Electric cars less stressful to drive: report

They're not just good for the environment - electric cars have been found to activate positive physiological responses, including a lower heart rate, higher levels of attention and increased overall happiness.

A recent English study has found that driving an electric car can lead to positive responses in the body, likely due common EV traits such as reduced NVH levels and smoother acceleration.

Lead by Dr. Duncan Williams of the University of York in the UK and ordered by the London EV Company, the 2018 study found that professional London black cab drivers' brain activity can change when behind the wheel of an electric cab, as opposed to the traditional diesel-powered versions.

Equipped with an electroencephalogram - a medical device primarily used to observe physiological electrical activity for sleep disorders and epilepsy sufferers - four drivers were asked to carry out their duties in central London as the 'brain caps' recorded their mental activity.

The caps record elevated levels of beta - or 'active thinking' - brain waves.

Not only did the caps record elevated levels of beta - or 'active thinking' - brain waves and levels of happiness, but also a lower heart rate and levels of stress. The English survey found that this was likely due to the 5dB reduction in noise, less overall amplitude in sound and increased dynamic range when compared to diesel taxis.

Dr. Williams later noted that the study suggests reduced environmental sounds also allowed the cab drivers to achieve a more concentrated state of mind. "By removing the noisy diesel engine rumble, they are perhaps freed up to get on with driving in a more focused, but calm way. It’s a fascinating result and, given the movement towards electric commercial vehicles, shows there are even more benefits of going electric than we might have previously thought."

Do you feel any different when driving an electric car? Tell us in the comments below.