RACV is encouraging EV drivers to adopt specific safety practices, as Victoria experiences continued growth in zero-emission vehicle ownership.
Sales of Battery Electric Vehicles and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles reached almost 117,000 across Australia from April 2024 to end March 2025, according to the latest Australian Automotive Associations EV Index.
With EVs becoming increasingly common on Victorian roads, RACV's Senior Manager Electric Vehicles Liam Brady said that while many standard safe driving practices apply to all vehicles, EVs present unique considerations that drivers should understand to ensure both safety and optimal vehicle performance.
"EVs offer tremendous benefits, but their distinctive characteristics require some adjustment in driving habits," said Mr Brady.
"Simple practices like maintaining consistent speeds and properly utilising regenerative braking can significantly impact both safety and vehicle range."
RACV recommends EV drivers adopt these specific driving techniques:
- Exercise pedestrian awareness: EVs' quieter operation means pedestrians may not hear you approaching. Be especially cautious on shared paths and in pedestrian-heavy areas.
- Establish visual confirmation: Make eye contact with other road users before proceeding through intersections or changing lanes.
- Eliminate distractions: Avoid using headphones or mobile phones while driving. EV operation requires the same attention as conventional vehicles, despite their often-quieter operation.
- Drive smoothly and steadily: Sudden acceleration or hard braking wastes energy and reduces range. Maintaining consistent speeds helps preserve battery life while providing a safer driving experience. Always drive at a speed that allows for easy and quick stopping, accounting for the sometimes-rapid acceleration capabilities of EVs.
- Utilise regenerative braking effectively: This innovative feature converts energy lost during braking back into battery charge. Learning to use this system properly not only extends range but can reduce traditional brake wear.
- Maintain your battery performance: Electric vehicle owners should be aware of how to maintain electric vehicle battery performance and lifespan, how to safely use and charge their electric vehicle, and what to do should an incident occur. Although extremely rare, if an EV battery fire does occur, it can be of high intensity and you should call 000 immediately.
"Planning is particularly important for EV owners, so be aware of charging stations along your route to avoid range anxiety, especially when traveling beyond your vehicle's typical daily range."
As part of its commitment to supporting Victoria's transition to electric mobility, RACV continues to expand its EV resources, including growing its charging network and enhancing roadside assistance capabilities specifically for EVs.
