What's it like to drive an electric car for the first time?

Driving an electric car for the first time was very different to driving a combustion engine. But how was it different?

Driving an electric car for the first time is definitely different. No engine roar, no gear shifts—just silence and speed. 

But how does it really feel?

Ever heard an electric car driving toward you? No? That’s because you can’t hear the ‘engine’. Just the tyres on the road.

One of the hurdles for prospective electric car drivers is understanding what they’re really like to drive.

There’s no engine, no manual gearbox. Something once so familiar now feels completely different. The dynamics have changed, and for anyone considering an electric car lease, the experience can feel brand new.

We sent Finley, a member of the Carparison Marketing team, on a mission: to experience a pure electric vehicle for the very first time in the BYD ATTO 3.

Here’s how she got on.

Getting started

I slid into the driver’s seat of the BYD ATTO 3 at Carparison HQ, greeted by a futuristic dashboard full of tech.

Never having been in such a high-tech car before, I had no clue how to even start it. A quick tutorial later, and I was off—slowly at first, just to get a feel for the power lurking beneath the quiet exterior.

BYD is taking the UK by storm, and after just a few minutes behind the wheel, I could see why.

Driving experience

I was joined by Head of Marketing Sarah, and our Digital Marketing Executive Tori, on our way to Haldon Forest to meet our photographer. But first, we had to drop off Tori so she could pick up the BYD SEAL.

Taking it slow around the busier roads gave me a chance to learn the ropes.

Then came the A38, where I finally got to unleash the ATTO 3’s power.

Like many have said before, it does resemble that feeling of driving an automatic for the first time—but without the great roar of an engine.

Being an electric car, it’s quieter.

But with instant torque, you get some serious power.

Instant torque

Instant torque is one of an EV’s biggest selling points. It’s what makes them so unique compared to traditional combustion engines, and I was excited to experience it.

The ATTO 3 is an SUV, compared to its sportier, sleeker sister, the SEAL. I didn’t expect an SUV to have much power—after all, it’s a big car.

Nevertheless, it’s a mighty not-so-little beast.

This wasn’t a Tesla Model 3 or a Porsche Taycan, but it still had enough oomph to make me grin.

I’m by no means a ‘petrolhead’, but I do enjoy my time behind the wheel. Even after just one drive in an electric car, it makes you question the kind of driver you are compared to the one you think you are.

Without the groans of a manual gearbox, I found myself having to keep an eye on my speed. 

You’re quickly forced to adjust your senses, as you can no longer rely on the noise of an engine to gauge how fast you’re going.

Let’s talk about sound

Petrolheads love the sound of an engine—the growls, the roars, the pops and bangs. Some even go out of their way to make their cars louder.

Electric cars? Not so much. Manufacturers have tried to make EVs sound exciting, but they can’t quite replicate that mechanical symphony.

No high-pitched revs. No deep, guttural rumbles. Just a quiet hum and the sound of tyres on tarmac.

I didn’t spend long behind the wheel, but the ATTO 3 was eerily silent. Without the usual engine cues, I found myself glancing at the speedometer far more than usual, just to keep my pace in check.

Range anxiety 

Probably the biggest fear stopping people from going electric? Range anxiety.

In truth, it has been the biggest factor in my decision to not go electric yet—that and the hassle of getting a charger installed at home. But there’s talk of a future where your driveway could become a wireless charger. No cables, no fuss.

With a petrol car, you know exactly where you stand. 

Run low, fill up, drive on.

The ATTO 3 has a claimed range of up to 260 miles. More than enough for the school run, food shop, and even a spontaneous road trip.

Charging stations are popping up everywhere—Tesco, service stations, even inside streetlights.

Not only are there more charging stations, but they’re also getting faster. Ultra-rapid chargers can top up a battery in as little as 30 minutes.

Verdict

The BYD ATTO 3 is a game-changer.

It’s smooth, stylish, and surprisingly fun to drive—all while being a practical family car.

With a boot capacity of 440 litres (1,338 litres with the seats down), there’s plenty of space for a buggy, the food shop, and everything else life throws your way.

Its range isn’t far off from my petrol car, and with a home charger, you’re always ready to go. Plus, apps like Optiwatt let you schedule charging when electricity is cheapest.

Technology is advancing at lightning speed. Ranges are going up, charging times are coming down.

Switching to an EV has never been easier.

So, will you take the leap?