Observer Meeting September

Published on 9th September 2023

Our Observer held on 12 September was very well attended. David Reeves had prepared a presentation on electric vehicles and what observers will need to be cognisant of. He began by running through some of the different variants to be found on our roads.

David asked what are the actual differences between driving an electric vehicle, and what do we (our observers) need to be mindful of when taking an Associate member out.

One of the main differences a driver will find is greater force at low speed, with instant torque. Unlike a normally aspirated vehicle that is poor at pulling away and has its best pulling power at mid-range, the electric car’s sweet spot is right at the beginning,. Some electric vehicles (EVs) have motor at each wheel which gives maximum torque when you first pull away.

The System of Car Control will be different (IPSGA) as EVs have no gears, unlike automatic vehicles where if required a lower/higher gear can be selected.

A lot of discussion took place over regenerative braking which is a key difference between an electric vehicle and a normally aspirated one. Regenerative braking is where the kinetic energy from momentum is pushed back into recharging the battery. When you take your foot off the accelerator, it feels like you are braking as this is the point where regenerative braking kicks in – it will slow the vehicle down (how much is dependent upon make/model). In some models you can adjust how much regeneration (and therefore slowing down) you have. Therefore, there is much more control just on the accelerator. While regenerative braking your brake lights will show to those behind you.

Hybrids and mild hybrids also use regenerative braking.

There then followed a discussion on the potential issues that an observer could encounter when observing an Associate with an EV.

All our observers were asked to “Wear Your Blue Shirts” as we wanted a group photo showing off our new polo shirts! This photo above is what we ended up with!!

Now Carole (front) had an excuse as we had not managed to get any ladies size polo shirts, and Rod B (1st left), Alex (3rd left) and Chris (5th right) are trainee observers so have not been issued their polo-shirts yet so can also be ‘let off’. The rest, well, what can we say!!!!!!

Seriously, they are a lovely group who all give up many many hours to help our Associates reach Test standard.