Electric vehicles (EVs) have revolutionized the automotive industry. From wells to wheels, they use less fossil fuels and emit less carbon than traditional internal combustion engine cars. EVs promise a greener future for transportation. As their popularity increases, so does the debate over their safety. Both skeptics and proponents wonder whether electric cars are safer than their gasoline-powered counterparts. In this blog, our Quad Cities personal injury attorneys explain how electric cars are safer than gas-powered ones.
Why Electric Cars Are Safer
Reduced Risk of Fires
One significant safety advantage of electric cars is their reduced risk of catching fire compared to gasoline-powered vehicles. Gasoline is highly flammable, creating a significant burn risk during a collision or malfunction. They also do not have hot engine components that can cause burns, which improves overall safety. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), most electric cars are equipped with a battery that automatically disconnects from the vehicle during a collision, lessening the likelihood of a fire caused by the battery.
Lower Center of Gravity
EVs have heavy battery packs placed low in the vehicle frame, giving them a lower center of gravity than gas-powered vehicles. This design aspect enhances stability and reduces the risk of rollover accidents, which are more common in high-profile vehicles like SUVs and trucks. Electric cars’ lower center of gravity also improves handling and control. This makes EVs less prone to accidents caused by loss of control, like distracted driving or speeding.
Less Maintenance
Electric cars have fewer parts than gas-powered cars, resulting in reduced maintenance needs. Fewer parts mean fewer potential failure points, leading to lower maintenance risks. Additionally, electric vehicles do not require oil changes, meaning less exposure to chemicals.
Decreased Injuries
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), collisions involving electric vehicles resulted in lower injury rates for those involved compared to accidents involving gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles. While it is possible to still suffer from catastrophic injuries from a car accident involving an electric vehicle, studies show that the risk of injuries in an EV crash is much lower due to the implementation of advanced safety features.
Potential Dangers of Electric Cars
High-Temperature Battery Fires
Electric cars use high-voltage lithium-ion batteries, which, in rare cases, can pose fire or thermal runaway risks. Although modern electric vehicles are designed with safety features to mitigate these risks, battery fire incidents are not uncommon. Data from the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) shows that conventional fire suppression methods are less effective when dealing with electric vehicle fires than internal combustion engine vehicles due to the high battery temperatures.
Lack of Noise
Electric vehicles are much quieter than conventional vehicles. While electric vehicles lessen noise pollution, they can pose safety concerns for pedestrians and bicyclists who may not hear them approaching, especially in urban environments. To help combat this issue, the U.S. government recently established a minimum sound requirement for newer EVs. However, older electric vehicles can still have this issue.
Weather Safety
Electric cars can experience specific challenges in cold weather like those regularly experienced in The Quad Cities. Cold and extreme heat can significantly affect the battery’s efficiency in an electric car. Driving in extremely cold or hot weather without access to charging stations could lead to potentially dangerous situations. Electric car batteries use more energy in extreme temperatures, causing them to lose some of their charge.
Injured In an EV Car Accident? Contact WKC Law
While no vehicle is entirely risk-free, electric cars offer several safety advantages over gasoline-powered cars. Even though EVs tend to be safer, accidents are always possible no matter what car you drive.
If you or a loved one have been injured by the negligent or reckless actions of another, one of our Quad Cities personal injury attorneys will fight for you and see you receive a fair settlement. Our caring and compassionate lawyers will support you throughout your journey of seeking compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.
To get started on your claim, schedule your free case consultation. Reach us 24/7 by phone at (309) 794-1515, via LiveChat, or by filling out our contact form.