Are modern electric cars getting too complicated? Technologies that help and annoy

Modern electric cars offer high efficiency and safety, but their sophisticated technology and user interfaces require a period of adaptation to avoid becoming a nuisance.

• Touchscreens can increase response times by up to 4 times compared to physical buttons.
• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) can help reduce the risk of fatal accidents by at least 25%.
• The long-term maintenance costs of electric cars are often 20-40% lower than for combustion-engined cars.
• Full-service leasing is one of the safest ways to test new technologies without the risk of 10-year ownership.

Read on to find out how to choose the technology that really helps you on your daily journeys.

Today’s car industry is undergoing the fastest transformation in history, with modern electric cars often becoming smartphones on wheels. While new car technologies promise to make driving safer and more comfortable, many drivers feel confused by the myriad of screens and intelligent assistants.

In this article, we will analyse which innovations are critical and why choosing a new car through flexible models is the smartest move in the technological era.

With more than 30 years of experience in the Latvian market, MyAvis experts deal with customer questions about the complexity of technology on a daily basis. Car rental and its various services allow you to adapt flexibly to these changes, reducing long-term risks.

We will look at real data on the effectiveness of security systems and why fear of technology should not be turned into a rejection of innovation.

Contents

• Buttons vs. touchscreens: Why do we yearn for simplicity?
• Modern security systems: help or hindrance?
• Why choose a full-service car rental in the age of technology?
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Electric Cars and Technology
• Technology constraints, risks and alternatives
• Conclusions
• References

Buttons vs. touchscreens: Why do we yearn for simplicity?

While touchscreens in car interiors look modern, they often complicate simple functions while driving. The intuitiveness of the physical buttons allows the driver to adjust the temperature or the radio without taking his eyes off the road, which is essential for safety.

In contrast, digital in-car multimedia systems usually require precise visual contact and focus on menus. Studies show that drivers spend significantly more time in front of screens.

According to an independent study carried out by the Nordic Car Journal in cooperation with the EU Transport Safety Council, touch-screen controls can distract to the extent that a car can travel more than a kilometre without full driver control[1].

Table 1: Physical buttons versus touchscreens

Cognitive load and reaction speed

The integration of digital interfaces and a smartphone in the car can have a significant impact on the driver’s responsiveness and overall alertness. While the latest technologies offer a wide range of connectivity options, they can create a significant cognitive load that distracts from the traffic.

Compared to other forms of distraction, screen use requires both visual and cognitive resources, increasing the potential risk on the road.

Modern security systems: help or hindrance?

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, or ADAS, are designed to help prevent human error, which is the cause of most accidents on the road. Safety systems such as adaptive cruise control and automatic braking act as an additional safety net in everyday traffic.

Although the systems may seem intrusive at first, their effectiveness in saving lives has been extensively researched and the data points to a positive impact. European Commission road safety analysis confirms that electronic stability control can prevent a quarter of fatal crashes, while collision warning systems can reduce injury-causing head-on collisions by 20%[2].

Essential safety systems (ADAS):

• Automatic emergency braking (AEB)
• Adaptive cruise control (ACC)
• Lane Conservation Assistant (LCA)
• Blind Spot Monitor (BSM)
• Recognising road signs

Why is lane control sometimes annoying?

Lane Departure Control is designed to help keep your vehicle on a safe trajectory, but on roads with obliterated markings it can be inaccurate. Under these conditions, the system may make unexpected steering corrections that the driver may find distracting.

Similarly, the automatic braking system can react in some cases to obstacles that the driver has already seen and is in control of.

To help rather than hinder these technologies, it is advisable to familiarise yourself with your car’s settings and adjust the ADAS sensitivity to suit your driving style and road conditions.

Why choose a full-service car rental in the age of technology?

The rapid development of technology makes buying a car for 10 years a financially risky decision. Electric car battery technology and software change so fast that the drop in value can be unpredictable.

Full-service car leasing allows you to use the latest models without worrying about resale in the future. Customers get peace of mind and the chance to focus on driving. An example of a modern vehicle available in this way is the innovative for Volkswagen electric car ID.BUZZthat combines the latest technology with practicality.

Risk-free technology testing

MyAvis offers a solution for those who are afraid of the complexity of new technologies. Long-term car rental gives you the opportunity to change your car every 2-4 years, so you always have access to the latest safety innovations.

This flexible car leasing approach allows you to try out different models, including used electric cars, to find the right interface and control logic for you.

Full-service leasing ensures that all maintenance, software updates and technical issues are dealt with professionally, freeing the user from unnecessary worries and allowing them to enjoy their mobility to the full.

Modern electric cars and their innovative car technologies are not a scary thing, but an opportunity to significantly improve safety and efficiency on the road. The key is to find the right balance between innovation and ease of use in everyday situations. Safety systems such as ADAS have proven their effectiveness in reducing fatal accidents, while the use of touchscreens requires caution in order to avoid distractions in traffic.

MyAvis is your trusted partner in the transition to modern and safe mobility. Our extensive fleet and 30 years of experience allow us to offer models where technology serves the driver, not the other way around. Whether you’re looking for a long-term rental or a full-service lease, we’ll help you find a solution that can give you peace of mind on the road. View our range to find your next full-service electric car.

Frequently asked questions

Are electric cars more expensive to maintain?

No, electric cars are generally cheaper to maintain than internal combustion engine cars. This is due to fewer moving parts, no oil changes and a simpler transmission. European Commission Joint Research Centre study shows that the technical simplicity of electric cars can reduce maintenance costs by 20-40%[3]. However, tyre wear can be slightly higher and safety systems need to be calibrated by a qualified workshop.

What security systems are mandatory?

From 2024, several ADAS systems are mandatory for all new cars in the EU. These include intelligent speed adaptation, lane keep assist and automatic emergency braking. A black box or data recorder and an alcohol interlock device are also mandatory. These requirements are part of the EU’s “Vision Zero” to improve road safety.

What is full-service leasing?

Full-service leasing is a comprehensive mobility service that includes everything you need in one payment. This includes not only the use of the car, but also insurance, maintenance, repairs, tyre servicing and 24-hour roadside assistance. This frees the customer from the administrative hassle of maintaining complex technology, making it a good solution for busy professionals and businesses.

Are electric cars harder to drive than conventional cars?

No, driving an electric car is generally easier and more fluid than driving a conventional car. They have no gearbox and maximum torque is instantly available. “One-pedal driving” or regenerative driving allows you to drive your car almost without using the brakes. The main challenge is getting used to the silence and digital interfaces, but this usually only takes a short adaptation period.

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References

[1] Vi Bilägare / ETSC study on touchscreens

[2] European Road Safety Observatory (ERSO) data on ADAS

[3] JRC (Joint Research Centre of the European Commission) study on costs