Pat Moore, a senior project engineer at Actemium Birmingham Automotive, never imagined himself driving an electric vehicle (EV) and, despite a rocky start, has now been completely converted. Here he shares his advice for making the switch.

What does your job involve and how far do you need to travel?

Actemium Birmingham Automotive has frame agreement contracts with several major automakers to provide new data and power installations – and the manufacturers in my care are forever making changes to where the cars are built and refurbishing offices, so I travel to their sites several days a week to survey and quote for new power requirements, new lighting etc. The furthest site is a three-hour journey and I’ve been down there one day a week for the last three weeks. There are other sites that I visit three or four days a week, so I’m out and about most of the time.

How important is your car to you?

I like my cars and I love comfort in a vehicle especially with the mileage that I do. My last vehicle was a Hyundai Tucson, and it was a lovely vehicle. When the company said they were going all green, I must admit I was totally anti EVs. I was quite naïve and had never investigated them. I didn’t understand how the vehicle worked, the range or the charging. In the end, I opted for a Ford Mustang Mach-E, which is an SUV, just because I liked the look of it. I didn’t bother to test drive it or anything, but I am absolutely delighted with it. It’s so comfortable and you feel so safe inside the car.

How did you get on with it at first?

My first trip out with the EV was in September to that customer site three hours away and I will never forget it. I was up just before 6am and to cut a long story short I walked back through the door at around midnight. It was an experience but I’m glad it happened because it taught me the importance of checking your range and planning the route for charging points. I’ve been back several times since all safe and sound. Otherwise, it’s a very comfortable car and driving is a piece of cake.

What advice would you give to other new EV drivers?

You need to keep an eye on your charge. You won’t get your full range in really cold weather, and you quickly learn not to have your heating or aircon on all the time because that can take a big chunk of your range out. You also need to plan your journeys, but charging is not a problem. On long journeys I know my stop off points for a rapid charge. I grab a coffee and can feel confident that I have that extra boost of mileage to see me to the other end. The infrastructure for charging is improving all the while.

Is there anything you miss about your diesel car?

No. I’ve only had my EV a couple of months, but my mindset has completely changed. It’s a great new way of driving and I’m all for it. The performance is great, and I feel good that I’m doing something beneficial for the environment. I wouldn’t go back to a diesel car.