Electric vehicles have no restrictions for beginners. The new circular from the Ministry of the Interior states that Porsche Taycans can also be driven without problems. As for the thermals, the situation is not at all similar, as the limit is still 70 kW.
Electric vehicles: circular to be reviewed
The question applies to both electric vehicles than plug-in hybrids and needs to be revised. In fact, the specific power limit to allow driving for novice drivers is given by a tare value of 65 kW / tinstead of the maximum power expressed in kW.
In addition, the battery vehicle booklet indicates the power delivered, which is an average value measured over a period of 30 minutes. So if you look at the Taycan Turbo Sfor example, the figure of kW shown in the booklet is much lower than the peak power, which can reach i 760 hp.
There is therefore a risk that novice drivers will find themselves driving a car that requires special attention due to its very high performance.
Potential increase in accidents
Electric cars, as well as plug-in hybrids, can accelerate faster because the power reaches the wheels more quickly. In addition, the most powerful cars can sprint from 0 to 100 km / h in about three seconds, a time that rivals most thermal supercars.
Under these regulatory conditions, newbies can end up dealing with inexperienced cars. While driving a thermal vehicle, they have to settle for at most a car from 70 kW. This is because accidents are likely to increase in proportion to the growing popularity of plug-in or battery-powered cars.
Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles that beginners can drive
According to the new rules, as already mentioned above, newbies can drive any electric vehicle and plug-in hybrid, as long as they respect the only limit of an approved power / tare ratio of 65 kW / ton.
In fact, this intervention has almost eliminated the power limitations for novice drivers, at least as far as zero and low CO2 emission vehicles are concerned. In particular, for those who have had a B license for less than a year, here are the BEV and PHEV models that fall within the new limits:
– Tesla Model 3 RWD (power / tare ratio 47.8 kW / t);
– Porsche Taycan Turbo S (power / tare ratio 59.9 kW / t);
– Ford Mustang Mach-E AWD 351 hp (power / tare ratio 54.9 kW / t);
– Kia EV6 77.4 kWh AWD GT (power / tare ratio 65 kW / t);
– Mercedes EQC 400 4Matic Sport (power / tare ratio 58.1 kW / t);
– BMW iX M60 (power / tare ratio 58.7 kW / t).
Updates are awaited
The issue is paradoxical, as it is understandable to offer incentives for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. However, such driving concessions can be dangerous. In reality, it’s not just about directing electric and plug-in vehicles towards thermals, but about creating a new source of danger on the roads.
Whether it’s distractions from smartphone use or speeding on the most dangerous stretches of road, putting a novice behind the wheel of a high-performance vehicle will certainly not improve accident statistics. We therefore expect them to take a step backwards for the safety of all.
