New evidence hints that EVs are at least as safe as conventional ones, with two more vehicles that run solely on battery power earning safety mentions from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. What’s more, an updated analysis of insurance data shows that car accident claims are significantly less frequent for these vehicles.
Traffic-related fatalities are the 8th leading cause of death for people of all ages – ahead of illnesses like tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS – and the number one cause of death for young adults and children. Because of the mechanics inside them and the way they are driven, electric cars could play a critical role in making our roads faster. On the other hand, charging an EV might take longer than filling up a tank of petrol, and a normal full charge won’t get you as far as a typical full tank.
Despite that, anecdotal evidence shows that EV drivers are warrier at conserving energy and drive differently as a result. They tend to drive more slowly in order to save a car’s charge and stick to the speed limit of 70 miles per hour rather than going faster on driveways.
Another aspect of driving an EV, especially on long journeys, is taking an extended break charge. EV drivers have to wait while their battery charges rather than just loading up the tank of petrol and being on the way. However, time may vary depending on the type of charger being used and the capacity of the battery, it’s unusual for EV owners to wait more than half an hour at a service for a charge.
If you’re on a long journey and notice the signs across the driveway imploring you to “take a break”, you will know that stopping to recharge, and maybe grab a coffee and something to eat, helps concentration on long journeys. However, it’s just about drivers’ habits. EVs involve additional features that make them safer than traditional cars, too.
Safety Advances in Electric Cars
● Comfortable & Responsive
While the environmental benefits of EVs are well known, even more so when they run on renewable electricity, their wider safety benefits are less well understood.
One of the things you will notice in electric vehicles is the car’s quietness, which creates a relaxing, comfortable driving experience. But there’s more to EVs than can meet our eyes.
One of the first advantages of driving an electric car is the instant torque from the electric motor, which gives a responsive acceleration, making it fit for urban driving. Then there’s the regenerative braking when slowing down the accelerator, which sends back energy into the battery, improving its efficiency and making braking easier.
● Less likely to be seriously injured
One of the most common features of an EV is its silence. Unlike traditional diesel and petrol engines, electric vehicles move silently, which can harm pedestrians, especially those with a hearing impairment.
However, this should not discourage you from getting your first EV – the good news is that all-electric vehicles are equipped with an acoustic alert system (AVAS), which notifies you when you’re travelling below 12mph.
● Less stressful driving
One study shows that driving in a more comfortable and silent environment can have significant mental health benefits.
The research pointed out that EV drivers felt less stressed, calmer, and happier while driving an electric taxi compared to a traditional version. The study results highlighted the fact that quitter driving helps drivers access a more concentrated state of mind.
Where there’s no engine rumble and other distractions, you’re able to drive in a more focused, calm manner. This improved concentration allows electric car owners to pay attention to cyclists, spot pedestrians and other susceptible road users.
You will often hear that a lack of driving range in EVs is a major downside. But, with a little effort of thought, you can see this as an advantage. From a safety and health perspective, a lack of available range in electric cars could be an advantage because it will mean that you can stop to take a break, grab your coffee, and eat something while you charge your vehicle.
With a rising variety of rapid EV chargers being deployed across the state roads and driveways, there are more opportunities for you to take a half to one hours break while rapidly charging your car.
● Reduced fatigue on long distances
Ensuring that you take a regular break on your long journey can reduce stress and fatigue associated with driving long distances.
The driving experience isn’t the only beneficial thing for EV drivers – the ability to charge your electric car at home is a growing benefit because of the convenience and the control it provides. All you have to do is park the EV in front of the house, plug the car in, set the charging timer and go on with your daily routine. The next morning the car will be fully charged, and you can leave to work with a full tank every day.
Another advantage of charging your electric car at home is the ability to pre-condition. This allows drivers to get behind the wheel of a car that’s already air-conditioned or heated, rather than having to turn the engine on and wait.
The precondition system uses a set time to pre-set a temperature by the time you are ready to leave. If the vehicle is charging during this time, even better: the energy required to reach a comfortable temperature won’t affect the levels of energy stored in the battery.
You can start the day with a fully charged battery without stressing about the inside temperature, which is energy-intensive.