If you are considering driving an electric car, you may be wondering about its safety. Unlike gasoline vehicles, electric cars are not yet as standardized and their technology may pose new risks. However, there are some things you should know to ease your concerns and feel prepared.
Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular, with annual sales on the rise and projections of 1 million units sold per year in the near future. With millions of electric cars on the road, you may encounter unfamiliar technology. For example, did you know that these cars have a large lithium-ion battery that you are sitting on?
Battery
It is understandable to have concerns about the safety of the battery in an electric car. One potential worry is the possibility of the battery catching fire due to temperature issues. Such incidents have happened in the past with smaller batteries in devices like mobile phones, so it is natural to wonder about the risks posed by the much larger batteries in electric cars.
Despite the potential risks associated with electric car batteries, manufacturers have implemented safety features to mitigate these risks. The Battery Management System (BMS) continuously monitors the battery’s status and alerts the driver if any irregularities, such as high or low temperatures, are detected. In more severe cases, the BMS can even shut down the vehicle.
However, it is important to note that the BMS is not foolproof and may also experience malfunctions. Therefore, the risk of battery-related incidents is still present, such as fires caused by extreme temperatures, short circuits, or improper charging. Nevertheless, liquid coolant systems are also in place to regulate battery temperatures, reducing the likelihood of such incidents.
Smart features
While fully autonomous cars are not yet a reality, electric vehicles are increasingly incorporating intelligent functions that simplify their use and make day-to-day driving easier. The statistics strongly support the presence of this technology, and it is likely that we will continue to see more advanced features in electric cars in the future.
When comparing the frequency of accidents between cars equipped with Autopilot and those without, the results are highly favorable for the former. Multiple studies support this claim, indicating that advanced control systems can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. However, there is still a lot of research to be done since the statistics are often ambiguous, and it is not always clear if the control systems were active during the accidents. Nevertheless, this technology should be considered a positive step forward, and if the electric car you are considering buying has it, it should be viewed as a beneficial feature.
Accidents
In the event of an accident with an electric car, it’s important to consider the safety of the passengers and how the vehicle will react to the impact. Contrary to popular belief, the risk of the battery catching fire as a result of a collision is not as high as one may think. While it’s possible, it’s not a common occurrence. However, it’s still important to acknowledge the potential risks and take necessary precautions.
Another important factor to consider is how the electric car receives the impact in case of an accident. In traditional vehicles, the engine located in the front makes it susceptible to damage during a collision, due to its size and weight. However, electric cars are different in this regard. The space that would be used for the engine in traditional cars is utilized as the interior of the electric car, with various applications and features. This space absorbs the impact and deforms, providing a protective barrier for the passengers. Additionally, the chassis and other parts of the car are also designed to increase protection in risky situations, further enhancing safety. This design ensures that the electric car has a higher chance of protecting the passengers in the event of a collision.
Conclusions about your safety
Based on the factors we have discussed and real-life accidents, it can be concluded that electric cars are generally safe. However, it is important to note that they are not completely immune to accidents. While driving an electric car, one cannot assume complete protection and must remain vigilant. Nonetheless, the advancements made in electric car safety provide a reassuring perspective on the level of security they offer.
Despite the safety features of electric cars, incidents involving Tesla vehicles have still occurred, and not all of them have had positive outcomes. Nevertheless, electric cars are continually evolving and expanding their reach, as well as improving and finding new ways to persuade drivers. As safety technology continues to improve, it is likely that experts and drivers alike will increasingly view electric cars as a reliable and safe mode of transportation.
