Are Electric Cars Safer?
Electric vehicles (EVs) have rapidly gained popularity over the past decade, with advancements in technology and growing concerns about environmental sustainability. However, with the rise of EVs, many consumers have also started questioning their safety compared to conventional gas-powered cars.
Are electric cars safer than traditional internal combustion vehicles? In what ways are electric vehicles safer than typical cars? This blog dives into various aspects of EV safety, comparing them with gas vehicles to provide a comprehensive answer.
Vehicle Weight
Electric cars are generally heavier than conventional vehicles due to the battery packs that power them. These hefty battery packs are often positioned at the base of the vehicle, which significantly increases the car's overall weight compared to a gas-powered car. While internal combustion engine vehicles may have heavy engines and gas tanks, they tend to be lighter overall than most electric models.
Image courtesy of IIHS
The weight of electric cars has both pros and cons when it comes to safety. Heavier vehicles tend to be safer for their occupants in the event of a crash, as crash dynamics dictate that the heavier vehicle absorbs less impact energy. This advantage means EVs offer safety advancements for their occupants. However, their increased weight also presents a safety challenge for other vehicles involved in the crash, which may face higher injury risks.
Safety Administration
The National Highway Safety Administration's role in ensuring electric vehicle safety is vital. Electric vehicles undergo the same crash testing procedures as gas-powered cars, using crash test dummies to evaluate fire hazard measure injury risks. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also plays a crucial part in evaluating EV crash safety, ensuring that electric cars meet safety standards.
While electric cars undergo the same crash tests as gas vehicles, specific regulations target the unique risks posed by EVs, such as fire hazards associated with their lithium-ion batteries. Both the National Highway Safety Administration and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) regulate fire safety to mitigate potential dangers
Fire Risk
Image courtesy of Orange County Sherriff's Department
One of the most prominent safety concerns surrounding electric vehicles is the risk of electric vehicle fires caused by the lithium-ion batteries that power them. While battery fires are possible, the likelihood is often exaggerated by media coverage, leading to misinformed fears. Research shows that EVs catch fire less frequently than gas vehicles, and the risk of an EV fire hazard is lower in well-designed electric cars.
In gas-powered cars, gas tank leaks are a common fire risk during accidents. Comparatively, electric vehicles experience fewer fire incidents, and EV batteries are designed with protective measures to prevent fires from spreading. Although the risk exists, EVs offer safety advancements in this area. Proper use of compatible EV adapters can further minimize fire hazards and enhance safety.
Center of Gravity
The center of gravity in any vehicle significantly impacts its stability and safety. A lower center of gravity reduces the risk of rollover accidents, a major cause of fatalities in motor vehicle crashes.
Because electric cars have battery packs positioned low in the vehicle, they tend to have a lower center of gravity than gas-powered cars, making them more stable and less prone to rollover accidents. On the other hand, internal combustion engines and fuel tanks in gas vehicles are positioned higher, increasing the likelihood of a rollover in certain situations.
National Highway Safety Concerns
Electric vehicles present some unique challenges to highway safety. Their increased weight can impact crash dynamics, especially in multi-vehicle collisions. Additionally, silent operation at low speeds poses risks to pedestrians and cyclists.
In response to these challenges, regulations have been introduced to enhance electric vehicle safety. For instance, many electric cars now feature sound generators to alert pedestrians of the vehicle’s presence at low speeds, reducing the risk of accidents
Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety
One of the primary safety concerns with electric vehicles is their quiet operation, which can make them difficult for pedestrians and cyclists to detect, especially in urban environments. This increases the likelihood of pedestrian accidents.
In response to this, electric cars are now required by law to emit artificial noise when driving at low speeds to warn pedestrians. Conventional vehicles, by contrast, do not face this issue due to the inherent noise of internal combustion engines
Lithium-Ion Battery Safety
Image courtesy of Krisztian Bocsi - Getty Images
Lithium-ion batteries in electric cars are a critical component but also present numerous safety challenges. EV fire hazards can occur if the battery is damaged in a crash or the electric motor experiences a thermal runaway event, but using quality EV chargers still can help maintain battery safety.
To minimize these risks, electric models use advanced electrical energy re-absorbing materials and protective barriers around the battery to reduce the likelihood of fires. These advancements help address battery safety concerns
Crash Test Performance
Image courtesy of Midwest Roadside Safety Facility at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Crash test results show that electric cars generally perform well in occupant protection tests. Thanks to their low center of gravity and advanced safety features, such as improved seat belts and better airbags, they tend to score higher in highway safety crash tests compared to gas-powered cars.
While both electric vehicles and conventional internal combustion vehicles undergo the same crash testing procedures, electric cars often outperform gas cars due to their safety technologies like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control
Safety Features
Electric vehicles come equipped with several new safety technologies and advancements, such as regenerative braking, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. These systems provide additional protection for both occupants and other road users.
Gas vehicles rely more on traditional safety measures like seatbelts and airbags, whereas electric vehicles integrate cutting-edge technologies to enhance overall safety. This makes electric cars safer in terms of accident prevention and mitigation.
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety plays a key role in evaluating electric vehicles through rigorous crash testing procedures and safety research. Their findings have shown that EVs offer safety advancements that often outperform conventional vehicles. IIHS studies highlight the superior crash dynamics and safety features of electric cars, recommending their adoption as safer alternatives to gas-powered cars.
Conclusion
Electric vehicles present several safety advantages over gas-powered cars, from improved crash test performance to advanced safety technologies. While there are still safety concerns—particularly regarding pedestrian safety and fire risks—electric cars are, overall, safer for their occupants. As technology continues to evolve, electric vehicles will likely become even safer, both for drivers and the broader road environment.
FAQs
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No, an electric car is generally safer than gas vehicle due to advanced safety features and better crash performance. However, the weight of electric vehicles can pose greater risks to other vehicles in a collision.
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Electric cars pose risks, such as fire hazards from lithium-ion batteries and silent operation that can lead to pedestrian accidents. However, safety features like noise generators and battery protection mitigate these risks.
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Yes, an electric car can last longer than a gas car mechanically since it has fewer moving parts. The main concern in today's electric vehicles is battery life, but many EVs come with warranties to address potential battery degradation.
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Hybrid cars share similar safety features with electric vehicles, but electric cars are often safer due to their lower center of gravity and better crash test results.