Use the same test for every car
Ask the salesperson to demonstrate unfamiliar settings while the car is parked. While driving, keep your attention on the road.
Your repeatable test route
What to feel and what to verify
| Check | Try this | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Regen | Start with the mild setting, then try stronger modes in a safe, low-speed area. Keep a safe gap and lift progressively. | The response should feel smooth and predictable. Regen never replaces the brake pedal or attention to traffic. |
| Ride and noise | Use a familiar rough road and highway-speed section. | With little motor noise, tyre and wind noise can be more noticeable. |
| Controls | Change temperature, demist, audio and regen without hunting through menus. | Frequently used controls should not be distracting. |
| Parking | Reverse into a normal bay and check camera views and turning circle. | Vehicle width and camera design matter every day. |
| People and cargo | Fit child seats or bring dimensions for a pram, mobility aid, tools or sports gear. | Boot litres do not reveal shape, height or underfloor space. |
| Charging and cables | Open the charge port and check whether its location suits the way you park. Identify the supplied Mode 2 home-charging cable and the separate Type 2 cable used at some public AC chargers. Ask which cables are included and confirm the car's AC and DC charging limits. | Port location affects how close you need to park to public chargers with short cables. Some public AC chargers require you to bring a Type 2 cable. |
Six questions to ask before you leave
- Which exact variant did I drive? Record the battery, wheels and trim because they can change the car's range, ride and included equipment. Make sure the written quote names the same variant you tested.
- How does this car heat the cabin? A heat pump usually uses less battery energy than a resistance heater, which can help preserve range in cold weather. Ask which system this exact Australian variant uses, get the answer in writing and compare the EV specifications that matter.
- What charging cables are supplied? A portable cable lets you charge from a suitable household power point, while some public AC chargers require you to bring a separate Type 2 cable. Ask which cables are included so you know whether you need to buy one. See how portable home charging works and when public chargers need your own cable.
- What does each warranty actually cover? Battery-capacity thresholds determine how much degradation must occur before the battery warranty may apply. Exclusions, servicing conditions and transfer rules can also affect whether a future claim is accepted, especially on a used car. Get the booklet for this model year and compare the battery, vehicle and brand-support warranty terms.
- What will servicing and support involve? The schedule shows the ongoing cost and how often the car needs attention; the nearest authorised repairer and parts process affect how far you may travel and how long a repair could take. Ask for the current written schedule and prices, then include them when comparing EV ownership costs. “EVs need no servicing” is not a schedule.
- Can I take a longer or overnight test? A longer test gives you time to check seat comfort, nighttime controls, child-seat fit and whether the charge-port location works in your usual parking space. These are difficult to judge on a short dealership loop.
Before paying a deposit
While parked, pair your phone and try the manufacturer's app. Scheduled charging can help you use an off-peak tariff, while remote cabin pre-conditioning lets you heat or cool the car before leaving. Check the recommended daily charge limit and whether the app shows charging progress for this exact variant. Ask who owns or transfers the account, which features need a subscription, mobile coverage or data, and whether essential climate and windscreen-demisting controls still work without the phone. Record these details now so you can set up the car and charging accounts before delivery.
Check the exact variant's ANCAP safety rating. The tested year matters because ANCAP's requirements become stricter over time, so ratings from different years are not directly comparable. On the drive, decide whether the lane and speed alerts are clear enough to live with every day; never attempt to trigger emergency intervention.
Read the order form before paying. The deposit conditions tell you whether and when you can get the money back, while the delivery and substitution terms show whether the seller can change the promised car or equipment. Match the order to the exact variant and get an insurance quote because premiums can materially change the ownership budget. Add that quote when comparing the car's ongoing costs. If charging at home matters, confirm the car's AC rate and then check whether a power point or wallbox suits your driving.
Common test-drive questions
Is strong regenerative braking safer?
It is a driving preference and efficiency feature, not a substitute for the brake pedal or safe following distance. Learn how the brake lights and stopping behaviour work from the owner's manual.
Do brake lights turn on during regenerative braking?
Yes. Australian vehicle standards require the brake lights to illuminate when regenerative braking causes a significant rate of deceleration, ensuring that drivers behind you are warned even if you do not touch the brake pedal.
Should I trust the range shown during a short drive?
No. The dashboard estimate responds to recent driving, weather and climate use, so a short dealership loop cannot establish your long-term range. Use the exact variant's official figure and plan with a realistic EV range for your regular trips.
What if the salesperson cannot answer a charging question?
Ask for the official specification sheet or owner's manual and verify the exact variant. Plug type and AC and DC charging rates determine which chargers the car can use and how long charging may take. Compare them with the charging specifications that matter rather than relying on a verbal guess.
Assumptions and sources
- Australian Government: types of EVs — regenerative braking, one-pedal driving and the value of a test drive.
- Green Vehicle Guide — official Australian model efficiency and range information.
- ANCAP Safety — current Australasian crash-test and safety-assist ratings.
The route is ChooseEV editorial guidance. Follow road rules and only change unfamiliar settings while safely parked or under clear manufacturer guidance. Reviewed 16 July 2026.