For 12 months after obtaining a B licence, the novice driver may not drive cars with a power output of more than 55kW/t and the car may not exceed 70kW. So let’s see which hybrid and electric cars can be driven by novice drivers.
Electric and hybrid cars: which ones are suitable for those who just got their relative
The electric cars that can be driven by novice drivers are those with a power output of no more than 70 kW (95 hp) and a power/tonne ratio of no more than 55 kW/tonne (this limit does not apply if you are transporting a disabled person). What, however, does the law provide for hybrid cars?
In this case, only the power of the heat engine counts, i.e. entry P2 in the vehicle registration book, and the only model within the reach of those who have just taken their licence is the Toyota Yaris Hybrid.
Finally, the electric car driven by the novice driver should not be considered on the basis of maximum power, but on the basis of power that can be delivered and maintained for at least 30 minutes. There are models – such as the Hyundai Ioniq Electric and Kona EV and the Renault Zoe R110 – that have electric motors with more than 70 kW of power but can be driven by novice drivers as they offer a lower homologated power output (between 25 and 28 kW for the Korean, 53 for the most powerful variant of the small French zero-emission car).
EV for novice drivers
Certainly no one expects to find an SUV among the cars that new drivers can drive. This is the Audi Q4 e-tron in Sportback version, which is suitable for novice drivers in the 35 and 40 versions with peak values of an impressive 170 and 204 hp and a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 9 and 8.5 seconds. The former, with a 52 kWh battery, has a declared mass of 1,965 kg, while the latter, whose accumulators have a capacity of 77 kWh, has a scale value of 2,120 kg (the Sportback weighs 5 kg less, with the same equipment). Both Q4s mentioned, namely the 35 and 40, have a torque of 310 Nm.
Another electric car for novice drivers is Volkswagen’s ID.3 with 45, 58 and 88 kWh of battery power and a range of 250, 320 or 420 kilometres. The length is 4.26 metres and the price starts at 34,850 euros for a well-equipped version with a 58kWh battery. The boot has a capacity of 385 litres This is a car that offers an optimal driving experience, has a small turning radius and plenty of space on board, but above all the best ADAS on the market.
Finally, those who have just got their driving licence can get behind the wheel of the Peugeot e-208, which has an aggressive, scratchy look and design and a 100kW motor powered by a 50kWh battery. The range is about 300km and there is fast charging at 100kW. The boot has a capacity of 265 litres and the price ranges from 33,800 euro to 40,000. Advantages include an attractive design with full LED headlights, full ADAS and virtual cockpit, but also a direct drive.
Hybrids for novice drivers
Current legislation on driving limits for novice drivers makes it possible to get behind the wheel of a single hybrid car if you have had your licence for less than 12 months. It is the Toyota Yaris Hybrid– the hybrid variant of the third generation of the small Japanese car (born in 2011 and subjected to two restyling: the first in 2014 and the second in 2017) is the only hybrid car on the market in Italy that can be driven by novice drivers.
The engine is a 73 hp 1.5 petrol engine combined with an electric unit that generates a total output of 101 hp. Prices start at EUR 21,300.
In any case, more and more young people appreciate driving an electric car for its comfort and quietness, as well as for its zero CO2 emissions, an element to which the younger generations are paying more and more attention. For recharging, on the other hand, domestic wall boxes such as those offered by DazeTechnology are emerging alongside the public charging station. Contact us for more information!