Fuel prices have a way of forcing uncomfortable conversations. Following the ongoing Middle East conflict, fuel prices have seen an eye-opening increase. RON 97 petrol in West Malaysia, which was priced at RM 3.85 per litre just last week, has risen by 70 sen to RM 4.55 per litre. Euro 5 B10 and B20 diesel
Fuel prices have a way of forcing uncomfortable conversations.
Following the ongoing Middle East conflict, fuel prices have seen an eye-opening increase. RON 97 petrol in West Malaysia, which was priced at RM 3.85 per litre just last week, has risen by 70 sen to RM 4.55 per litre. Euro 5 B10 and B20 diesel now retail at RM 4.72 per litre, up 80 sen.
For most, the subsidised RON 95 offers a lovely cushion. Putting diesel aside, for those running cars that exclusively drink RON 97, it is a reminder that enthusiasm has a cost. My Toyota GT86 is one of those cars (the GR86 in the photo above is my other half’s, I drive the 1st gen).
And, as expected, the usual conversations have resurfaced. The suggestions, the comparisons, and inevitably, the comments telling you that this is exactly why you should have gone electric.
Ironically, it did get me thinking. Not about giving up driving, but about what’s stopping me from owning an EV. I know it may be obvious because on paper, I should be firmly against them, but I am not. Really.
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The appeal of EVs lies in how they fit into daily life
Much of the EV conversation focuses on range, charging availability, battery replacement cost, or even resale value. However, one of the more compelling aspects of EV ownership, for me personally, is how naturally it integrates into daily use. There are behaviours that feel inherently wasteful in an internal combustion car, but are completely normal in an EV.
Short trips no longer carry the same concern over engine wear. Sitting in the car with the air-conditioning running does not feel like unnecessary fuel consumption. There is no need to wait for revs to settle before driving off. In many ways, it removes a layer of mechanical consideration from everyday use (only applicable for those with mechanical sympathy).
The absence of engine noise also brings an unexpected benefit. Without it masking other sounds, EV cabins tend to be better insulated, resulting in a quieter environment that enhances elements such as the audio system, which is something I particularly appreciate.
Beyond that, EVs also make a strong case simply as a transportation device.
The torque delivery allows you to exploit gaps in traffic more easily, merge with less hesitation, and pull out of junctions with greater confidence. Overtaking becomes more decisive, reducing the time spent in the opposite lane and, with it, your exposure to risk. It makes driving feel less laborious.
EVs are often described as appliances. I do not see that as an insult. I need my washing machine. I need my microwave. I need my air conditioner. I do not expect any of them to be enjoyable to operate, I just expect them to work well. For many people, a car serves the same purpose.
That, perhaps, is where EVs make the most sense. I am not saying it’s a replacement for a high-revving naturally aspirated sports car, but as something that fulfils the role of transportation more effectively.
So why don’t I own an EV yet
In reality, the issue is not that they run purely on electricity, but that many of them are not particularly well resolved from a driving standpoint. A recurring trait across many EVs is a sense of disconnection between driver input and vehicle response.
Throttle inputs are often dulled rather than delivered proportionally (BMWs and Porsches are exempted), steering can feel overly processed, and braking often feels spongy and vague. Weight is also something you constantly feel, especially in how it rides, but more on that shortly. It is this combination – filtered inputs and excess mass – that defines much of the current EV experience.
Despite this, there are EVs that manage to get the fundamentals right. The Hyundai Ioniq 5, BMW iX, and more recently, the Xpeng G6 are some examples that do not fall apart dynamically and still offers all the space, tech, and practicality you’d need.
The G6, in particular, was a pleasant surprise. While its exterior design may divide opinion, the underlying execution is solid. The software experience is among the best currently offered by Chinese brands, with a user interface that is fast, intuitive, and free from awkward translations or unnecessarily deep menu structures.
The cabin materials feel well considered, and the sound system is genuinely impressive. It delivers clarity, separation, and a convincing soundstage.
From a driving perspective, the steering, while lacking feedback, does not feel completely detached. More importantly, the throttle response is natural. The braking, though again still lacking in feel, is predictable and easy to modulate. For an EV, that is good enough, but I digress, let’s talk about why EVs are the way they are.
Motion sickness is an overlooked downside of EVs
One aspect that is rarely discussed is the increased tendency for EVs to induce motion sickness. This is largely attributed to sensory mismatch.
In a traditional ICE car, your body doesn’t just feel acceleration, you hear it. Engine revs rise, vibrations build, and all of it aligns with what your inner ear is telling you. In an EV, acceleration occurs rapidly and almost silently, creating a disconnect between what the body feels and what it hears. This disparity can be disorienting, particularly for passengers.
On the topic of weight again, the inherent mass of EVs makes them more prone to low-frequency body movements, particularly over undulating surfaces. These movements are more noticeable in larger vehicles and in seating positions further from the centre of mass.
The Denza D9 is as a good example. Its ride is not harsh, but it exhibits noticeable vertical movement, especially in the second and third rows. Over larger undulations, the vehicle takes a moment to settle, resulting in continuous motion that can become uncomfortable.
The EV space is evolving at an unprecedented pace
Let’s say weight isn’t an issue. There is the question of timing. BMW is already moving into its sixth-generation eDrive systems, featuring 800V architectures and more advanced battery integration. These developments were not present in the BMW iX when it launched just five years ago, despite it being the brand’s flagship EV.
And we haven’t even talked about China yet. BYD is introducing second-generation Blade batteries with higher energy density and claimed ultra-fast charging capabilities. Zeekr is transitioning towards 900V electrical architectures. The pace of development increasingly resembles consumer electronics, where what you buy today risks feeling outdated much sooner than expected.
The barriers remain, but not for the usual reasons
While price is a factor, it is not simply about affordability. Many smaller EVs feel like they are built to a cost rather than to a standard. Compromises in performance, ergonomics, and charging capabilities become apparent.
The missing piece seems to be small, premium EVs. Most well-executed EVs tend to be larger vehicles. However, not everyone requires that, myself included (I have another car to fulfill that role).
There is a case to be made for a compact EV that prioritises quality, refinement, and thoughtful engineering. BMW had already explored this concept with the original i3. It was compact, relatively lightweight, and exceptionally responsive in urban environments, without feeling compromised.
What about the MINI EVs then? Well, that comes close, but the MINIs were designed to be a fun EV so the firm ride can be a tiring one (especially the JCWs), and I’m not looking for a fun appliance.
Final thoughts
This is not a debate between EVs and internal combustion engines. My 86 serves a purpose that no EV can replace, and it will continue to do so. What I am looking for is not a replacement, but a complement.
An EV that feels coherent, responsive, and well-resolved. One that integrates into daily life without feeling like a compromise, and one that respects the relationship between driver and machine.
I am ready for an EV. Just not the ones we are being given right now.
(Although, at RM 4.55 per litre for RON 97 if prices keep going up and the war drags on, I might have to reconsider. Anyone looking for a GT86?)
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