AA promises instructors ‘inner harmony’ if only they make the switch to electric cars

THE AA is encouraging its driving instructors to teach in electric cars – because it is better for their mental health.

The driving school is launching its new electric fleet and has told its instructors that making the switch away from petrol and diesel could help them “achieve inner harmony”.

It comes as the company seeks to attract eco-conscious young people who are increasingly keen on learning to drive in electric vehicles in anticipation of the upcoming phase-out of petrol and diesel.

The AA cited a 2018 study by a University of York academic which found that drivers in electric vehicles were concentrating better and had more consistent heart rates, which the authors suggested was connected to the lower engine noise.

“The quieter environment of the electric car means that drivers are more relaxed and better able to concentrate on the task at hand,” the AA said in guidance on its website.

Last week the AA announced it was rolling out a fleet of electric vehicles for its driving instructors, with lessons launching in London, Liverpool and Cardiff this month.

Its poll of drivers found that almost 80 per cent would switch to teaching in an electric car because of the potential fuel savings, with environmental benefits the second most important reason.

In the information for instructors the company also said that while the franchise for teaching in an electric car would cost a little more in fees, it would end up cheaper for them overall because of the lower cost of running a non-petrol or diesel vehicle.

The weekly cost for an electric car will be £219 compared with the current £169, but the AA said it still expects the new cars to be cheaper “by a nose”.

Its estimates suggest that instructors would spend £22.78 a week to charge the vehicle, compared with £73.57 on fuel, meaning that they would save £43.16 annually.

The Government is planning to ban sales of new petrol and diesel from 2030 as part of net zero plans.

Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show that almost a fifth of new cars sold in February were electric.