Are Electric Cars Ready to Hit the Roads?
We're seeing more and more of them on our roads. Today, even if you walk into a dealership with the intention of buying a gasoline or diesel car, the conversation quickly changes. You're told about fuel savings, environmental protection, and futuristic technology. But beyond the marketing, what's the real story? Especially when the weather gets involved, like during the recent passage of Storm Harry. A question is on the lips of many drivers: are our electric cars really ready to handle our roads, which are often fragile in the face of bad weather?
Facing Water: Electric vs. Thermal
To get a clearer picture, we spoke with Mohamed Nouichi, one of the few certified experts in electric mechanics in Tunisia. His assessment is simple: water is the enemy of all, but the consequences are not the same. Thermal engines are familiar territory. If water seeps in, the damage can be impressive, but it's rarely insurmountable.
"Even in the worst-case scenario, we can repair it without the bills reaching dizzying heights," the expert confides. A classic intervention, and the car is back on the road.
Electric cars: putting an end to misconceptions! No, you won't get electrocuted in the rain. The batteries are perfectly waterproof, and the charging terminals are designed to operate safely, even in the rain. The real breaking point? It's when the water rises. If the battery pack is submerged, the situation changes. In Tunisia, a water-damaged battery is often irreparable. It needs to be replaced entirely. Result: an exorbitant bill and an endless wait to import the part.
The Weak Link: Infrastructure, Not the Car
Mohamed Nouichi is firm: the cars sold in Tunisia are of excellent quality. It's not the technology that's the problem, but everything around it.
"The mechanic doesn't always have the specific tools, and the safety conditions for intervening on these high-voltage systems are sadly lacking."
The assessment is clear:
- Lack of skilled workers: Too few technicians are trained in this new era.
- Logistics: Spare parts take too long to arrive.
- Charging network: While charging stations are sprouting up in major cities, they become scarce as soon as you venture into the countryside. In case of an emergency or a road cut off by water, this can become a real headache.
Are We Really Ready?
Compared to countries like Switzerland, where the electric ecosystem is perfectly oiled, Mohamed Nouichi sums up the Tunisian gap: "We have the technology, but not yet the environment to go with it." Switching to electric is not just about buying a quiet car. It's about having a solid network, local specialists, and logistics that follow. Without these, the ecological advantage can quickly turn into daily stress.
The Final Word
Today, if you drive a lot and fear the hazards of our roads, the thermal car remains the safe bet, the easiest to get back on its feet after an unexpected event. The electric car is perfect for well-defined urban use, provided you have a reliable charging point and good after-sales service nearby. The question is not whether electric is "better" than thermal, but whether our country is ready to support it. And for now, the answer still requires a bit of patience.
