Electric vehicles improve driver behaviour, study finds

Driving electric and hybrid cars is changing driver behaviour for the better according to vehicle movement and inspection firm DMN Logistics.

Data collected by DMN Logistics of their drivers found that deliveries of EVs and hybrids incurred no notices of intended prosecution related to speeding whereas traditional ICE cars and vans continued to incur such notices. They predict this to be replicated across company car drivers and the wider public.

As businesses have come out of lockdown restrictions, DMN Logistics has seen an increase in collection and deliveries resulting from more online sales and buyers looking further afield for vehicles.

DMN Logistics current delivery profile on EV’s and hybrids is increasing monthly – currently around 1 in 10 vehicles – and the business expects their drivers to adopt more responsible driving habits, like eco-driving, to maximise mileage driven and reduce stress.

Nick Chadaway, managing director at DMN Logistics, said: “Wider studies have shown that EV drivers experience reduced stress levels when behind the wheel of an EV and are more focussed with high levels of active concentration. Drivers also experience greater mental calmness.

“These experiences correlate directly with our EV deliveries when compared to ICE vehicles, suggesting that the EV revolution will improve the way drivers drive. Early data demonstrates that with 10% of movement of EVs and hybrids across its business none of the drivers associated with these movement’s incurred any penalties. EV driving simply makes drivers behave differently!”

A current full battery electric vehicle has a reduced range compared to a conventional vehicle and requires more attention to route planning and battery charging. As a result, drivers become more conscious of their driving habits, so for example driving in eco-mode or using regenerative braking.

Nick added: “Driver training, before taking delivery of their new car will help drivers familiarise themselves with new features such as efficient driving, acceleration and braking techniques – all of which lend themselves to improved driving, as well as reducing driving costs and fewer charging stops – reducing lost driver productivity.

“Looking at the data, we see a reduction in excessive speeding and heavy braking, couple this with better journey planning and driving range can be increased by up to 20 per cent of charge on an average trip in city traffic.

“Above all else, it is important that whatever vehicle drivers are driving, that they drive carefully. It is clear that years of bad driving habits can be ingrained, but EVs provide the perfect means to counteract that.”