The popularity of electric cars is causing many drivers to switch from internal combustion engine cars to vehicles using electric motors. However, many people are confused in their first drives due to different control methods, especially the operation of choosing forward or rear gears.
According to Mr. Tran Minh Tien - lecturer of Automotive Technology - Dung Quat College of Technology (Quang Ngai), one of the reasons why drivers are easily mistaken for manual mode on electric cars is that the control mechanism is completely different from traditional cars.
On many electric vehicle models today, switching between P, R, N and D modes is done by a button or electronic wiper, instead of a mechanical gear lever.
Meanwhile, on an internal combustion engine car, when the engine is idling, the driver often feels a slight change in sound or vibration when switching between gear modes. This helps to recognize that the car has started.
These mechanical feedbacks help drivers easily recognize that the car has entered the correct gear. Conversely, the electric motor operates almost without creating vibration or noise when switching modes, causing drivers to mistakenly believe they have chosen the correct gear even if it may not be accurate in reality.
According to Mr. Tien, the "quietness" of electric cars inadvertently becomes a factor that makes drivers lose vigilance if they only operate according to habit without observing the displayed information.
In case the driver thinks they have chosen the forward gear but the car is still in the rear gear, immediately squeezing the accelerator can lead to unintended collisions.
To limit risks, drivers should develop a habit of checking at least two positions displaying gear mode before braking. On many electric car models, gear status is displayed simultaneously at the instrument cluster and instrument panel or center screen. Only when the displayed information is consistent and the car is in a ready-to-operate state should the driver start moving.
Another important principle is not to press the accelerator hard immediately after changing gears. After releasing the brake pedal, the wheelchair should be slow or move slowly to confirm that the vehicle is going in the desired direction. When the vehicle is sure to move forward or back in accordance with the intention, the driver will accelerate slowly.
For reversing operations, drivers need to be even more careful. After switching to the reversing gear, you should observe the entire rear area, combine with rearview mirrors, cameras or support sensors if any. Keeping low speed and always being ready to brake will help handle promptly when obstacles appear.
Mr. Tran Minh Tien also noted that many electric cars today possess high power and maximum torque that appears right from the start. This helps the car accelerate quickly but also requires the driver to control the accelerator more accurately, especially in parking lots or crowded areas.
Getting used to the operating characteristics of electric cars, maintaining concentration and checking the gears before each departure are simple but important habits in limiting accidents and ensuring safety for traffic participants.
