Tim Dowling's new electric car has developed a personality, and it's not a friendly one. The vehicle, which he purchased just three weeks ago, has already locked him out, refused to start, and driven erratically, leaving him stranded on multiple occasions. Dowling, a columnist for The Guardian, describes the car as having a mind all of its own, one that seems determined to thwart his every move.
A Series of Unfortunate Events
The trouble began on the second day of ownership when the car failed to recognize his key fob, leaving him standing in the driveway for 20 minutes before it finally relented. A week later, the car locked him out while he was at a supermarket, forcing him to walk home and retrieve the spare key. 'It's like it's playing games with me,' Dowling said. 'I half expect it to laugh at me one of these days.'
Erratic Behavior on the Road
The car's autonomous features have also been unpredictable. The lane-keeping assist has a tendency to pull the vehicle toward the center divider, while the adaptive cruise control brakes suddenly for no apparent reason. 'It's like driving with a back-seat driver who has a death wish,' Dowling wrote. The car's infotainment system has also been problematic, frequently crashing and rebooting mid-journey.
Dealership Response
When Dowling contacted the dealership, they suggested a software update, which he had installed. However, the update seemed to make things worse, with the car now refusing to engage the parking brake. 'I'm starting to think this car is possessed,' Dowling said. The dealership has offered to take the car in for a full diagnostic, but Dowling is skeptical. 'I'm not sure they'll find anything. This feels like a personality issue, not a mechanical one.'
Growing Frustration
Dowling's experience highlights the challenges of modern electric vehicles, which are increasingly reliant on software and sensors. While these features promise convenience and safety, they can also introduce new points of failure. 'I just want a car that starts when I tell it to,' Dowling said. 'Is that too much to ask?'
Conclusion
For now, Dowling is stuck with his temperamental electric car, hoping for a fix that may never come. 'I've named it Christine, after the Stephen King novel,' he said. 'I figure if I treat it with respect, maybe it will go easy on me.'
