The whole world is currently struggling to mitigate the effects of climate change that have been caused by the burning of fossil fuels. Unfortunately, a significant amount of the world’s energy use comes from burning gasoline and diesel, primarily for transportation.
Electric cars are emerging as a viable alternative, presenting an environmentally friendly way to drive.
But while many electric car owners appreciate the environmental benefits that come with driving electric, some have questioned whether these vehicles pose any additional dangers in the event of an accident compared to their petrol and diesel counterparts.
While there have been a few studies on the safety of electric cars, the results have been somewhat inconclusive.
Generally, electric cars are safer than gasoline and diesel vehicles in terms of crashworthiness. This is largely due to their low center of gravity, which makes them less prone to rollovers. Furthermore, the absence of an engine block means that the risk of fire is much lower.
So, do electric cars pose additional hazards when involved in a car accident? This post covers everything you need to know.
Electric Cars: A Quick Overview
Before we dive into the question of whether electric cars pose additional hazards in a crash, it’s crucial to understand how they operate and differ from gas-powered vehicles.
Electric cars are powered by an electric motor and battery rather than an internal combustion engine that runs on gasoline or diesel. The first electric car was developed in the early 19th century, and since then, electric vehicles have grown in popularity due to their environmental benefits.
Electric cars have several advantages over gasoline-powered vehicles. They are quieter, more efficient, and require less maintenance than conventional cars. Additionally, they are cheaper to run as electricity is generally cheaper than gasoline or diesel.
However, most electric cars tend to have a limited range and shorter battery life compared to gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles, although improvements in battery technology have been steadily improving this limitation.
Are Electric Cars Safe to Drive?
In 2021, approximately 1.5 million electric cars were sold worldwide, representing a massive increase from the previous year. This surge in popularity can largely be attributed to their environmental benefits, but safety is also crucial in making this decision.
Generally, these cars are safe to drive and offer several advantages compared to gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles. Electric cars can be more responsive, providing a smoother ride with more precise control.
They also have superior braking performance due to the regenerative braking system and lower center of gravity, making them less likely to roll over in an accident.
However, some safety features of electric cars are still being addressed. For instance, the batteries of electric vehicles can pose a hazard in the event of an accident due to their location and design.
It is also important to note that electric cars can be more challenging to control in difficult weather conditions since they rely on electric traction motors rather than internal combustion engines. Additionally, there are concerns about electric car drivers becoming too reliant on autonomous features such as autopilot.
Do Electric Cars Pose Additional Hazards in a Crash?
Given these advantages, many people have asked if electric cars pose any additional hazards in an accident compared to gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles.
The answer is that electric cars may be safer in terms of crashworthiness, but they present some unique hazards when involved in a car accident. This includes the risk of battery fire due to their location and design – although this risk is low compared to combustion engines.
It is also important to remember that electric cars can be more challenging to control in difficult weather conditions due to their reliance on electric traction motors instead of internal combustion engines, as well as the fact that they lack additional safety features such as anti-lock brakes and airbags found on gasoline and diesel-powered cars.
In addition, electric car drivers should be aware that the probability of being injured in an electric car accident is slightly higher than with a gasoline or diesel vehicle due to their lower mass and weight.
The average weight of an electric car is around 500kg (1,100 lbs) compared to the average weight of a petrol or diesel car, which is about 750kg (3,300 lbs). This makes them more susceptible to causing injuries in an accident.
Understanding the Risk of Electric Shock in Car Crashes
One of the main concerns surrounding electric cars is the risk of electric shock in car crashes.
In the event of a crash, high-voltage electricity can be released from an electric vehicle’s powertrain and battery systems, potentially endangering first responders and bystanders. Additionally, these vehicles may have exposed electrical components, which could increase this risk.
However, the risk of electric shock can be minimized if drivers follow the manufacturer’s instructions, such as keeping a safe distance between themselves and any visible power lines or other electrical sources.
Also, it is essential to ensure that your electric car is parked safely before making any repairs to prevent any contact with exposed electrical components.
Finally, anyone involved in an electric vehicle accident should be trained in emergency response safety to ensure they do not risk any electrical hazards.
How Should Fires in an Electric Vehicle Be Handled?
If an electric vehicle is involved in an accident and bursts into flames, it is crucial to know how to handle the situation.
The first thing that should be done is to turn off the vehicle’s power systems, remove any passengers from the vehicle, and move the car away from other sources of fire, such as gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles.
The next step would be to call emergency services and wait for them to arrive. The first responders must be trained in the proper techniques for dealing with electric car fires, such as using cooling foam or special fire extinguishers designed to tackle electrical fires.
Once the fire has been contained, it is necessary to follow all safety protocols to ensure no further damage or injury is caused.
What Are Electric Vehicle Maintenance Tips?
Electric vehicles have different mechanical systems and technologies than gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles, so it is vital for drivers to understand how to keep their cars running smoothly and safely.
The most crucial tip for electric vehicle maintenance is to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when performing any repairs.
It is also essential to have regular checkups and maintenance, as such work can help identify any issues before they become serious.
It is a good idea to check the battery levels regularly and keep the car charged when possible. In addition, it’s vital to ensure that all wiring and power connections are kept clean and free from damage, as this can help prevent electrical shocks in the event of an accident.
Finally, electric car owners should ensure they install the latest software updates to stay up-to-date with any changes or safety features.
Are Electric Cars The Future?
There is no doubt that electric vehicles are the future of mobility and transportation. They are safer, more efficient, and more cost effective than traditional gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles.
Electric cars have many advantages over their combustion engine counterparts – they produce zero emissions, require less maintenance and servicing, offer greater range and fuel economy, and provide a quieter ride.
However, electric cars have some drawbacks, such as their high upfront cost and the lack of available charging infrastructure. For example, who wants to wait an hour to several hours to charge their car?
Until charging becomes much faster and charging stations are as abundant as gas stations, electric cars are likely to remain a niche market.
Nevertheless, electric cars may become more popular in the future with the increasing availability of affordable electric vehicles and the development of new technology, such as fast-charging networks.
Ultimately, it will come down to consumer preference and government policies regarding clean energy initiatives.
Electric cars have come a long way in the last decade, with more manufacturers offering models that offer better performance and greater range. As the technology continues to improve, it is likely that electric vehicles will become increasingly popular in the coming future.
Conclusion
While electric cars present some unique hazards, they are ultimately just as safe to drive as traditional gas-powered vehicles.
With a bit of caution and knowledge about how to handle fires and electric shocks in the event of a crash, driving an electric car can be just as safe as any other option on the road.
Before you go, here are other articles on electric cars:
What Does An Electric Vehicle Battery Replacement Cost?