With technological advancements and more brands manufacturing EVs, prices have gone down consistently. EVs have had problems in the past ranging from electrocution risks for first responders to thermal runaway. But there’s nothing to worry about now. Electric vehicles are safer than they’re ever been. With their rising popularity, it’s obvious that they are safer than gas-powered vehicles.
What makes EVs safer than gas-powered vehicles?
When the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tested the Tesla Model 3 for crashworthiness tests. It scored the highest any sedan ever has for roof-crush protection. Audi e-Tron and Volvo XC40 Recharge also received high ratings. Coming to the question, gas-powered vehicles have an internal combustion engine that uses fuel, making them inherently dangerous. EV battery packs are combustible too but nowhere close to a combustion engine.
Electric vehicles also don’t have a front-mounted engine, which only means they are sturdier and will protect you better in a crash. Lastly, EVs have a low center of gravity, which means they won’t rollover easily.
Do EVs have any safety issues?
No car is perfect, whether electric or gas-powered. One common issue that all EVs face is thermal runaway, a chain reaction set off by the battery when it starts burning. During an unfortunate accident, the Rimac Concept One lit on fire and authorities reported the car would keep lighting on fire for weeks after the crash. Bigger automakers like Volvo are working on a technology to elevate this issue. On the other hand, fire departments and emergency medical personnel have teamed up with Tesla and Volvo to develop best practices for handling EV accidents.
Are there any safety advances in electric vehicles?
There are free things that make EVs way safer than gas-powered vehicles.
Air quality
They don’t produce carbon monoxide, a byproduct of fuel combustion. It is a harmful gas and in elevated amounts it can cause breathing problems, chest pain, drowsiness, and dizziness among others.
Flammability
Lithium-ion batteries replace the internal combustion engine of traditional vehicles, making them a safer choice. They also have a protective cooling shroud filled with coolant that prevents short circuit or external damage.
Maintenance
No oil change every 5,000 km, no fixing broken down parts. EVs only have 20 moving parts compared to over 2,000 moving parts in a traditional car.
Heavier than gas-fueled cars
The principal rechargeable energy storage system in EVs is heavier than a gas-powered internal combustion engine. During a collision between two cars, the heavier one gets less deceleration. As an EV owner, you put the occupants at a lower risk.
Best EVs for Canadian roads
When purchasing an EV, look for a car with all-electric driving range, low fuel consumption equivalent, and within your budget. A healthy budget would be $35,000 as most EVs cost over that. If fuel efficiency is important to you, Tesla Model 3 Mid Range, Tesla Model Y Long Range, and Hyundai Kona Electric are good choices. EVs with the best driving range include Tesla Model X, Hyundai Ioniq Electric, and Tesla Model Y.
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