As EVs become popular, debate between them and gas-powered vehicles prominent. One concept highly debated is their safety compared to traditional vehicles.
Recently, the world has witnessed significant shift in how consumers perceive EVs. More people have increased their interest in electric vehicles. However, as this adoption rises, many think about the safety of this cutting-edge technology compared to their gas-powered counterparts. In the beginning, EVs had a reputation because of security concerns. However, manufacturers have found a way of maneuvering these safety issues and mitigating them. Today, accident claims from EVs are less compared to those of conventional vehicles.
Using an electric vehicle has numerous benefits like economic saving, ecological advantages, and practicality. However, one major benefit of EVs is their safety. This advantage has been attributed to various factors. This article will discuss factors that make electric vehicles safer than gas-powered vehicles.
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No Combustion Engine
Electric vehicles do not have a combustion engine. They run on electricity normally stored in the battery. On the other hand, conventional vehicles rely on a combustion engine that runs on diesel or gas. EVs do not produce emissions. That means they do not contribute to air pollution. Additionally, they do not have a fuel system, meaning their risk of fire is way lower compared to traditional vehicles. Their battery pack has built-in safety features that help prevent fires.
Battery Safety
There were stories about lithium-ion batteries catching fire. It led to consumers questioning whether the batteries were safe. With major adjustments and thorough caution, manufacturers have been able to upgrade battery quality for enhanced safety. Today, EVs are less likely to catch fire than gas cars. This has been possible because of the rigorous diagnostics and battery thermal inspection. Another reason why battery fires are rare in EVs compared to traditional vehicles is that the latter is powered by gas, a highly flammable substance.
Safety Features
In addition to safety, EV manufacturers have also added other safety features to the design. The common ones include:
Blind spot warning
With an EV, you can easily merge into lanes on the highway. The blind spot warning feature provides visual warnings when one is in a blind spot. Without the harsh lights, one can drive comfortably. The feature ones when you or the vehicle behind you is in the blind spot, ensuring safety when changing lanes.
Front collision warning
This feature helps prevent collision by warning fast. It offers another layer of safety by alerting drivers when there is a near collision on the front. It detects and can engage brakes automatically to prevent impact.
Adaptive cruise control
Distance and speed go hand in hand in EVs. This safety feature not only makes driving fun but has an advantage for the elderly. It ensures safer and more controlled driving. The adaptive cruise control adjusts speed based on traffic distance, helping one drive at a safe distance from the front vehicle.
Forward-rear collision system
In addition to front collision warning, another significant feature is the forward-rear collision system. It is like an extra set of eyes with braking capabilities and advanced warning to avoid collision.
Auto-dimming mirrors
The auto-dimming mirrors are great for people with light sensitivity. The blinding lights at night are potential hazards and could lead to accidents. The feature enhances safety by automatically dimming the lights to ensure the safety of other drivers.
Lane keep assist
Lane keep assists helps drivers to keep steady on the lane. It enhances safety by helping steering to maintain the vehicle at the center of the lane.
Automatic braking emergency
The feature detects a potential collision with other vehicles or an obstacle. It automatically brakes in case the driver is unable to respond on time.
Low Center of Gravity
An electric vehicle has a lower center of gravity compared to gas-powered ones. This low COG is due to the battery placement at the bottom of the car. The feature boosts the vehicle’s stability and lowers its risk of tripping over or rolling on other vehicles, even at high speed. Their counterparts have their fuel tank and engine on the top, making them more vulnerable to tripping over.
The lower center of gravity improves their performance and handling. The weight is evenly distributed across the vehicle. Therefore, an EV can easily and quickly turn and corner without tripping. This makes driving enjoyable and improves their safety.
Driving Safety
Electric vehicles are generally heavier compared to conventional ones. Mostly, the heavyweight comes from the battery. According to research, heavier and bigger vehicles have better crash protection compared to smaller and lighter ones, all other factors held constant. That does not mean that EVs are a threat to smaller vehicles. Their lower center of gravity due to their heavy battery prevents them from going over or falling on smaller cars.
Enhanced Brakes
As mentioned, electric vehicles are heavier than conventional ones. They are also equipped with larger and more powerful brakes. This ensures efficient and safe driving and stopping. Even better, some EVs have regenerative brakes that enhance braking and improve their center of gravity. These types of brakes recover their energy when braking, extending range and preventing frequent wear and tear.
Regenerative brakes also improve the driving experience and make the vehicles more efficient. They capture and store energy that is lost when braking. That way, it reduces the need for frequent recharging. Additionally, they provide a smooth and controlled braking experience. This makes driving enjoyable, comfortable, and safer.
Instant Torque
Instant torque refers to the electric motor’s ability to give optimal torque when stationary. That means electric vehicles accelerate faster than traditional vehicles. This can be a useful concept in dangerous situations. A gas-powered vehicle must rev up first before it can give maximum power output. This can take seconds. In contrast, electric vehicles give full torque, allowing them to accelerate quickly within seconds.
This feature provides safety benefits. For instance, a driver can quickly accelerate when changing lanes on merging highways. It also helps avert obstacles on the roads, like animals or fallen trees.
Wrapping Up
Electric vehicles are increasing in popularity. Even though they have a set of safety concerns, measures have been taken to mitigate them. The above features make electric vehicles safer compared to their gas-powered counterparts. These vehicles are giving consumers an option to make an eco-friendly choice without compromising safety.