Transition from Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) to EV is something to behold. You will have to change the way you pull away, you’ll find new ways to stop and then there’s the smooth ride. To be more specific, acceleration in even economy mode is quicker than most comparable cars. You lump your foot down to pull out of a junction as you may have needed to do in a small engined diesel and you’ll find your self wheel spinning much quicker than you’d like. Then there’s one pedal driving. It’s a button on the LEAF but comes under the labels of KERS (MG) or Regenerative Braking (Regen) and can bring the car to a complete halt (if set properly and in the right car). Once you get used to press down to go and lift up to stop, you really will wonder why you didn’t switch sooner, especially in traffic. Then there’s a smooth quiet ride. It’s very odd pulling away in complete (or near complete) silence, you get no audible cues to your speed so keep an eye on it until you’re used to driving it.
Then there’s everybody else. Your car makes much less noise than something with an engine, people who listen then cross will appear to simply cross the road infront of you. When you’ve parked in a car park and you’re ready to pull out, pedestrians will have no warning you’re ready to go. Don’t expect them to wait as they might a car with the engine running, if you’re reversing out, they won’t even see you so be aware.
All that said, I have driven electric for 5 years now and wouldn’t switch back for any reason. When you can charge at home and be ready to get to work and back with never worrying about petrol stations (and those big bills) or when you park to do your shopping and get free miles while you shop. It all feels right. I drove from Cornwall to Southampton, around the area for a few day then back again, all for £17.50 in charging fees. I got to Southampton feeling much better than I did in anything but the most luxurious ice cars (my 530 was better but would have killed me in fuel) and I had absolutely no problems charging.
It’s an experience but the absolute majority who try it would never go back and those who go back do so for very specific reasons (huge family, colossal mileage or towing heavy caravans long distances). I’d strongly suggest a long test drive, not the hour long experience you’re supposed to feel lucky to get. Have it for a weekend or a couple of day so you can try with commute and see just how you get on.