Are electric cars dangerous in an accident?

With the spread of electric vehicles (EVs), concerns about safety in the event of an accident have become the focus. Some potential purchasers are wondering whether electric vehicles pose a greater danger than conventional gasoline vehicles, especially due to battery packs and high voltage systems. Electric vehicles have introduced a new element to vehicle safety, but they are fundamentally less dangerous than conventional cars overall. In fact, they often have advanced security features. Let's consider the main concerns and safety measures related to electric vehicles in accidents: Are electric cars dangerous in an accident?

The battery of an electric car can explode.

The battery of an electric car can explode. However, electric vehicles do not have a higher risk of explosion or fire than other types of vehicles.

Electric vehicles have a cooling system to prevent fires and explosions. However, high temperatures, accidents, or overcharging can cause electric vehicle batteries to ignite.

If the battery is damaged, it can get wet and explode or ignite. In this case, smoke can be very dangerous.

When an electric car ignites, it often becomes more difficult to extinguish.

Electric vehicles use lithium-ion batteries that can burn for hours. That is why you need a lot of water to extinguish the fire.

For example, to extinguish a Tesla that caught fire, it needed more than 4 gallons of water within 30,000 hours because of the heat the fire generates. The removal of a typical car fire takes about 30 minutes and requires about 500-1,000 gallons of water.

Therefore, extinguishing an electric fire is more problematic and requires a different approach.

How often an electric fire occurs.

For battery-powered electric vehicles, the probability of ignition is only 0.03 %, and for internal combustion engines, the probability is 1.5 %.

According to one study, the probability that a hybrid electric car will drive is 3.4%.

None of these opportunities are particularly worrying. In fact, electric vehicles are constantly improving, and increased safety is always at the forefront.

Additional weight of electric vehicles.

Electric vehicles are generally heavier than conventional cars due to the weight of the battery, but crash tests have found that electric vehicles appear to be better.

This is also evident in the real world, where human drivers and passengers are on board.

According to data from the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), claims for damages for electric vehicles were about 40 % lower than for accidents involving identical gasoline models.

The weight of an electric car could be responsible for better accident outcomes.

Research shows that heavier vehicle occupants are exposed to less power in accidents leading to fewer injuries

Are you more likely to be injured as a passenger in an electrical accident ?

NHTSA has come to the conclusion that the probability of passenger injury in accidents involving electric vehicles is somewhat lower than that of conventional vehicles.

This makes electric vehicles safer for passengers than vehicles equipped with gasoline or diesel engines.

Safety of high voltage systems

Electric vehicles are driven by high-voltage electrical systems, which raise concerns about electric shock during or after an accident. However, manufacturers have implemented some safety features to protect passengers and paramedics. Most modern electric vehicles have an automatic system that turns off the high-voltage battery in the event of an accident, thereby reducing the risk of electric shock.

cables that transmit high voltage currents are color-coded and coated with bright orange insulators for easy recognition by first responders. Training courses on the safe handling of accidents, including electric vehicles for fire brigades and rescue teams, are increasingly being offered.

conclusion

Electric vehicles are generally no more dangerous in accidents than conventional gasoline vehicles. It is associated with special risks, such as the risk of battery fire and electric shock due to high voltage, but these risks are greatly mitigated by advanced safety systems and designs. In fact, electric vehicles often outperform their gasoline counterparts in crash tests, thanks to improved clamping zones and low center of gravity. With the further development of electric vehicle technology, safety measures will also continue to be improved, making electric vehicles a safe option for drivers.