The Nissan Leaf and I have something in common: We were both trying something new this past weekend. It was my first time driving an electric vehicle (EV), and I chose to test drive the Leaf for a special occasion — my daughter’s wedding.

As the father of the bride, nerves were already high, and hopping into the futuristic world of an electric vehicle added to the excitement. But surprisingly, the drive turned out to be a smooth and enjoyable experience, much like the wedding itself.

First impressions

The first time you drive the Leaf, the gear shifter — or seeming lack thereof — might confuse you. Instead of a stick, all you have is a nub that you move like a shifter. It’s intimidating at first but it should be easy to get used to.

The thrust provided by an electric motor is different from that delivered by an internal combustion engine. Step on the accelerator (I suppose we can’t call it a gas pedal anymore) and the Leaf moves instantly without lag. Don’t worry — it won’t suddenly lurch forward, so there’s little risk of any sudden-acceleration incidents.

The Nissan Leaf has a modern and approachable design. It doesn’t scream “futuristic” like some electric cars do, but instead offers a sleek, compact look with enough flair to make it stand out. For someone like me who’s used to traditional internal combustion engines, the Leaf’s appearance felt comforting. No intimidating spaceship vibes — just a well-designed car that happens to be electric.

When I first sat in the driver’s seat, the interior felt uncluttered and simple. There’s no gear shift as you’d expect, just a small, almost joystick-like controller. The dashboard is digital, but not overly complicated. For someone new to EVs, the Leaf’s user-friendly interface helped reduce some of my anxiety.

The drive to the wedding

I set off from my home, headed to Saint Andrew’s Church in Bel-Air, Makati, where my daughter was to marry her longtime boyfriend. It was a significant day for me, emotionally charged as I was about to walk my daughter down the aisle for the first time.

As soon as I pressed the start button, I was taken aback by how silent the Nissan Leaf was. There was no engine revving, no sound at all except for the low hum of the tires on the road. It was so quiet that I could hear my own thoughts probably not the best thing, given my anxiety over my dual roles as first-time EV driver and father of the bride.

However, once I got used to the lack of noise, I found the Leaf to be quite relaxing to drive. The acceleration was smooth, and it had a surprising amount of power for a small electric car. Merging onto highways and making quick lane changes in city traffic felt effortless. The car’s instant torque made me feel like I was always in control.