I'm stuck on this personally. I love my manual, I have a tiny little Mazda 2 and I have driven that thing absolutely everywhere because I can control it better than any automatic I've ever driven. But I've been casually looking for a new car and I'd love to have an electric, but I don't want to lose that level of control and everything I love about a manual.

What do you all think? What's your take?

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[–] [email protected] 10 points 9 months ago (1 children)

The thing with a manual is that they're great when the road is twisting away in front of you and you can really engage with the experience, but let's face it, most of the time you're stuck in traffic with an aching left foot. I've also driven many different kinds of autos, some great and some truly terrible. Even the best automatics are in no way comparable to driving an EV.

Sure, sometimes I do miss the feel and engagement of a manual when the conditions are but I stick the EV into sports mode, which gives a decent approximation of engine braking, and use the instant torque that you only get with electric to make my own fun through the corners.

The rest of the time, when I am stuck in traffic or just going from A to B, it's so relaxing and smooth and so much less stressful than anything else. I wouldn't go back.

The only issue I can foresee is that unless you want an SUV your choice of EVs is very limited. I certainly can't think of anything Mazda 2 sized.

[–] Suck_on_my_Presence 1 points 9 months ago (1 children)

Yeahhhhh, it's such a pittance that everything is so big. I saw a Mazda 3 ev I think? And there's a VW golf EV but only in the UK I think, and that's way too much of a hassle

[–] [email protected] 2 points 9 months ago

There's the Mazda MX-30 if that's what you mean? But it's yet another SUV.

There are some options now that I think about it, but whether any of them are available in your country is another matter.

Renault Zoe - probably what I'd choose if I wanted something Mazda 2-esque.

Homda E - Really expensive for the limited range. Maybe good deals to be had second hand?

VW ID3 - Golf sized. Possibly your best bet in terms of availability.

Fiat 500e - Or the nutty Abarth 500e with its fake (and very loud) engine noise.

Mini electric - Anything but mini.

MG4 - Very popular in the UK. Cheap, decent range, albeit a little ugly.

In the UK there's also the Vauxhall Corsa E. Might be available elsewhere under the Opel brand?

I think that's about it. It's such a shame that the EV market is still very much dominated by SUVs.