Arval’s new video strategy guides corporate drivers on efficient use of electric cars

Arval UK, one of the leading fleet management and leasing companies in the global market, recently released new educational material in video format aimed at supporting drivers in the transition to electric vehicles (EVs). The initiative aims to address the fundamental differences between driving internal combustion cars and battery-powered models, with a focus on safety and operational efficiency. The content was developed to mitigate risks associated with technological adaptation, ensuring that drivers understand the nuances of performance and behavior of new cars that will join corporate fleets in 2026.

Ian Pearson, head of insurance at The company’s analysis indicates that, regardless of prior familiarity with gasoline or diesel vehicles, the switch to electricity requires adjustments in driving style. Fatores as the weight of the vehicle, the power delivery and the silent operation of the engine require postural and technical re-education on the part of whoever takes the wheel, aiming not only at physical integrity, but also at optimizing the car’s resources.

The scenario in Reino Unido reflects an accelerated transformation in the corporate mobility sector, where electric vehicles already represent a significant portion of new orders. Dados indicate that, last year, more than a third of the orders received by Arval were for purely electric models, with the electrified fleet surpassing the 75% mark when considering hybrids. Essa structural change requires fleet managers and human resources departments to prioritize training, as driving an EV has distinct technical characteristics that, if ignored, can result in incidents or premature wear of components.

Industry experts point out that the introduction of educational videos and practical guides is a direct response to the need to maintain road safety in a mixed traffic environment. With the projection that a large part of operational fleets will be made up of zero-emission vehicles by the end of the decade, understanding on-board technologies ceases to be a differentiator and becomes a basic operational requirement. Arval’s strategy therefore seeks to close the technical knowledge gap among professional drivers.

Adaptation to acceleration and instantaneous torque

One of the most striking features of electric vehicles is the immediate delivery of torque, which provides significantly faster acceleration than that found in equivalent combustion vehicles. Essa Instant engine response can surprise inexperienced drivers, requiring gentler modulation of the accelerator pedal to avoid sudden starts. Precise acceleration control is essential not only for passenger comfort, but also for safety on urban roads and highways, where managing distance and reaction time is critical.

The high weight of electric vehicles, mainly due to the battery pack, directly influences braking dynamics and stability in curves. The physics involved in driving a heavier car requires the driver to anticipate stops much earlier than they would in a diesel or gasoline model. The Arval instructional video highlights the importance of adjusting the perception of braking distance, ensuring that the vehicle can be stopped safely in emergency situations, compensating for the additional mass that the braking system needs to contain.

Power management is also directly linked to tire wear, a maintenance item that can have its useful life reduced if driving is aggressive. The immediate transfer of force to the wheels, if not managed correctly by the driver, can result in accelerated degradation of the rubber. Portanto, education on smooth acceleration fulfills a dual role: it protects the integrity of the vehicle and reduces the fleet’s long-term operating costs.

Energy efficiency and regenerative braking

Regenerative braking technology is one of the pillars of efficiency in electric vehicles, transforming the kinetic energy that would be lost during deceleration into electricity to recharge the battery. Para drivers, this introduces the concept of “one-pedal driving”, where relieving pressure on the accelerator already starts the braking process. Dominar this technique allows you to extend the vehicle’s autonomy and reduce the use of conventional mechanical brakes, reducing the need for frequent maintenance of pads and discs.

Using energy regeneration effectively requires a shift in mindset, encouraging more predictive and less reactive driving. By observing the flow of traffic ahead and anticipating stops at traffic lights or congestion, the driver can maximize energy recovery. The Arval guide suggests that drivers experiment with the different levels of regeneration offered by vehicles, adjusting the system according to the driving environment, whether in dense urban traffic or on open roads.

In addition to the mechanical benefits, the correct adoption of these techniques contributes to a smoother and more comfortable journey. Reducing sudden shifts between acceleration and braking creates a less stressful environment inside the cabin and improves the overall mobility experience. Para companies, this translates into greater energy efficiency per kilometer driven, optimizing the total cost of ownership of the fleet.

Challenges of pedestrian silence and safety

The absence of the characteristic noise of combustion engines makes electric vehicles extremely quiet, especially at low speeds, which represents a potential risk for inattentive pedestrians and cyclists. In urban environments, where engine noise often serves as an auditory warning of an approaching car, the stealth of EVs requires extra attention from drivers. The Arval material warns of the need to constantly check the surroundings, assuming that pedestrians may not have noticed the presence of the vehicle.

Above 20 km/h, the noise of the tires on the asphalt begins to become audible, but when parking maneuvers or in residential areas, the risk remains high. Legislation in several countries already requires the installation of acoustic vehicle warning systems (AVAS), which emit artificial sounds at low speeds, but excessive reliance on technology should not replace human vigilance. Awareness of this “silent danger” is vital to avoid pedestrian accidents and incidents in areas with high circulation of people.

Drivers are instructed to use their peripheral vision and anticipate movements of pedestrians who may cross the street without looking, relying solely on hearing. The change in sound paradigm alters the dynamics of interaction between machines and humans in cities, requiring a defensive and proactive posture from those behind the wheel. Safety, in this context, depends both on technology and on the driver’s adaptive behavior.

Route planning and charging infrastructure

Range anxiety, or the fear of running out of charge before reaching your destination, is a common concern among new electric vehicle users, but one that can be mitigated with proper planning. Diferente from quick refueling at gas stations, recharging an EV requires logistics integrated into the work routine. The video guides drivers to use navigation apps that map charging stations and to consider factors such as stopping time and the availability of fast chargers when plotting their routes.

Climatic factors, such as extreme temperatures, and the intense use of auxiliary systems, such as air conditioning or heating, can impact the actual battery life. Knowledge about how these variables affect vehicle performance is crucial to avoid unforeseen events. Arval recommends that energy consumption be monitored in real time, allowing adjustments to driving style if the remaining charge is lower than planned for the stretch.

Public and private charging infrastructure has expanded, but familiarity with different connector types and charging speeds is essential for operational efficiency. Saber Identifying an ultra-fast charger on a highway or planning a trickle charge during an overnight stay optimizes driver time and ensures the vehicle is always ready for use. Education about the charging ecosystem eliminates psychological barriers and facilitates employee acceptance of the technology.