I've driven dozens of brand new electric cars and this is the worst thing about them

Over the past couple of years, I’ve gone behind the wheel of practically dozens of brand-new electric cars from manufacturers across the globe. I’ve experienced everything from both BYD Atto’s 3 and 2, the latest Renault 4, SUVs such as the Kia EV9 and even models from MG and Volkswagen.

I’ve even tried my hand at the latest Chinese hybrid models such as the Jaecoo 7 which could fundamentally change and define the UK motoring scene over the next few years. Admittedly, electric technology is growing on me. Range anxiety isn’t anything like the issue I thought it could be. Electric cars also have incredible torque, while all of these modern machines are comfortably built, stylish, packed with tech.

But all of these newly built models have one thing in common, and I don’t like it. Over the top safety features that severely restrict the driving experience.

On paper, Lane-Keeping Technolgy may seem like a great idea, gently steering the car into a lane once you veer off is certainly a nice feature and will be welcomed by many. Admittedly, some firms have this down to a tee with subtle corrections that almost feel faultless.

But, sometimes it can feel like an invisible ghost has literally reached across and grabbed the wheel and turned it for you. It’s off-putting to the extreme and makes it feel like you’ve lost control for even a split second.

Next, driver distraction tools and in-car monitoring systems are becoming more popular, despite their widespread disdain. Every driver I’ve spoken to has mentioned how frustrating these distraction prompts are proving to be for new owners.

Motorists are forced to sit through a loud, annoying bleeps every time they take their eyes off the road, sometimes even to look at the mirrors or the road signs. Ironically, it ends up doing the exact opposite of what the tool is trying to do by making it less safe.

The bleeps can be so frustrating that you’re scrambling around the dashboard to try and find a way to turn it off, instead of just looking at the road. Next are Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA) tools, which have to be fitted to all new cars sold after July 2024.

This displays any routes current speed limit and can prove helpful in unfamiliar areas. However, being told by my car that the speed limit down my street is 30mph instead of 20mph has happened on more than one occasion.

With all of us placing more trust in our tech, watch the speeding tickets rack up across the UK as motorists blindly follow the car instead of the road signs.