Electric cars have rapidly evolved over the past decade, with almost every major automotive brand now offering electric models. The charging infrastructure has also improved, making long-distance electric motoring more feasible. However, there are still challenges and limitations to consider when driving an electric car on a long journey.
One driver attempted to drive a Porsche Taycan from Land’s End to John O’Groats in a day to experience the realities of long-distance electric driving. Starting early in the morning, the driver found the Porsche Taycan to be enjoyable on Cornwall’s back roads, with responsive steering, excellent traction, and ample power.
However, as the journey progressed onto motorways, limitations started to emerge. To maximize range, the driver activated “Range” mode, turned off the air conditioning, and utilized regenerative braking. Yet, discomfort started to set in despite the use of heated seats and stretching breaks. The driver experienced pain in the knees, back, ribs, chest, and even the elbow due to the seating position.
Furthermore, time became a concern. Although others had completed the Land’s End to John O’Groats journey in 15 hours, the driver realized it would take nearly 24 hours to reach the destination. Prioritizing safety, the driver decided to abort the attempt and redirect to a pre-booked hotel for rest.
This experience highlighted the challenges of attempting such a demanding journey in an electric car. While electric cars have come a long way, there are still limitations to address. Factors such as comfort during long drives and the availability of charging infrastructure need to be considered to ensure a safe and stress-free experience.
Driving an electric car on a long journey requires careful planning and understanding of the car’s range and charging capabilities. While the car performed well in its design aspects, the need for more extensive charging networks and advancements in comfort features remains.
Sources: Personal experience