Electric cars for novice drivers: how to choose wisely

Obtaining a driving licence is an achievement that brings with it enthusiasm, independence… and responsibility. Since your first car accompanies you on your adventures every day, it must be chosen carefully. It’s not just a matter of price or design. It’s also important to consider safety, regulations and practicality. In this scenario, electric cars are becoming an increasingly attractive option for novice drivers, because they’re both sustainable and convenient, making it easy to get around without compromising on safety.

Specific regulations for novice drivers

Limits on power and power-to-weight ratio

In Italy, novice drivers must comply with specific rules. For the first three years after obtaining their licence, they may only drive cars with a maximum power-to-weight ratio of 75 kW/t and a total power output of up to 105 kW. These limits are not a question of bureaucracy, but of safety, preventing inexperienced drivers from getting behind the wheel of vehicles that are too powerful and difficult to control.

The principle is the same for both electric cars and thermal engines. While the instant torque of electric engines can offer brilliant acceleration, sticking to the limits is essential to keep driving safe and compliant with the law.

Speed restrictions in the early years

The rules for novice drivers of electric cars regard not only power. For the first three years after obtaining a driving licence, there are specific speed limits: 100 km/h on motorways and 90 km/h on main roads. This may seem like an excessive limitation, but it actually helps drivers gain experience more gradually, reducing the risks associated with inexperience.

Sanctions and controls

Drivers who fail to comply with these parameters risk heavy penalties: fines ranging from €165 to €660, plus two to eight months of licence suspension. So before buying an electric car, it’s essential to check the technical data sheet and verify that the approved power output stated on the registration certificate is within the limits permitted.

An overview of the electric market for novice drivers

City cars and c-segment models

There’s a great deal of variety in the market for electric cars for novice drivers. For those starting out and needing to comply with regulations, electric city cars and c-segment models are often the most logical choice. They’re compact, easy to park, agile in traffic and with ranges from 200 to 350 km on a full charge: more than enough for regular daily use.

They are a practical option with lower purchase costs and more affordable running costs than other higher-category models.

B-segment models for those who make longer drives

Not all new drivers spend every day driving in town. Some need to commute for study or work, or return home regularly at the weekend, or travel outside the city frequently. For these drivers, electric b-segment models with a range of between 350 and 450 km are the most suitable choice. They offer more space, comfort and freedom, while complying with the regulatory limits.

Safety first

An electric car for a novice driver must guarantee not only autonomy, but above all safety. Systems that are now practically standard, such as automatic emergency braking, collision warning, lane-keeping assistance or electronic stability control, are essential. These are not mere optional features: they effectively reduce risks and boost peace of mind, both for novice drivers and for their families, who often closely follow their first years behind the wheel.

Economic and sustainable benefits

For the novice driver, an electric car makes sense, because it not only saves money on fuel, cutting the cost of petrol, road tax, and maintenance. Above all, it is more sustainable and affordable to run for drivers who may still be studying and do not have a regular income.

An electric car allows novice drivers to save immediately on fuel and maintenance. There is no need to change the oil, there are fewer mechanical parts to replace, and fewer unexpected expenses. Electric vehicles can also often benefit from state and regional subsidies that lower the purchase price and offer free or subsidised parking.

In many regions in Italy, electric cars are exempt from road tax for five years, and require less frequent servicing, because of the differences in mechanical parts. For a young person, this means having a city car that is cheaper to run and can be recharged at home or conveniently at filling stations.

And in environmental terms, electric cars are a sustainable choice: zero tailpipe emissions, less noise in the city, easier access to restricted traffic zones and a direct contribution to improving air quality.

Finally, there is the question of value over time. An electric car that complies with the limits for novice drivers holds its price better on the second-hand market, because the demand for sustainable vehicles is set to grow.

An evolving scenario

Until recently, the main barrier was range anxiety: how many kilometres can I do on one charge? This is much less of an issue today thanks to the ultra-fast columns able to recharge 80% of the battery in about 20 minutes. Petrol stations with dedicated charging areas for electric cars, such as those of IPlanet, are becoming increasingly popular. IPlanet has the perfect infrastructure within its stations for charging cars quickly and safely.

This means that even models with average autonomy can cope with long journeys without any particular difficulty, with short, scheduled stops like those normally made on the motorway.

Starting your driving experience with an electric car means starting your experience behind the wheel with more safety, lower costs and a positive impact on the environment: a choice that is worthwhile today and will be even more valuable tomorrow.