Are electric vehicles safe?

The automotive industry is currently undergoing a massive transition to zero emissions with the rise of electric mobility. Around the world, Motorists, fleet managers and business owners are considering switching to electric.

It is important to note that safety is relative: driving can never be completely risk-free. But when comparing the vehicles electric vehicles to internal combustion vehicles, we can determine which pose the most risks and to what extent.

Here you will find the most important things to know about the electric vehicle safety, so you can make a decision enlightened!

An electric vehicle does not need an internal combustion engine to operate, only a battery and an electric motor.

Most electric vehicle models use the battery as a structural element of the vehicle platform. The powertrain is more evenly distributed throughout the vehicle, allowing for more energy efficient in the event of a collision.

Thanks to their lower centre of gravity, electric vehicles are also less likely to skid or roll over in a collision.

Electric cars use a technology called "braking" regenerative": the vehicle slows down as soon as that the driver releases the accelerator pedal, even if he or she does not press the brake pedal. In a fast-moving situation, braking allows the car to slow down before the driver has actively decided to brake.

This is an important safety feature: it reduces the stopping distance and reduces the risk of collision. Of course, the vehicles electric vehicles are always equipped with brake pedals that must be operated. But, in many circumstances, electric vehicles report having a much lower need to use the brake pedal than in an internal combustion engine model.

A common criticism of electric vehicles is that they are too quiet. This criticism is not unfounded: a study found that electric vehicles were 40% more likely to be likely to be involved in accidents with pedestrians, the lack of vehicle noise being cited as the key factor.

As a result, electric vehicle manufacturers are now required to equip their new vehicles with devices that emit noise. Since July 2021, this requirement also applies to vehicles existing in the European Union.

Sounds must be emitted at a minimum frequency of 56 decibels, which is which is roughly equivalent to a conversation inside and must reflect the car's handling. If a car accelerates, for example, the height of the noise emitted must increase. This solution goes a long way in making our safer roads for all road users.

Without a gasoline engine, there is no risk of liquid spillage - and therefore fire - in the event of an accident.

However, an electric battery is not without risks. The worst scenario for an electric vehicle is known as "runaway" a chain reaction within a battery cell that, once once triggered, is very difficult to stop.

This usually happens when the battery overheats, which is mainly caused by overloading. Because of this risk, shippers fill the electric battery to only 80% of its capacity fast speed, after which the charging speed decreases.

While thermal runaway is a serious problem, it doesn't does not mean that your electric vehicle will spontaneously ignite. The Warning signs of thermal runaway are usually evident before the situation becomes dangerous, which leaves the motorists the time to get to safety. And as in all discussions on security, the risk is relative.

Remember, electric vehicles have a 0.3% chance of catch fire, compared to 1.05% for petrol cars.

An electric vehicle contains fewer components than a car with but its total weight is higher, by 340 kg on average. Some Recent models of electric vehicles are indeed very heavy, such as the GMC Hummer EV, which weighs more than four tons.

There is a direct correlation between the number of pedestrian fatalities and the weight of the vehicle involved in the accident. On the other hand, motorists driving heavier vehicles are less likely to experience wounds.

It's clear that electric cars offer valuable benefits In terms of safety compared to internal combustion engine models: passengers experience less force in the event of a collision and benefit from a Wide range of additional safety features. Nevertheless, the electric battery has some disadvantages, such as the risk of thermal runaway or the additional weight of the vehicle that increases the risk to pedestrians.

Whether you're managing a corporate fleet or looking for your next personal vehicle, it's important to consider both aspects of the security issue. However, at Ayvens, we are convinced that, compared to internal combustion engine vehicles, Electric vehicles are the safest option overall.