10 “Smart” Things Electric Cars Do – That Can Actually Annoy You

Smart isn’t always better. These electric car features sound helpful – until you actually use them. Here’s what might frustrate even the most loyal EV driver.

1. The overzealous regenerative braking

Regenerative braking is supposed to save energy by slowing the car down when you lift your foot off the pedal. But in practice, it can feel like the car is slamming the brakes – especially in city traffic. It causes jerky driving and makes you look like a nervous driver, even when you’re just going with the flow.

2. Automatic locking and unlocking

The car unlocks when you approach and locks again when you walk away. But what if you’re just walking past? Or standing near the car having a conversation? The system detects motion, not intent – and that can lead to awkward or impractical moments.

3. Touchscreen for everything

Want to adjust the heat? Navigate through menus. Need seat heating? Tap, scroll, and search. It looks modern, but it draws attention away from the road. Some features really should still be buttons.

4. Overprotective alerts

"Take a break," the car says – after 10 minutes of driving. "Keep your hands on the wheel," even though they already are. These systems overreact to microdata like a digital parent you never asked for.

5. Smart charging that randomly stops

You plug in expecting a full charge by morning. But the car only charged halfway. Why? Maybe a setting, a glitch in the app, or a power optimization. The result? Stress and delays.

6. Updates at the worst possible time

You’re ready to drive – but the car insists on updating. "12 minutes remaining" flashes on the screen. The system updates when it wants to, not when it suits you – and doesn’t always warn you in advance.

7. Voice control that doesn’t understand you

You say "Navigate home" – it starts the radio. You say "Call mom" – it finds a podcast. Non-English commands are often misinterpreted, and you end up using the screen anyway.

8. Overactive safety systems

The lane assistant pulls you back when you were just avoiding a pothole. Auto-braking kicks in for shadows or leaves. It feels like the car doesn’t trust you – and takes over when you need control.

9. App dependency

Everything runs through the app: heating, locking, charging. But if there’s no signal, a buggy update, or a lost connection – you’re stuck. The tech is smart, but only as long as it works.

10. Everything gets logged

The car remembers everything: where you went, how you drove, how long you parked. It’s like your vehicle keeps a diary of your life – and no, you can rarely turn it off.