Electric vehicles (EVs) have been gaining popularity in recent years due to their eco-friendly nature and cost-effectiveness. The IONIQ 5 is one of the latest and award-winning EVs in the market, and I had the chance to take it for a test drive. In this article, I will outline what it’s like to drive an EV, specifically the IONIQ 5.
The first thing to note is that driving an EV feels very different from driving a traditional gasoline-powered car. The most notable difference is the silence. When you turn on the car, there is no sound, and this can make you second guess if the car is on. However, this silence is also one of the many perks of driving an EV.
The instant torque that an electric motor provides is another difference. The acceleration is super responsive, but in my opinion, that’s not the most notable difference. Instead, the most significant difference you would feel while driving an EV is the regenerative braking.
Regenerative braking is a way of slowing down the car or stopping it entirely by using resistance to charge the battery instead of using the regular brakes. On the IONIQ 5, regenerative braking is controlled using paddle shifters. You can set the regenerative braking to the level you want by tapping the paddles or hold the paddle down to apply maximum regen braking. At first, most people find regen braking strange because the car quickly slows down the instant you take your foot off the accelerator. But once you get used to it, regen braking is fantastic, and you can also appreciate how it can improve the driving experience.
As an experienced EV driver, I keep regen braking on its highest setting, which puts maximum charge back into the battery while driving. This also means that you use less brakes, which saves on changing them as often, thus making it more cost-effective.
The other thing that affects the driving feel are the different drive modes. The IONIQ 5 has three different drive modes: eco, normal, and sport. The difference between the modes is huge. While there’s no noise difference, the sports mode gives you that exhilarating take-off that silently throws you back to your seat. The eco mode, on the other hand, is significantly more power-efficient.
In conclusion, driving an EV is a unique experience that every driver should try. With the IONIQ 5, the driving experience is smooth, and the silence gives a sense of calmness. While the regenerative braking might take some time getting used to, once you do, you will appreciate how it can improve the driving experience. If you’re looking for a cost-effective, eco-friendly car with a unique driving experience, then the IONIQ 5 is worth considering.
