Many drivers, both new and old, are seriously considering making the switch to electric cars as these continue to gain popularity around the world. The benefits that can be derived from owning an electric vehicle can hardly be denied as they can range from environmental safety to financial savings. Through EVs, you are contributing to a cleaner environment by reducing tailpipe emissions while cutting down your expenses at the same time since you don’t need to purchase fuel oil.
Although buying an electric car will naturally involve upfront costs, this can have a significant impact on your wallet over the long-term. This is especially true if you think about rising fuel costs and regular maintenance which you won’t have to worry anymore if you’re happily driving an EV.
Simply put, there are many good reasons to own an electric vehicle. Still, skeptics have raised several concerns about its safety. Although there are always risks when trying new things, this may not readily apply to electric cars.
Are Electric Vehicles Safe?
There are six areas of concern where the safety and reliability of electric vehicles are being questioned. These include the following:
1. Battery Issue
The lithium-ion battery that is used to power an electric car is said to catch fire and explode, and this is a major safety concern. However, automobile manufacturers already know about this and have given several assurances that the battery is safe and completely crash-resistant. Coolant liquid is also used to cover the battery and since it’s significantly heavier than those found in gas-based vehicles, the chances of the battery moving during a crash is quite low.
2. Fire
According to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, fire was only found in about 2.6% of electric cars between 1993 and 2013, compared to 4.4% for internal combustion engines. This clearly shows that electric cars are less likely to catch fire.
3. Crash
Based on reports from CBS and ABC News, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tested several electric vehicles made by three of the most well-known car manufacturers, namely Tesla, Volvo, and Ford. The participating EVs passed a total of six crash tests and performed on the same level as traditional cars.
4. Injury
Based on a test conducted by the Highway Loss Data Institute, there is a 40% lesser chance of getting an injury when driving an electric car as opposed to car-related injuries involving gas-powered vehicles.
5. Electrocution
The batteries used by electric cars are sealed tightly and properly. They have also undergone numerous exposure tests that included rain and electricity and passed them all. If this was not the case, the manufacture of electric vehicles would have been stopped ages ago.
5. Flood
Electric cars can be driven safely on flooded streets per an auto body shop in St. Petersburg, FL. This is because they don’t have an engine or any complex gear system where water can get in and cause unwanted damage.
Additionally, all components of electric vehicles are rated IP66 and higher. IP stands for International Protection, the international rating system that electric cars must adhere to. The first number is for protection against dry elements, while the second is protection against water.
Taken as a whole, electric cars are commonly rated as IP66 which denotes protection against strong water. IP65 is another common rating and usually indicates protection against low water pressure.
Electric Cars and Internal Combustion Engines
Many people remain skeptical about electric vehicles given their familiarity with the nuances of driving gas-powered autos. However, there are many reasons battery-powered vehicles are safer and they include the following:
- Electric cars are less likely to catch fire because they have fewer moving parts. Gas-powered cars, meanwhile, can explode and go up in flames due to factors like mechanical failure.
- Flammable liquids are not allowed inside an electric car, unlike the traditional models. This reduces the possibility of large-scale explosions.
- Electric cars are better for the environment because they don’t emit any harmful pollutants, allowing people to breathe cleaner air. This is not the case with regular automobiles, which often produce thick and black smoke.
Key Takeaway
Even as electric vehicles continue to gain worldwide popularity, some people are still worried about their overall safety and road worthiness. However, areas of concern like flood, injury, and electrocution have already been clarified through numerous road tests, proving that electric cars are safe and worth driving regardless of outside conditions.
As car manufacturers make strides to improve safety and increase the existing features of EVs, there is hardly any doubt that these modern cars are here to stay. If you’re thinking of buying an electric car, you need to understand the basics of owning and driving one. it is also important that you only take your special vehicle to professional car shops where maintenance and repair services are top-notch.
