5 Different EV Models That Are Popular For Learning To Drive
Learning to drive is an exciting part of growing up and with the world looking to turn to a greener future, you are likely to see many more driving instructors opt for an electric vehicle, especially if they have private parking at home as this allows for easy charging.
For their customers and students, this means one thing, learning to drive in an EV rather than a petrol or diesel. As countries and governments around the world look to reduce their carbon emissions, don’t be surprised to see a lot more EV’s on the road by 2030. This means a lot more people will be learning to drive and taking their test in an EV.
So we thought we would break down 5 of the most popular electric cars currently being used by learners and their instructors.
Vauxhall Corsa E
First up is the Vauxhall Corsa E. This model is a relatively small car which makes it useful for learners but is also very stylish. It has a smart design and a range of up to 222 miles when fully charged. It's one of the most popular choices for learners as it's good for town driving, it can certainly handle the motorway but its soft suspension and silent operation make it appealing for towns and cities.
In terms of price, the new model range is roughly between £31,800 and £34,535. You can obviously find these a lot cheaper if you want a second-hand one and we found some online starting at £19,285.
Peugeot e-208
Similar to the Vauxhall in terms of size and stature, the Peugeot, however, can be rapid charged. It has a 50kWh battery giving you a range of 225 miles and the electric motor comprises a 134bhp which is again a good amount of power and thrust for driving in built-up areas. It has regenerative braking which means you don’t have to hit the brake pedal too often and it has rear parking sensors for when you're reversing into bays.
Due to being so similar to the Vauxhall, it’s no surprise that the prices aren't too dissimilar. We found new models to be priced between £31,345 to £34,895 and again second-hand options start at around £19,000. This is certainly an excellent car to learn in due to its small size and smooth driving experience. It’s also relatively cheap to run and charging at home is made easy through a 7.4kW wall charge which will take 7-8 hours overnight.
Renault Zoe
The Zoe is a dinky electric car that you won't be using for heavy goods, you'll more likely be cruising past traffic. You can use a public 22kW charger to charge this vehicle and it would take three hours from empty to give you a full range of 239 miles. The Zoe has been out a while but one key feature that it gets is regular updates, so it always contains the latest technology.
Inside the car itself, it's very comfortable and its large window area makes it feel bigger than it actually is. It can cruise along at 70mph comfortably on the motorway and has lane assist, cruise control and lane departure. It’s again another reliable option for learners as it’s not too big, definitely not too powerful and is also one of the cheaper options to buy and run for the instructors.
Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf is by far one of the most popular options for owners looking to purchase there their first EV and is a good starter car for learners. It's cheaper than any of the other models on this list and combines both city and motorway driving well. The main difference between this model and a lot of EVs is the lack of cutting-edge interior, in terms of driving experience though it's right up there with the best.
In terms of size for a learner his is probably classified as a small to medium size car but nothing to worry about. It’s compact enough to fit in most parking spots and it also has one pedal driving through Nissan’s e-Pedal. The lighter models with a 39kWh battery pack are better for learners as they provide a smoother ride rather than the 59kWh models.
Fiat 500 Electric
We know it may not be the most aesthetically pleasing vehicle to look at, but make no mistake about it, this vehicle is excellent for learning to drive in and around towns and cities. The steering is extremely light meaning turning corners is easy, as well as parking with the added bonus of a high-definition rear camera. If you want to go along motorways, it’s not an issue but it certainly won't be as smooth as built-up areas.
It does also have the lowest driving range but is still more than impressive at 199 miles. It is also bigger and heavier than the original Fiat 500 and competes with other models such as the Zoe and Peugeot e-208.
Conclusion
We hope this guide helped answer any questions and queries about what sort of electric car you could be learning to drive in. All the models featured in this list have been handpicked so that any new drivers learning can feel comfortable in these vehicles. They are not too big, most are on the cheaper end of the scale when purchasing an EV and they drive like a dream around towns and cities which is where most people do their learning.
