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A new survey suggests that electric vehicle (EV) drivers are more likely to find it difficult to remain within posted speed limits, with rapid acceleration and reduced engine noise identified as key contributing factors.
The research, carried out by Danish road safety technology firm Ooono, surveyed 1,000 UK motorists and found that 23% overall said they struggle to keep to lower speed limits when driving an EV. This figure rises to nearly half (47%) among respondents who own electric vehicles.
Participants said the instant acceleration available in many EVs, combined with the quiet driving experience, can make it harder to judge speed accurately. Some also believed that modern electric cars are commonly fitted with built-in systems to help manage speed or warn of enforcement locations, such as speed cameras and road hazards.
Mike Skyte of Ooono said, “Most EVs can tell you where to charge. Very few can reliably tell you where the next speed camera or road hazard is. The instant acceleration and near-silent driving experience of EVs can make speed harder to judge for some motorists. As EV adoption grows, technology that helps drivers stay aware of changing road conditions and speed enforcement can play an important role in improving safety and reducing fines.”
“Speeding myths remain surprisingly common. Many drivers still believe there is a legal tolerance above the speed limit or that cameras have to be signposted, but neither is true. The safest approach is always to treat the posted speed limit as exactly that – the limit. Greater awareness and better information can help motorists avoid both penalties and potentially dangerous situations.”
The survey also highlighted widespread misunderstandings about speeding regulations among UK drivers. More than a third (35.6%) of respondents incorrectly believed that speed cameras must be clearly signposted by law, while 15.5% thought drivers could avoid penalties by slowing down only when approaching a camera. A further 12% believed there is an official tolerance allowing drivers to exceed speed limits by 10% plus 2mph.
The findings suggest that as EV uptake continues to rise, driver education and in-vehicle support tools may become increasingly important in helping motorists maintain safe and lawful speeds.
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