{
  "id": 19240710,
  "title": "Instant torque, heavier batteries: What Malaysian motorists need to know before driving an EV",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/instant-torque-heavier-batteries-what-malaysian-motorists-need-to-19240710",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-09T23:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/11/10/instant-torque-heavier-batteries-what-malaysian-motorists-need-to-know-before-driving-an-ev/242081"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 10 — Electric vehicles (EVs) may appear and feel like regular cars, but motorists transitioning to them should adjust to a distinct driving experience. Unlike gasoline or diesel cars, EVs can generate strong torque at low speeds, enabling rapid acceleration. However, Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) warns new drivers might misjudge how quickly their vehicles speed up, especially during junction exits, roundabouts, or parking maneuvers. Miros researcher Mohd Firdaus Mohd Siam explained that instant torque is typical for electric motors but doesn't necessarily mean all EVs are fast or hard to control. \"The performance of an EV depends on factors like motor output, vehicle weight, gearing, traction, and driving mode,\" he emphasized. It's crucial to differentiate between torque, acceleration, and speed: torque is rotational force, acceleration is velocity change, and speed is how fast the vehicle travels. Firdaus noted that new EV owners might inadvertently press the accelerator too much, resulting in sharper starts and reduced reaction time to obstacles. He recommended novice drivers practice smooth starts and stops in low-traffic areas and initially use Normal or Eco modes instead of Sport. Prof Zambri Harun, a Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia professor, suggested EV drivers enhance battery efficiency by avoiding unnecessary acceleration and deceleration. \"Aggressive driving reduces battery life due to the regenerative braking system,\" he added. Regarding stopping distances, Miros researcher Firdaus clarified that heavier EVs aren't inherently slower or perform worse than conventional cars. While extra weight affects braking and handling, it doesn't automatically mean longer stopping distances or poorer wet-road performance. Stopping distance depends on factors like tyre grip, brake design, and electronic controls. Prof Law Teik Hua from Universiti Putra Malaysia concurred, stating that modern braking systems accommodate EVs' added mass, but motorists should maintain adequate distance from vehicles ahead. He also noted that EV batteries are often low in the vehicle, lowering the center of gravity and potentially improving cornering stability, though proper driving remains vital.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 10 — Electric vehicles (EVs) may look and feel like conventional cars, but motorists switching t...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}