

[@tomsixsix]

I kind of agree -- though a 0-60 in 3 seconds car is still not cheap -- closest you can get is a Model 3 performance at about £60k.

[@Manu-Official]

@@tomsixsix I followed a few of those, they seem to run out of puff at 60-70

[@tomsixsix]

@@Manu-Official must be your imagination. quarter mile is 11.3 seconds, which is the same time as an RS7 Performance. The RWD model does look pretty similar though and is a lot slower.

[@Manu-Official]

@@tomsixsix Like I said, I followed a few of those teslas, and they seem to run out of puff at 60-70.

[@WayneTulip-zm9gw]

1:15 that roundabout was done absolutely fine, there are no road signs or lane markings so you’re allowed to use both lanes to go ahead as you’re not allowed to go past the straight on junction in the left lane, you can have a merging of paths, you just can’t have a crossing of paths as obviously that would be extremely dangerous, if they build 2 lanes on the approach then they have to build capacity for 2 vehicles to exit, as the exit is only 1 lane if 2 vehicles want to take the straight on exit at the same time they’d just merge in turn on the exit.

[@fetchstixRHD]

Had that exact same roundabout when practising and the instructor mentioned staying in lanes, to which I commented that the lack of any being painted made it more difficult to know where to really be(!)

[@cjmillsnun]

It's normally correct to use left lane for left and straight on unless markings state otherwise.

[@JayZinnon09]

What are you talking about? Use left lane otherwise told to do so by road markings or signs. Maybe you need to watch more of these videos 😂

[@fetchstixRHD]

@@JayZinnon09: Well, the Highway Code says "select the appropriate lane on approach to the roundabout" for any exit that isn't to the right or the first left, whereas it tells you a specific lane for the other two situations, so you may wanna quote where you got that from...

[@douglasreid699]

With great power comes great responsibility. I ride a motorbike, i have been taught to make sure it's clear and risk is low before going for it when accelerating. And because of that i apply that to other vehicles as well with above average acceleration. It could be they were aiming to use the acceleration to get ahead and change to lane 1 but with the car pulling out that messes their plan up so were in the wrong lane, plus the natural reaction of a near miss could throw a person to concentrate less. I seen a comment that the passenger was saving the clip on the dash cam. Overall no collision was had at both the crossing or the roundabout, improvement required on risk analysis. We can all do with improving our skills and keeping to a high standard. A driving licence is a licence to learn more about driving.

[@Thenogomogo-zo3un]

As a motorcyclist, that is nightmare fuel As a pedestrian some years ago, I was "surprised" by an electric vehicle, because their acceleration is unexpected and also, "unnatural" the b'stards are almost silent. Scared the cr8p out of me on an evening when dark

[@douglasreid699]

EVs need to come with a v8 sound track with speakers projecting it as it accelerates for everyone's safety Lol

[@drcl7429]

@@douglasreid699 or put a plastic pop carton in the wheel.

[@timgosling6189]

I've recently seen several occasions of EVs, particularly Chinese MGs for some reason, make overtakes in very unsafe circumstances. In one event if I hadn't instantly braked to give them space the EV would have had a head-on with opposing traffic. Just because you have an instantly and highly accelerative car doesn't mean you use that performance all the time. I say this as a regular high-performance car driver and former racing license holder.

[@joejoejoejoejoejoe4391]

I agree, you can drive fast, and safely on roads, but you have to know when you can, and when you can't

[@R04drunner1]

Agree. Not just EVs, I had to help out a BMW the other day whose driver had just launched an illegal overtake past me. Basically, he got impatient because I was driving to the speed limit.

[@douglasreid699]

With great power comes great responsibility. Its simple to get over confident in a powerful vehicle when a new user to them, take risks you wouldn't think of before. A lot of drivers dont understand that to drive a powerful vehicle you need to be thinking even more in advance and make sure its clear before applying a lot of power to accelerate. So many drivers struggle to plan one car in front of them and yet with the way things are going they will possibly be forced into driving an EV in the future without the training to handle it since the government wants us driving EVs in the future.

[@wibbley1]

@timgosling6189 In the old days with rod & cable brakes, poor road holding etc, people had no choice other than to drive slower. Performance of vehicles has vastly increased. Sadly the intelligence of drivers has not. We really need 5 yearly re-tests. Driving is a privilege, not a right. Same for bikes, e-bikes scooter etc & this CBT nonsense should be banned.

[@wibbley1]

@@joejoejoejoejoejoe4391 Fast AND safely? I think not. Lower speed gives greater thinking time, more time to assess the road ahead, shorter braking distance.

[@ianmason.]

The learning curve also applies to PHEVs too. The 'electric' bit of my PHEV is only 88 bhp flat out, but the almost flat torque curve of a BLDC motor means there's nearly 200 Nm (further multiplied by 1st gear) available at a standstill. It took me a little while to learn to feather into acceleration on it, rather than mash the pedal to start moving as on a petrol only car.

[@Rroff2]

Not just EVs - I have/drive several combustion engine vehicle with a ton of torque and reasonably flat torque curve so will get moving off the line similar to an EV - even my Navara produces 500nm at something like 1200RPM, 550nm from 1750 to 2500RPM and has the transmission from the 370Z so will get going pretty swiftly and smoothly for a truck.

[@chrisl1797]

People might disapprove of this statement (sorry, but I'll say it anyway). SOMETIMES (only sometimes) people do benefit from "deliberate" mistakes like this. Hopefully both parties learn from the mistake. What I mean is that the cammer shouldn't have done it, but they did, and it meant that the other person hopefully has also now realised that certain cars have way more poke than they previously expected. "Being taught a lesson" is the wrong phrase, but essentially that is what has happened. (I hope that makes sense).

[@gregg.d]

I find a lot of people with dashcams are the ones that create their own content.

[@klausbinn777]

Yes, it's the new version of saying "I've never been in a collision but I've seen plenty in my rear view mirror".

[@masonandmotors]

Probably not true if it was actually studied. I'm more inclined to believe people with dashcams drive more carefully as they keep you honest. I know that's how mine affects me.

[@legion162]

Strangely enough those without dash cams don't create any content, they must be much safer 🤷

[@PedroConejo1939]

I think that is something some people like to believe, but you'd have to produce evidence to give the statement any validity. How many people with dashcams never produce 'content'? How can you know that if they never publish their videos? Of course, there are dashcam warriors, but I can tell you now that having one front and rear very quickly impressed on me that _my_ driving is also captured. It's why I keep the speed display on, to increase my motivation to drive appropriately.

[@zxbzxbzxb1]

If you crunch the numbers you'll almost certainly find it's only a tiny proportion, but it should be nil.

[@tomhayden9672]

"With great power comes great responsibility." Acutely aware of this driving my Tesla which is 'only' a Long Range, not a performance and it's certainly quick enough to get you into a lot of trouble very quickly.

[@andrewgilbertson5356]

After a ‘ near miss’ most of us loose concentration, more interested in talking about what just happened. I have in the past pulled over for a short time to recover.

[@oweeviltheevil]

This is absolutely the smart thing to do. I had an accident almost two years ago now where I was brake-checked by an aggressive driver, thankfully dashcam ruled no-fault as could see his behaviour before and after the crash - police booked him for dangerous driving also. Completely shattered me on the day because I'd never crashed before, and all the confidence I'd developed in the years just... vanished. Now, whenever I have a near-miss, I have to take time to recover - it completely screws me up for a little bit.

[@arcan762]

@@oweeviltheevil that's what you get for tailgating I guess

[@oweeviltheevil]

@@arcan762 definitely wasn't tailgating when they cut into my lane and slammed on after aggressively tailgating me, but yeah - guess it was my fault, seeing as my insurance... didn't rule it as such. But, seeing as you know everything, I'm in the wrong.

[@cjmillsnun]

Absolutely the correct thing to do. Your body is full of adrenaline and you're not fully concentrating. Pull over, recover then continue.

[@arcan762]

@@oweeviltheevil it's ok, I'm glad you learned from this mistake, just don't let it happen again

[@adrianob2d]

At the end of the day either EV, supercar, bike or any other vehicle it's the responsibility of the driver to make sure that they are aware of the space and what is happening at all the time while operating a vehicle.

[@davem9204]

It's also the near silent acceleration of an EV that might catch other road-users out. At least with an ICE car you get some pre-revving before the launch to give a clue to the likely launch acceleration and timing of it.

[@insoft_uk]

It’s time people use their eyes more than ears tho.

[@zxbzxbzxb1]

I really don't think that's an issue, especially not in this case where the cars are a significant distance apart.

[@Gorf1234]

It's not just EVs - hybrid vehicles in "sport" mode also have ridiculous acceleration. I keep my CHR in eco mode because I'm cheap, but some time ago I used its capabilities to put some distance between me and a tailgater and was quite shocked at its previously unknown acceleration.

[@Brimstoneandfire]

So many EV drivers accelerate irresponsibly - the amount of times I’ve witnessed it especially when they are joining a motorway and don’t consider the flow of the traffic or even the density of the traffic.

[@Kaiser-ks3yq]

Physics nerd here, ignore the first paragraph unless you are too, but I use it to make my point on why EV acceleration is very unpredictable from an outside point of view I did a bit of physics, and assuming both were front wheel drive, and have the same tyres, and same weight distribution (which isn't the case I know, but it makes it easier to do the math) then my 86bhp 1215kg hatchback can accelerate equally as fast as a model Y performance (2003kg, 527hp) *UP TO* 20mph. The danger doesn't come from how quickly they accelerate, but how unexpectedly, I explain this in the next paragraph. How I got to 20mph was by taking the peak power of both vehicles, using equations P = FV, F = ma, then finding out what acceleration the tyres can provide when they're powered on the front (approx 0.45g) then P is the power of the car (in watts), V is what we want to find (when one car pulls ahead of the other) and m is the weight of the car, and a is the acceleration (approx 4m/s^2) the biggest assumption I made in this was that all kinetic energy stored in the spinning tyres in turned into kinetic energy of the car, not into heat, which some of it will be, so a more conservative estimate (I can't find how much heat is made by tyres at certain slip% at the minute) would be 15~mph and more powerful "normal" cars would easily match performance EVs to 20mph. EVs are impressive because of how easy it is to get torque whilst moving slowly, and for their 0-60 times. The thing is EVs have torque even when "stalled" so just simply accelerate to get best acceleration times, whereas (non CVT) combustion cars need to spin the wheels, to keep in the power band whilst accelerating, this is the VERY important difference, the viewer was maybe doing 20mph by the time they got to the other car, but as it's an EV it can "gently" accelerate quickly, whereas visually if you see a normal car launch, you'd notice it instantly squat the rear/lift the front as it launches, as you can't ease into a proper launch at all, and you might even see the wheels spin, so even before they've got moving, you know they're going to accelerate quickly. Audibly you'd notice the driver holding revs slightly above the power band, so on launch revs stay within the power band, and you'd likely hear the tyres squealing, as they spin. Add onto that the fact most performance EVs are AWD, so create even less tyre noise under heavy acceleration, means the only way to tell if one is being launched is to physically watch it 100% of the time, there's no "signs" that suggest what they're going to do what so ever. This makes performance EVs heavily unpredictable in traffic scenarios.

[@Brauschemann]

Other drivers don't expect such fast acceleration, whether in an EV, or an ICE car. That's why more care needs to be taken, and put yourself in the shoes of the less experienced driver, or those with a slower car.

[@rogersimmons8788]

Judging by the number of videos I've seen, I'm surprised the driver didn't sound their horn in an attempt to make the emerging car magically disappear!

[@djtaylorutube]

I think that only works if they simultaneously shout "you're on dash cam!" 🤔😂

[@tomhayden9672]

Brilliant! 😂

[@QuentinStephens]

How is this not simply an example of the car coming from the left not stopping at a give way? It looks like they didn't even slow down.

[@paulsengupta971]

That's the first order problem. You have to then see how the camera car made things worse by fast acceleration in an urban area, particularly near a junction.

[@JurivonStolzenberg14]

That's why I refuse to cross the road as pedestrian in front of an EV when driver invites me.😅

[@nigels.6051]

Ashley shows us 3 seconds of acceleration from the EV before pausing the video, the other vehicle crosses the give way lines after two seconds has passed. While it is easy to blame EVs, the timings do not suggest that the EV driver was at all at fault, and the rapid acceleration that is possible with some EVs really had nothing to do with this incident, most of the acceleration was completed before the other vehicle crossed the give way lines.

[@JohnnyMotel99]

Completely off-topic, I bought my first modern automatic the other week. It's a 7 speed DSG box. I have noticed so far that it makes all my driving much calmer, especially in heavy traffic. The previous vehicle was a 3 cylinder manual, the torque range was so narrow it meant going up and down the gears in slow traffic.

[@Rroff2]

Personally I wouldn't drive, at least in daily traffic, without a modern automatic now - with modern traffic levels and standards of driving it does just make everything so much calmer and less stressful - one of those things that until you experience it you don't realise how wearing what you were doing before actually is.

[@JohnnyMotel99]

@ two things convinced me, one my left knee is deteriorating from arthritis and second, modern automatic are competitive on mpg. I’m of an age that this will be my last car.

[@jcskyknight2222]

Lots of EVs have the green patch on the plate which I’ve found fairly eye catching. Of course I don’t know how many times I haven’t spotted it but a awareness of that might help in situations like this. At traffic lights I find it especially useful.

[@graemewilliams6697]

There is also the fact that they are butt ugly and have no front grill that gives them away as well.

[@MichaelGallagher97]

most dont

[@bjthedjdutchdude1992]

The first car I drove with my license was my father's Audi E-tron. I drove it with him as my passenger. We went to a used car dealer and I test drove and checked the vehicle I still have. A big difference between petrol and electric.

[@Jonc25]

Having been caught out a couple of times over the last few years, i know this learning point well.😊

[@FlyingPhysicist]

Contrary opinion: this is, in my opinion, a classic case of "speed/angle/distance" blindness caused by the emerging car appearing substantially stationary against fixed background objects, between approx. 0:21 and 0:22, at least. Both the dashcam itself and the passenger had a different viewpoint (angle) and the car would not have appeared stationary to them. Such "blindness" is entirely caused by perception and is the predominant cause of "near misses" in light aircraft (I used to fly glider planes). It is, incidentally, the same phenomenon responsible for that dangerous rural junction in Hampshire that you and Tom Scott highlighted in recent years. I don't honestly believe the driver deliberately accelerated into danger.

[@finalscore2983]

The crashes at the junction were caused by the angle of the crossroads, creating a corresponding bike speed for every vehicle speed crossing the crossroads such that the bike can easily remain hidden behind the A-Pillar, plus the fact that the crossroads were staggered meaning that vehicles did not slow down to give way as they mistakenly saw it was clear.

[@shaun1353]

I need to stop on the hard shoulder for my job and recently started using EV vehicles from our fleet. Any initial concerns about power and acceleration my colleagues and I had were quickly dispelled. Joining live traffic almost becomes a non issue. Range and making sure they are charged for the next user - concerns remain!

[@_Steven_S]

High-power EV chargers, coming to a hard shoulder or ERA... eventually 😁

[@Kieran.Robertson]

“EV vehicles” literally means ‘electric vehicles vehicles’, which is stupid.

[@robbrady4649]

Traffic light Grand Prix.

[@John64125]

This needs to be discussed more often. EV acceleration can be “toned down” by manufacturers . This obsession with very low 0-60 times is quite dangerous. That said drivers don’t have to floor it every time, in fact they shouldn’t. Be gentle with the right foot and accelerate slower in traffic. Slowing down at junctions gives you more time to observe, plan and react. Moderating acceleration will also help with EV car sickness. The sudden bursts of acceleration and strong regenerative braking can induce nausea so just drive within the cars limitations and be safe and keep passengers comfortable.

[@nigels.6051]

These excessive acceleration times will presumably be removed by insurance costs as soon as people of normal wealth start buying the EVs, including used EVs. This is one reason why used EVs are currently losing so much value, if they had acceleration times equivalent to normal ICE cars then they would have normal insurance rates and would sell fine, in fact that is already more or less the case, the performance EVs are losing a lot, while the slow (normal for an ICE) ones are fine. Tesla insurance costs are around twice the equivalent ICE car. Problem is that at the moment a large percentage of the EVs are cars built for high performance, and they are getting into the hands of people who would be much better off with an acceleration limited vehicle, designed for cheap insurance. The market will change, EVs will slow down, it may be easy to put a powerful motor in an EV, but you also have to upgrade everything to cope with the performance, a performance car will never be a cheap car, and the average person would prefer a reasonably priced car with cheap insurance.

[@chrispenn715]

Agreed - and the excessive performance is fuelled by stupid car reviewers, who complain if a new EV can't reach 60mph in 5 seconds - even if it's a family SUV used on the school run.....

[@nigels.6051]

@@chrispenn715 Those "stupid car reviewers" also seem to be demanding rear wheel drive EVs, which for most drivers is a backwards step. May be better in an EV than an ICE, due to where the weight is, but front wheel drive is safer in the snow, ice and mud, and is what most drivers know how to handle.

[@John64125]

@@nigels.6051 Agree with the comments above that reviewers don’t help. It might be a function of not having much to talk about. Engines, nope! Gearbox, nope! Nice sound, what sound! Handling, generally terrible! Comfort, what comfort! Build quality, hellish! So they waffle on about daft acceleration and touchscreen controlled “infotainment”. Both dangerous in my view.

[@Kaiser-ks3yq]

@@nigels.6051 To be fair though most EVs, especially Tesla have *super* obnoxious traction control, which CANNOT be switched off, so even on the limit the driver is unlikely to notice any difference, as the car won't let them accelerate anywhere near enough in a corner to lose control. But I would like to see EVs with a forward weight distribution (batteries only stored under bonnet, instead of under floor) as this would bias the car to understeer (safe), decrease the mass moment of inertia, which allows better rotation, which MASSIVELY helps in the "moose" test, and best of all, makes it much easier to work on the car, and remove the batteries, as they're not part of the floor. Also if it has a forward weight distribution then it can be FWD without having horrendous traction (there's never been a mid or rear engine FWD car for a reason) tldr: EVs don't have FWD because they have little weight over the front wheels, so would get stuck in winter

[@matthewjenkins1161]

That video ends going up Glebe Way in West Wickham, where a classmate of mine was killed in 1989/90. Ended up inside the car that hit him apparently, about where the speed camera was installed a few years later. Further up still on the left, is the driving test centre I passed at in 1996.

[@lastmatix]

I recently experienced the opposite with EV acceleration. For my work I have been driving in multiple different electric vans in the Netherlands, and overall it seems they have very slow acceleration from a standstill to 50km/h. Often I have to be extra cautious in joining a faster road to not hinder other drivers while I crawl forward, when it takes double the time it would take my little petrol powered panda. It could be the acceleration is nerfed on purpose, like a bus driver told me was done with electric buses as to not send passengers flying. It still seems dangerous when your not used to it.

[@TheCatBilbo]

People need to remember that dash cameras save footage to storage all the time, then can be set to overwrite if that storage is full. They start at the earliest footage when overwriting - you'd be highly unlikely to lose 'the incident' that's just occurred. In other words, you have time to pull over safely & THEN protect your clip from erasure. It doesn't have to be immediately & as here, you could be stopped by the Police for careless driving!

[@Kieran.Robertson]

No police officer would stop the cammer for “careless driving” “as here”

[@TheCatBilbo]

​​@@Kieran.RobertsonI understand the passenger is actually fiddling with the camera here. But, if a driver were doing it & driving then yes - they could be stopped. You see it quite often on clips: drivers trying to mess with the dash cam & forgetting to drive safely, or not remaining in proper control. If you drive poorly whilst fiddling with the radio, eating a sandwich or lighting a fag, that can be a careless driving offence.

[@tomsproet6972]

I have my EV set to Eco mode so its a bit slower off the line. Dont need neck breaking acceleration during my commute

[@damonrobus-clarke533]

I tend to do that with mine, to be honest, once you get used to it, it goes quite well!

[@Dayboot33]

The fact it's just a pedestrian crossing and not a traffic light controlled junction doesnt help. If you're not familiar with the road layout it's probably easy to make the mistake of thinking when your light goes green then there'll be a red light holding traffic from the left. Not excusing the driving here, but it could well be a factor.

[@wallace-bv4rl]

Good review. Due to the road I live on (busy) I see frequent use of high speed and harsh acceleration by drivers taking priority. The priority over cars emerging and unbelievably pedestrians crossing. Just to drive home their point the horn is usually applied. They sure need to chill and watch you re priority being given. Keep up the good work 👍

[@adrien8613]

The question I have is: why have junction lights on this road if the perpendicular road doesn't. Simple answer is pedestrians and flow but this video is a good example of why it's weird.

[@konradc12]

The lights are for the pedestrian crossing. It just happens to be near the side road. I know the road very well.

[@SEBZED86]

Coney Hall Roundabout doesn’t have any painted lanes. So it is a bit of a nightmare

[@cactusbase3088]

I have always been wary of motorcycles accelerating far quicker than other vehicles. But this is a new world we live in where normal four legged motors need to also be treated the same way as you never know how aggressive the driver of them is.

[@wibbley1]

@cactusbase3088 As we saw here, driver was fixated on the lights determined to do a grand-prix start, actually moving on the Red/Yellow. Driver had no time to see if it was safe to proceed and as proved here, it wasn't. F for both drivers, both need their licence removed and retaining before being allowed back onto the road.

[@Kaiser-ks3yq]

@@wibbley1 Okay, licence *removed* ??? Like it wasn't very good driving, the cammer was far worse than the kia. But at most it was driving without due care and attention from both driver, and both would fall into category 2, which is a band B fine and 5-6 points, since there was no injury to others, damage to other vehicles or property, and there was not a high level of traffic/pedestrians in vicinity, and to be fair the kia wasn't demonstrating any of the factors which suggest increased culpability, so would likely at most deserve catagory 3, band A fine, 3-4 points. I don't know if we watched the same video, but in the one _I watched_ there was no damage, injury, or high level of traffic/pedestrians in vicinity, so it *cannot* be classed as catagory 1 careless driving, which even if it WAS, it only says to "Consider disqualification OR 7-9 points" And you can clearly hear the surprise of the driver of the EV, they were clearly not trying to cause danger to others, but they lacked the care and attention to drive safely in that scenario, and if you research the requirements of "dangerous driving" it's nowhere near those, I mean dangerous driving includes stuff like committing risky maneuvers WHILST evading the police, not even _just_ evading the police.

[@wibbley1]

@@Kaiser-ks3yq Points on a licence do nothing to educate the user. They both obviously require remedial driving lessons, as they both demonstrate an extremely poor standard of driving.

[@Kaiser-ks3yq]

@@wibbley1 Points on a license increase the user's awareness (or more technically fear that they could lose their license, and therefor possibly job, house, and assets) If a punishment is too strict, people antagonize the authority which dealt it to them, and if they associate safe driving with said authority, will intentionally decide not to improve their driving (in the same way a child could get scolded by a teacher, and then decide not to pay attention in their class) Points (or even better, a warning) can make someone aware they made a mistake, and so can improve, (you can't improve if you didn't know you were doing anything wrong, unless you're generally interested in learning safe driving, which unfortunately few are) "as they both demonstrate an extremely poor standard of driving." It's wrong to judge someone based on a 20 second video clip, but I think I understand why you think this (and many others do too) If you see a 20s video clip of someone driving, and it's awful, you assume they drive like that 100% of the time (and if they did, then they would be extremely poor drivers, who absolutely SHOULD have their licenses taken away) But it's unfortunate that it didn't occur to you, that the only reason you're seeing this 20s clip is because it was specifically chosen BECAUSE these two drivers made a mistake, which meant they _temporarily_ demonstrated an extremely poor standard of driving.

[@Kaiser-ks3yq]

@@wibbley1 If someone doesn't care about being lawful, they will just drive even if they have had their licence taken away, even if their car was crushed by the police they will buy another one, I mean if you watch something like police interceptors, you'll see how many people there are like this. I completely agree points do nothing to educate the user, but there are two types of people, those who would try to avoid getting points again (by teaching themselves how to drive safely in the situation they got points in) and then there's the people that genuinely do not care, and even if you make them take a course, they will not listen to it, if you take their license away, they will either temporarily drive more safely until they pass their test, then go straight back to "normal" or will outright drive without a licence completely. Do you know anyone that has actually taken any sort of safe driving course as an option instead of a fine, because I know someone who did, let's call her Alice, and Alice told me about how it went, how long it took etc, and she said it was about 50 mins, an there were iirc 8 people on the zoom call (it was done through zoom, or something similar to zoom), and she was the only one that actually asked questions, trying to improve her driving, and the guy who does the course was really offensive with his replies, i.e. Alice: "When turning left, if a cyclist is in the middle of the road behind you, and you indicate, is the cyclist allowed to push past on the left, even though you indicated first" Course runner:"You aren't saying you don't give way to cyclists, _are you?_ I'm a cyclist and it's required that drivers attempt to give way to cyclists, even if the cyclist is in the wrong, as cyclists are at much greater risk" (keep in mind that this is from memory, and is a story that was told to me by another person, at dinner with other conversations happening, as we only usually speak during holidays like christmas, so I will be slightly inaccurate (for example it may well have been 8 people including Alice and the course runner, but I'm fairly confident it was Alice, the course runner, and 8 others in the call) And everyone else was on mute with their camera off, they easily could've been having a cup of tea, looking at their phone, as I said earlier, you have to WANT to improve, and small punishments inspire change, large ones don't, if you don't mind me referencing a meme, then the meme "Beatings will continue until morale improves" sort of sums up the issues with extreme punishments for common mistakes. Also given that they were surprised in the video, yet you STILL wrote "They both obviously require remedial driving lessons" To me that's completely backwards, because my driving instructor told me to always check both ways when proceeding through a traffic light controlled junction, as someone could run a red light. But I struggled to remember to do this, and he said "I can tell you as much as I want, but the best way for you to never forget, is if you ended up getting nearly hit by a red light runner, that will scare you into never forgetting, but you could easily get hit and be injured, so I'm going to keep trying my best to remind you" And that's true for so many things, I was always aware of the risk of driving into the back of the car in front of you at a roundabout, if you're only looking right at cars already on the roundabout, and was fairly careful, but after almost driving into the back of a grey audi a3, with a custom number plate and some sort of car club sticker in his back window, I will NEVER forget to check forwards at roundabouts before pulling away. People learn best from their mistakes, and if safe to do so, driving instructors will let their students make mistakes, because they know it's the best way of learning So to say something like that, must mean you are better at remembering a quote from your instructor, than you are at remembering a near death experience, which is very strange.

[@larssonk22]

I don't think they noticed the grey SUV, their attention was on the black mercedes being out of their path. Grey SUV on the otherhand probably did see them stopped at the lights.

[@davem9204]

Yes, the black Merc just obscured the SUV when the cammer may have glanced in that direction, so the cammer probably didn't notice the movement of the SUV too well. Probably the same from the SUV driver's point of view too, the Merc obscured the view of the cammer's car.

[@chrisl1797]

I bet that other driver thinks twice about pulling out like that again! These EVs (or cars with hybrid power) are REALLY, REALLY quick. I bet they will out accelerate most of the "normal spec" performance cars. (e.g. not supercars, obviously, but something with a bit of petrol grunt).

[@drcl7429]

Interesting to ponder where insurance would have laid blame had a collision occurred. EV would have probably been written off. Insurance telematics should be mandatory. Accelerating like that is nice signal to the insurer. Those of us who drive properly can keep benefiting from reductions

[@zxbzxbzxb1]

I'm fairly sure that the car emerging would have picked up the tab, it's his responsibility to ensure that he emerges safety at the end of the day.

[@bestintheworld568]

Points to take: 1) Slow down properly on the approach to junctions and ensure that you're not going to affect someone already on the road when you pull out. 2) Don't accelerate like a mad person and be aware of how fast your vehicle accelerates. 3) If involved in anything, and you're a bit shaken up, find somewhere safe to pull over and calm your nerves before continuing.

[@TestGearJunkie.]

Although I don't own (and don't particularly want to) an EV, I have hired them on occasion and it took me about 5 or 10 minutes to get used to how it accelerated. That could be because I used to ride motorcycles, I don't know.

[@David_Crayford]

I once saw a video on how to drive performance cars. The guy said you should only use 1/4 of the accellerator. Good advice. Can't remember where I saw it though...

[@AlteranAnciote]

Ah West Wickham, very familiar with this area. In fact, took my driving test here!

[@Draigthedragon]

The essentials here are very similar to another video you've made recently. In that one you were very clear that the emerging driver was at fault. I'm disappointed you didn't draw the same conclusion here - it was an unsafe emerge from a driver who should have given way. Yes, just like in that video, there's a valid learning point about driving with the potential for others to make mistakes in mind.

[@Philip3141]

Sounded like Mr Blobby was in the car with them. Maybe he would have better hazard perception skills.

[@1988dgs]

Roads and roundabouts are not the place for a personal best 0 to 30 or 60 attempt if there are other vehicles around, especially in front of you

[@PedroConejo1939]

Testify! I keep banging on about inappropriate speed and acceleration at roundabouts. It defeats their safety benefits.

[@dizzy2020]

"I HAVE RIGHT OF WAY GOD DAMMIT - RAMMING SPEEEEEEED!" The number 1 rule of the road is "show consideration to all other road users" - that includes the ones who didn't see you, think they're faster than you - all accidents hurt... "I had right of way" does not fit well on your typical gravestone...

[@granddadmark7639]

Or.... did the side road driver just pulled out expecting others to compensate for their impatient?

[@Rroff2]

Did look to me like the other driver just expected everyone else to accommodate them - could have been one of those situations though where you get caught out where 1 second earlier or 1 second later a better decision would have been made.

[@tomcruyfft3262]

Which part of using the controls to do what's required, not to apply the maximum achievable, do they not understand?

[@alankemp1970]

This clip isn’t about the type of vehicle being driven it’s about how it’s being driven- electric drive can accelerate rapidly but only if you use it in that way by pushing the throttle pedal harder 🙃. Some do seem to have difficulty realising that the distance can close somewhat faster when you accelerate harder, going from a sluggish average 2lt combustion engine to a torquey ev needs an adjustment period. Driving and riding electric I find I’m often wondering why it takes the vehicle in front so long to get moving from standstill until I remind myself that it’s a slower process: pressing the clutch-selecting a gear-releasing the clutch while feathering the throttle to pull away- then repeat that for the next gear- then the next so the 750-1000 moving parts can pull you forward at 18% efficiency. A one speed manual with instant torque is so much better 🙃🙂: press the throttle- the parking brake releases off I go with the 9 moving parts (including the wheels) 94% efficiently moving me forward.

[@kenbrown2808]

one of the problems with high performance is the temptation to stick your foot in it all the time. it's also the reason EVs tend to wear out tires much faster.

[@Bozebo]

That's not a problem with the vehicles at all, that's bad drivers.

[@kenbrown2808]

@@Bozebo the temptation is the problem with the vehicle. succumbing to the temptation is the problem with the driver.

[@khalidacosta7133]

When setting off, feather the throttle in. It's better for your fuel economy, tyres, drivetrain wear, emissions and the environment.... regardless of whether it's eV or petrol/diesel. On top of which, it gives you the time to spot things like emerging vehicles, emergency vehicles, filtering motorcyclists and pedestrians thinking they have the time to cross still... whilst giving them the opportunity to react. Most people seem to think it's a race.

[@uncoolben79]

Coney Hall! West Wickham!!! 😂

[@NitroNuggetTV]

Saw the Wickes in the thumbnail and said the same thing haha

[@hughjampton7518]

I recognised it instantly too. The Wickes was a Payless DIY when I had my first ever job there.

[@uncoolben79]

Haha!! Yeh I lived in Kingsway in the 90s 😀😀

[@SylvesterAshcroft88]

They shouldn't have come out from the sideroad if there was light was on green, until it was safe to do so, I've had people do this before when I'm literally feet away, after they literally waited until the last second to pull out, but it just looked like they didn't stop, and just kept going like there wasn't even a car on the right of the vehicle, after it emerged.

[@roderickmain9697]

EV's can be blisteringly fast but so can a number of other vehicles. My Honda CRX of 30 years ago was pretty good to in 0 to 30 times. Fun though it is, it can (as Martin Brundle would put it) take you straight to the scene of the accident.

[@paulstevens9409]

I dont think that SUV should have been pulling out at that point in time anyway, even if the cam car was accelerating more normally, it wasnt exactly light speed anyway.

[@matthewseymour8972]

As an EV driver, there's another risk factor.... getting into a ICE car, putting your foot down and expecting something to happen other than more noise. I may have made that mistake once when driving my parents' car. Quick recalibration was necessary.

[@Goatmanification]

Personally I don't think this has a lot to do with the EV acceleration. The exact same can happen with people anticipating the lights, or even just being quick with their reaction times. I don't think the cam car being an EV had much to do with it!

[@user-mv5zt8qd9l]

I think I agree. You can have high-powered ICEs that you also need to be considerate in. Speeding up when there are people ahead trying to judge a gap to emerge in front of you is never a sensible idea.

[@kiljaeden7663]

The problem is that EV's don't necessarily look the part. I see a BMW or an Audi at the lights then I know I need to be careful because the driver is likely a moron who thinks he's Ayrton Senna. You see an ID3 and you don't necessarily expect it. It's just a nondescript box really.

[@thomaselliot2257]

I didn't expect that electric cars have a greater acceleration. I had assumed the opposite. I now know different.

[@cannavaras]

You honestly didn't know that some family EVs are faster than Ferraris? EVs are a step forwards so dont listen to the luddites who say otherwise.

[@user-mv5zt8qd9l]

ICEs are delayed by shifting into a gear and then building up power as the revs increase. EVs have neither issue and can basically get to 100% power output in a split second. I had a Nissan Leaf (which are only quoted as 140bhp) which was noticeably much more rapid than ICE vehicles with higher power capabilities.

[@redsaints]

@@user-mv5zt8qd9linstant max torque.

[@hughn]

@@user-mv5zt8qd9l Not just that - EVs have maximum torque at 0 rpm and it tapers-off as motor speed increases (due to increasing back emf).

[@chunkyrabbit1032]

​@cannavaras it's a huge leap backwards. There's a reason not everyone can drive a ferrari and now they're basically being given to everyone for free who have experience with launching their car and especially if they didn't have their advanced systems to keep them from spinning out

[@chrisl1797]

The main take home from this is that unless you are driving for hours (e.g. over 3) your dash cam card should be big enough to have not recorded over the clip you want to save, so there really isn't any reason to "save" them. All that does is clog the card up with saved videos!

[@drainbamms]

It could have been the passenger fiddling with the dash cam to save the clip, but if it was the driver, while negotiating a roundabout, that's indefensible

[@tomsixsix]

It was the passenger, this is my clip.

[@michaelkelly3158]

I actually think the reaction time between accelerating and braking may have been within normal human reaction tolerances - def don't think anything was purposeful here. I think it only became obvious the car would pull out between 44-45 seconds in the vid, and then the braking occurred 1-2 seconds later. The car was definitely approaching quickly though, so I agree that the cam car not taking off so quickly would have been beneficial!

[@SCoeSimRacing]

This is why all vehicles should be limited to a linear acceleration from 0-60 and I don't think it will be long before it comes

[@Kieran.Robertson]

That would make motorway slip roads very dangerous

[@biggc181]

Poor driving from everybody there. Glad no one was hurt.

[@Shylo2017]

I beg to differ about not being able to spot EVs from other vehicles to predict their acceleration; they (mostly) have that green slit on the reg plate, they all have fake grilles, and linking with that, the vast majority are ugly boxes on wheels... Only messing, of course 😉

[@Kieran.Robertson]

Someone else called them “nondescript boxes” and I think that’s my favourite

[@thomasdalton1508]

I don't know what you are trying to say about the roundabout. You can go straight on from either lane unless there is signage to the contrary, which there isn't here.

[@paulsengupta971]

Not really. If there's a single lane leaving the roundabout, you should be in the left lane joining it. Only go to the right hand lane if you are turning right.

[@thomasdalton1508]

@paulsengupta971 You can't be expected to know how many lanes are leaving the roundabout before you join it, so that doesn't work as a rule.

[@paulsengupta971]

@@thomasdalton1508 It does, because if you don't know, you use lane 1. You'd only use lane 2 if you knew for certain there was a lane for you to go into.

[@thomasdalton1508]

@@paulsengupta971 That's not bad advice, but there is no such rule. The Highway Code simply says to use "the appropriate lane" without any explanation of what that is. It seems to assume all roundabouts have signage about what lanes to use... In the absence of signage, you are free to do what you think is appropriate. Just make sure you do it safely.

[@paulsengupta971]

@@thomasdalton1508 Yes, indeed, but using the left lane if there are two, unmarked, is just common sense.

[@PedroConejo1939]

My car is certainly no rocket ship, but it's no slouch either. My technique is not to hang about when it would cause problems to others (and by extension, to me), and not to charge into risk when simple throttle control would prevent it. On the whole, I prefer a relaxed driving style anyway, to save on pretty well anything that can be preserved, especially my peace of mind. Perhaps the most difficult time to get this right is pulling out onto our local fast and busy main road with a cold engine - pushing a cold engine and turbo hard is going to cause long-term damage, but chances to emerge can be rare on that road. Dilemma time. Yes, I do occasionally encounter those who sometimes catch me out with what feels like unnecessarily rapid and sustained acceleration*, especially at roundabouts. Talking of which, roundabout work by cammer might need attention. While passing on the left on roundabouts like those others did isn't something I'd do, I think that sometimes, we can invite it, either by dawdling or by inappropriate lane choice. I accept that this came immediately after a near-miss, which goes to show how much they can affect you. *I'm not suggesting the cammer here does this either deliberately or habitually. Did the car not brake automatically?

[@wrightwoodwork]

See a vehicle and ask the question are they slowing and coming to stop as they should or not. If not then fix it. Don't go it's thier responsibility . If they don't fix and you don't fix. Guess what you have an accident

[@sweetcorn1968]

That's quite a dodgy junction. I know it well

[@tjampman]

I don't think I understand that intersection? Does the car emerging from the left have a red light or only a give-way line? Because that would really decide how feel about Ashley's comments, I would agree if it was only a give-way. But if the emerging car have a red light, then of course they are expecting to arrive at the same time as the cam-car, they just don't give a toss.

[@Kieran.Robertson]

It’s only a give way. The green light the cammer sees is apparently a pedestrian crossing

[@cjmillsnun]

Something an F1 commentator learnt when they got to drive an F1 car. Treat the accelerator like it's an egg. This definitely applies to EVs. Be very gentle with the accelerator. There is no need to use the full acceleration of an EV, not even close. Be gentle, you'll get up to speed without increasing your risk to yourself and other road users.

[@49er701]

There was a time that a motorcyclist could be confident of pulling away from traffic lights first, not any more. EVs are quick, and the use of their acceleration often injudicious.

[@konradc12]

I paused the video at 0:44 just as the black car enters the side road hiding the grey Hyundai SUV. The cam EV has and not seen or expected the SUV to drive across. Likewise the SUV driver cannot see past the BMW to make sure it's clear. The crossing lights should not play a part, because the EV could have had green all along! Yes the acceleration was strong, but the grey SUV did not attempt to stop! What's with this messing about with the dashcam? I remember roughly time and part of the journey I want to review later. Just concentrate on the driving! I and have travelled on that road many times.

[@tomsixsix]

I was the passenger in this car (my footage) - and I'm the one fiddling with the dashcam to save the footage so no distraction to the driver here.

[@Saxtoo]

After almost 40 years of driving experience, I always say: "Drive for other vehichles". That's because most of them are absolute dickheads anyway. Musicians: C# or you'll Bb. (Also works for drivers too).

[@superjke718]

It is pretty scary when you think about putting some drivers behind the wheel of performance vehicles

[@andyclark8991]

That was close, to close.

[@U2QuoZepplin]

This is a new reason why I am not interested in electric vehicles. This incident is bloody scary!

[@polopowered]

I personally think that the acceleration of even modest EV's is not required.

[@user-mv5zt8qd9l]

I mean, it's probably unavoidable without literally programming the car to restrict itself. What I don't get is why so many everyday-driver EVs are being manufactured with incredibly high power outputs (the Ford SUVS _start_ at over 200bhp) when it just isn't necessary.

[@polopowered]

@user-mv5zt8qd9l Exactly. Think how much extra range they could have if they weren't fast. You don't need a fast vehicle these days.

[@user-mv5zt8qd9l]

​@polopowered Literally. Even my learner drivers can get my 125bhp manual Focus up to 60mph+ on a standard sliproad. There isn't any tangible benefit to driving a high-powered vehicle on the public highway.

[@tomsixsix]

@@polopowered The difference between an ICE and an EV is that making an EV faster doesn't reduce its efficiency significantly. To make an ICE faster you need a bigger displacement engine which is generally always less efficient than a smaller engine. The AWD Model 3 performance and standard RWD Model 3 are 2.9 seconds and 5.6 seconds to 60 mph acceleration, and both obtain very similar efficiency figures. Basically the difference between them is the weight of the extra motor, about 50kg more, and a tiny drag penalty from having the extra motor in the driveline all the time.

[@rowgli]

​@@tomsixsix exactly this... an EV can be fast and highly efficient, for other cars it requires a compromise

[@CakeFine]

Missed the opportunity to promote Viofo and their bluetooth button to record clips :)

[@davem9204]

I've never driven an EV, but what is the throttle sensitivity like? Is this clip a case of the driver just not having a soft enough touch on an over-sensitive pedal? I've been a passenger in an EV minicab and the driver was going only a quiet straight semi-rural road with a 50 mph limit. However he seemed incapable of driving it at a steady 50mph, and instead was bobbing between 45 and 35 mph quite rapidly. It was like the accelerator was too sensitive for him to maintain a constant speed, and the regen braking was too aggressive when he eased off. It was a really unpleasant experience as a passenger, and the cars stuck behind him looked really hacked off.

[@user-mv5zt8qd9l]

In my experience, they have the ability to be configured to behave like normal automatics, but given that they don't need to rev up to get to 100% power output, they're still a lot easier to accelerate hard in. Automatic regen braking in my EV was toggled with a switch by the gearstick.

[@tomsixsix]

Not much different to a normal car really, you can drive an EV faster or slower. Where there is a difference it is in the response time - EVs respond instantly to your command, whereas an ICE needs to rev the engine and select a lower gear. It's quite easy to keep an EV at a steady pace, though if you lift off on most of them they will 'regen-brake' which can lead to oscillations in speed if you're not used to it.

[@joeynessily]

Have had EV's for 7 years, even the old Leaf... you have to give way AHEAD of you on mini and even smaller full roundabouts. Even a basic EV will take off and cross a little roundabout in second, so just looking in the correct direction isn't enough, you've got to size up the actions of those joining ahead of you. Especially cars with weedy little motors, they take an age to get moving.

[@TheDAMeaning]

Can/are dash cams voice operated? I don't have one, so am naive.

[@gordon861]

Some do but it's unreliable, some can have external bluetooth buttons. But with a decent card in them you should have plenty of time to pull off the footage later if you remember what time it happened, mine is about 9 hours loop recording I think.

[@philipsmith9688]

I know Garmin have voice control but you’ve probably seen the quality of Ash’s camera on his own driving fails, drive like an instructor videos and time in America recently. He uses Viofo and highly recommended by him, me and I’m sure many of the subscribers.

[@Manu-Official]

I bought a viofo because of this channel and it has a remote bluetooth button. Otherwise it's ''Garmin, save video''

[@philipsmith9688]

@ Viofo do have Bluetooth remote buttons but I have a T130 and I save by pressing the button on the unit

[@CandyweibGTI]

The car that pulled out, Nissan Qashqai, isn't electric. Only comes as ICE and hybrid which it might've been here

[@chrispenn715]

I think the point is that the car the Qashqi pulled out on was electric and accelerated quickly, to the possible surprise of both its driver and the Qashqi. The Qashqi may have misjudged the gap as a consequence - no excuse tho for pulling out....

[@CandyweibGTI]

@chrispenn715 oh right ok. Thanks for saying cos i thought he was on about the Qashqai being electric

[@barneyrubble1964]

I do wonder why the EV in the first clip emerged in the first place. It would have been clear that vehicles would be moving forward once the lights changed.

[@ianmason.]

I think that you've missed the point. The EV is the vehicle that our viewer is driving. The SUV that emerged just rolled through the give way; it didn't accelerate particularly briskly. The problem is the combination of the SUV's careless emerge combined with the EV's high acceleration from a standstill.

[@barneyrubble1964]

@ianmason. Mea culpa. I don't think I would have emerged if it was me, I would keep one eye on the traffic lights and not emerge from the junction once I had seen the lights change regardless of it being an EV or ICE.

[@paulsengupta971]

@@barneyrubble1964 I don't think they could see any lights from their direction. The lights were just for a pedestrian crossing on a split road, so would only have been facing in the direction of the camera car.

[@barneyrubble1964]

@@paulsengupta971 There are other ways to anticipate traffic lights, one is the 'Waiting' indication on a pedestrian crossing, when it goes out you know the lights are going to change. Anticipating what others are going to do is one of the more important skills we need as drivers, . So how a pedestrian stands or walks will tell you they might walk across, the waiting indicator on a crossing tells you when they lights are going to change. Where a car places itself on the road tells you if they are going to make a turn. How fast a person approaches a junction are they going to go for it.

[@paulsengupta971]

@@barneyrubble1964 Yes, quite, but I don't think the emerging car ever got slow enough to observe any of that.

[@pompeymonkey3271]

If you don't have the fundamental feedback loop between acceleration and right foot pressure internalised, I'd say that you are not ready drive on the public highway unsupervised.

[@ianmason.]

Strictly speaking that's feedforward, not feedback.

[@pompeymonkey3271]

@@ianmason. I learn something everyday :)

[@Manu-Official]

She got caught out by her leaded right foot.

[@WayneTulip-zm9gw]

I didn’t realise electric vehicles were so quick off the mark.

[@zxbzxbzxb1]

It does depend how you drive them, what driving mode you're in, and the type, but some EVs can accelerate insanely fast if you want them to.

[@QiuEnnan]

1:03 That driver on the left though defo shouldn’t have been undertaking in the middle of a roundabout, especially not when taking an exit to the right where you should use the right lane

[@marcelfive1]

always worth waiting a second after seeing a green light to go, as someone always jumps a red light. Also the electric car went just before the green light

[@Bea01]

I agree to be honest, also makes emergency service's lives easier if they see that the first car at a set of lights has stopped completely.

[@davem9204]

Although you could argue that delaying when going on green encourages others to jump red lights, as they know they are less likely to get into conflict with the vehicle going on the green. Also some traffic lights have very short green phases, so any delays can impede the number of vehicles getting through on that green phase. I think the important thing is to be focussed and scanning before the light change from red so you're ready to go on green knowing it is safe to do so.

[@Dayboot33]

Nobody jumped a red light. It's a pedestrian crossing, not a traffic-light controlled junction. I wonder if the driver realised there were no lights on the road joining from the left.

[@busog97641]

*Rush, rush, rush... save that video file!*