[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Every time an electric vehicle catches fire or gets into a particularly gruesome crash it seems to make national news. With more and more electric vehicles entering the marketplace and appearing on the roadways, the question of electric vehicle safety has become more important than ever. Are electric vehicles safe to drive? Well, most studies and crash tests show that electric vehicles are, on average, safer than conventional vehicles. However, the risk of experiencing injury in an electric vehicle collision remains.
There are numerous reasons as to why electric vehicles appear to be safer than conventional internal combustion vehicles. First, there seems to be a lower risk of fire. Though lithium ion batteries, the batteries used in most electric vehicles, are known to be prone to spontaneous combustion incidents (think laptops, hoverboards, and e-cigarettes), the rate of electric vehicle fires appears to be lower than traditional vehicles. Electric vehicle maker Tesla claims that traditional gasoline-powered vehicles are about 11 times more likely to be involved in a fire. In 2015, around 174,000 vehicle fires were reported across the U.S.
Second, the design of electric vehicles allows for more crumple zone protection and reduced risk of rollover. Without a large engine in the front of the vehicle, the area of the vehicle designed to take impacts is larger and more effective. The weight of the batteries on the bottom of electric vehicles create a lower center of gravity, making it more difficult to upend them. The weight distribution of EVs also creates added stability, reducing the chances of losing control of electric vehicles in the first place.
Third, the overall composition of EVs makes them heavier than standard vehicles, adding additional protection during certain types of collisions. Specifically, the added weight in hybrid electric vehicles has been linked to reduced odds of injury in a collision.
With these advantages, electric cars do appear to be safer for passengers when they are involved in an accident, but no amount of safety features can prevent some injuries from occurring in the event of a serious car collision. The Law Offices of Scott Warmuth helps the injured victims of car crashes obtain medical care, pursue insurance claims, and seek financial compensation. If you've been injured in an accident, call us today at 888-517-9888 ro receive a free injury consultation.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
