RICO’s Q — The question “Are drivers of electric cars better drivers?” has been on my mind lately, and it’s an interesting one. Between the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) and the stereotypes that swirl around their drivers, it’s worth unpacking what really might be going on behind the wheel.
Are people who drive electric cars genuinely better drivers, or is it just a myth? With some 31,500 electric vehicles on Costa Rica’s roads, an projections expecting the total to reach approximately 35,000 by the end of the year, it is inevitable to see more and more green license plates. In October 2025, new electric cars accounted for a record 25.6% of the market share for new vehicle sales.
I’ve made some interesting observations while stuck in Costa Rica’s notorious traffic, wandering the streets of downtown Santa Ana, or just standing at an intersection watching how drivers behave—something that’s always fascinated and horrified me.
First off, what do we mean by “better drivers?” Are we talking about skill, safety records, environmental consciousness, or maybe something else entirely? Let’s focus mainly on driving habits and safety since those are the most obvious ways to judge driving quality.
One thing that often gets tossed around is the idea that EV drivers tend to be more cautious or law-abiding. Some surveys back this up—owners of electric vehicles often report driving more carefully and more attentively. One common theory is that since EVs are generally more expensive and represent a specific lifestyle choice, their drivers feel a stronger need to protect their investment, so they’re less likely to speed or drive recklessly.
Plus, there’s the eco-factor. People who opt for electric cars tend to care about the environment, and that mindset can carry over into their driving habits. If you care more about the world around you, you might be more likely to drive responsibly—avoiding aggressive maneuvers, not idling unnecessarily, and overall staying mindful of fuel efficiency, which in an EV translates to battery efficiency.
Statistically, some studies have shown that EVs might be involved in fewer accidents per kilometer driven compared to “ICE cars”, vehicles powered by an Internal Combustion Engine, which uses gasoline or diesel to generate power. Though it’s tough to say if that’s because of the drivers’ skill, the design of the cars themselves, or other factors like demographics. For instance, EV owners generally skew younger, more urban, and are often more educated—all factors that correlate with safer driving habits.
On the flip side, some critics argue that EV drivers might get overconfident because their cars have advanced safety features and instant torque, tempting some to test the limits. Others point out that because EVs are quieter, pedestrians and other road users might not always hear them approaching, potentially causing safety issues in certain situations.
But skill-wise, there’s no concrete evidence that owning an electric vehicle automatically makes someone a better or worse driver. Driving skill comes down to experience, attention, and attitude—things that don’t necessarily connect to the type of car you own. That being said, the attitude and awareness promoting safety and eco-consciousness might be higher on average among EV drivers simply because driving an electric car often represents a deliberate, thoughtful lifestyle choice.
So, to sum it up: Drivers of electric cars might lean toward being more cautious and conscientious behind the wheel, partly because of who they are and partly because of what the car represents. But “better drivers”? That’s a bit too broad and subjective to claim outright. Good driving boils down to behavior, not just the badge on your car.
If you’ve got an electric car, chances are you’re already tuned into a certain type of responsibility, and that often makes driving safer and smarter. But at the end of the day, the best driver is the one paying attention, respecting the rules, and thinking about everyone else on the road—EV or not.
The Q is jumping into the AI wave. This article was created with a little help from AI tech.