Please be advised that the following topic is for informational purposes only and not a legal matter currently handled by our firm. If you need further assistance regarding this particular topic, you can contact your local Bar Association for a referral to an attorney who may be able to address your inquiry in more detail.
If you are an electric car owner or considering purchasing an electric car, you’re not alone. Electric vehicles (EVs) have been gaining in popularity over the past few years. In 2021 alone,
to set a new record of 6.6 million. And now, more EVs are sold each week than how many were sold in the whole of 2012.
However, despite the growing popularity of electric cars, many still have concerns about their safety compared to traditional gas vehicles. Understandably, anything new that hits the market will undergo scrutiny until it is proven to be a safe and effective product, including new models of cars.
In California, electric vehicles are extremely popular, especially due to the state’s goal of having 1.5 million zero-emission vehicles on the roads by 2025. However, even though EVs are quite common, there are still plenty of California car accidents involving electric cars.
But are these accidents happening because the vehicles are electric, or are they just happening for the same reasons any other car accident occurs?
In other words, are electric cars safer than gas cars? Read on to find out.
Electric Car Safety Reports
A recent study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) shows that “electric vehicles are at least as safe as conventional ones.”
In fact, recent car model releases have qualified for TOP SAFETY PICK awards, including the 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge, The Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Audi e-tron, and the Tesla Model 3.
The report from IIHS also states that insurance data is showing substantially fewer injury claims for those with electric vehicles.
The Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) also conducted a study that shows insurance claims for EVs are 40% lower than for conventional model cars. They also found that EVs show significantly lower frequencies of collisions.
How Are Electric Cars Safer Than Gas Cars?
Based on recent reports, electric cars do appear to be safer or at least just as safe as regular gas vehicles. But what exactly is it about electric car safety that makes them so safe?
- Fewer fires and explosions: Are the batteries in electric cars safe? Despite recent recalls for lithium-ion batteries found in electric cars, the risk of an explosion or fire due to these batteries is exaggerated. EVs actually have a lower risk of fire compared to gas cars because they are designed with insulated high-voltage lines and safety features that deactivate the electrical system when a collision is detected.
- Lower center of gravity: Also because of the way they are designed, EVs have a lower center of gravity, meaning they are less likely to roll over in an accident.
- Advanced tech: Many EVs aren’t just advanced because they are electric, but they also often come equipped with many other advanced electric car safety features. These include automatic braking systems, lane assist features, collision alert systems, pedestrian detection, blind spot alerts, and high beam assist.
- Collision testing: Though electric cars have a lower center of gravity, they tend to be quite heavy. And during collision testing, this has shown that drivers and passengers are exposed to lower forces when an accident occurs.
Potential Dangers of Electric Cars
There is still the question, are electric cars safer than gas cars? But remember, no car is perfect. And whether a car is dangerous often actually comes down to the person driving the vehicle and how careful or mindful they are.
However, there is one problem with EVs that has been noted as a potential safety issue, and that is the lack of noise. Electric cars are much quieter than conventional cars. And while this is nice for the driver or passengers, it is not as great for pedestrians or bicyclists.
People walking around outside or riding their bikes often rely on their hearing to detect whether a vehicle is approaching or getting too close. But with electric cars being so quiet, it’s not as easy for pedestrians or cyclists to detect them, which means their risk of being hit increases.
This can also be a major problem for pedestrians with disabilities, such as people who are blind. They rely heavily on their hearing to help them detect cars and other dangers around them. So the fact that EVs are so quiet poses a potential problem.
We Handle Your Electric Car Accident Claim So You Can Focus On Your Life
If you or a loved one are involved in an accident involving an electric car, our team of experienced car accident attorneys can assist you. EVs are quite popular in California, so we have seen many cases involving these kinds of cars, and know what it takes to ensure our clients’ rights are protected.
Let the team at Sally Morin help you navigate your car accident claim so you can get the compensation you deserve and focus on rest and recovery. Call us at 877-380-8852 or contact us online today for a free case evaluation.
