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.
To learn more about RACV’s EV services and to find a charger near you, visit RACV’s EV charging network.
-ENDS-
Further information
Since 1903, RACV has been one of Australia’s most trusted brands and is the largest member organisation in Victoria.
RACV is proud to provide exceptional experiences for our members and customers through a range of products and services across motoring and mobility, home, energy and leisure. These include emergency roadside assistance, motor insurance, home insurance, home trades and an increasing range of options in the cleaner energy space, such as RACV Solar. We have nine resorts and one club across Australia and offer a range of domestic and international holiday packages, tours and cruises from our trusted travel partners.
The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. As a referrer, RACV Insurance Services Pty Ltd AFS Licence No. 230039 receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. Product(s) issued by Insurance Australia Ltd ABN 11 000 016 722, AFS Licence No. 227681.
RACV Trades is a trading name of RACV's trade partner, Club Home Response Pty Ltd (Victorian registered domestic building practitioner number CDB U 100178). All works are performed or arranged by Club Home Response Pty Ltd. trading as RACV Trades.
Media enquiries
RACV Media
Phone: 0417 041 398
Email: [email protected]
