Are electric vehicles safe?

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Yes, EVs are as safe as any other car on the road, and often much safer.

The EPA explains that the rigorous safety standards, testing procedures, and regulations imposed on gasoline-powered vehicles also extend to electric ones. In fact, electric vehicles (EVs) are equipped with additional safety features that automatically deactivate the electrical system upon detecting a collision or short circuit.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), an independent organization dedicated to enhancing vehicle safety, conducted two studies demonstrating that EVs are on par with, if not safer than, their gasoline counterparts in terms of injury claims. EV riders benefit from advanced safety technologies, many of which come standard on electric cars.

Contrary to popular belief, battery electric vehicles have the lowest risk of fire compared to gasoline cars and hybrids. Their high-voltage batteries are equipped with automatic disconnects in case of a collision, supplemented by manual disconnects for emergency responders and mechanics. Fire departments nationwide are undergoing training to effectively manage EV battery fires.

EVs are typically engineered with heavy battery packs positioned at the bottom of the vehicle, resulting in a low center of gravity. This configuration not only provides exceptional cornering and handling but also reduces the risk of rollovers.

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