Electric Cars: Fun, Not Just For The Eco-Warriors

Every time I write about electric vehicles, a torrent of vitriol erupts online, with readers angrily denouncing EVs and their owners. This negativity stems from a common misconception: that EV drivers are all eco-warriors, self-righteously cruising in their zero-emission chariots while judging those still burning fossil fuels.

Let's dispel this myth. While the stereotype might have held some truth for the Toyota Prius, even then it likely only applied to a minority of owners. For fully electric cars, however, there's little evidence to suggest a link between environmental beliefs and EV ownership. In fact, the opposite may be true. The typical electric car buyer isn't driven by a desire to save the planet; they are drawn to the technology, the car itself, or both. They might not even notice what car you're driving – they're too busy enjoying their own, for entirely selfish reasons. And that's perfectly fine.

Just like the farmer in Aesop's fable who tricked his sons into working the land by promising them a hidden treasure, we often find ourselves working towards positive outcomes without consciously intending to. While the environmental movement often focuses on self-sacrifice and austerity, perhaps the most effective approach is to appeal to self-interest. The consequences of our actions are more important than the motivations behind them.

Technological advancements, particularly in their early stages, are rarely driven by altruism but by the desire for novelty. Focusing solely on environmental credentials can be counterproductive, as people often assume trade-offs, leading them to believe a 'planet-friendly' detergent will be less effective at cleaning.

To sell electric cars, don't preach to the choir of eco-warriors. Instead, tap into the joy of driving, the sheer fun factor.

Recently, I had the opportunity to drive a Microlino, a tiny Swiss electric car reminiscent of the Isetta bubble car of the 1950s. With a range of 70 miles and a top speed of 56 mph, it's a fantastic city car. More importantly, it's incredibly fun to drive, not just for the driver but for onlookers too. The sheer joy it brought to people on the street compelled me to drive it around for no reason other than pure altruism. It's undeniably cute – you'd attract less attention in a Lamborghini.

My friend Stephen Bayley once argued that electric cars lack the aesthetic appeal of petrol-powered vehicles. The Microlino challenges that notion. In its miniaturised form, an electric car can be genuinely delightful. Even the legendary racing driver Stirling Moss opted for a Renault Twizy in his later years.

After all, if there's one old technology worthy of preserving for its aesthetic value, it's not the internal combustion engine. It's the steam locomotive.