In this opinion piece, Chris Pateman-Jones, CEO of Connected Kerb, outlines how electric vehicles, once labelled as ‘silent killers’, offer even more safety benefits than petrol or diesel counterparts.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are well known for creating a far quieter driving experience. However, EVs are not the ‘silent killers’ they were once labelled to be. In fact, the industry has made leaps and bounds to put the safety of drivers and pedestrians at the forefront of the transition to electric.
Campaign groups, such as SteerSafe, previously made claims that electric vehicles’ quieter nature posed a danger to pedestrians, and particularly people with visual and hearing impairments. In an important move to put the safety of everyone at the heart of the electric vehicle transition, this concern was quickly addressed.
Today, thanks to the UK and EU regulations which came into effect in 2019, all new electric and hybrid vehicles must be equipped with an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS), emitting sound when the vehicle is travelling at low speeds to alert pedestrians and cyclists.
The deadline to retrofit existing ‘quiet cars’ in 2021 means all vehicles will now be upgraded – so pedestrians and drivers alike can be confident that electric vehicles are just as safe as traditional fossil-fuel powered counterparts.
This means, whether it’s concerns around the sound of EVs on the roads or the likelihood of them catching on fire, drivers can rest assure that electric vehicles are just as safe, if not safer, than petrol or diesel alternatives.
In fact, EVs are 20 times less likely to catch on fire than diesel or petrol cars. The main difference are the advantages they bring to drivers, and road safety more generally.
As the uptake of EVs accelerates, it’s essential that we tackle the damaging misinformation surrounding their road safety. The global transition to EVs is vital to reduce harmful air pollution and slash carbon emissions, securing a better future for everyone.
EVs also offer a whole host of other, often overlooked, road safety benefits. One example is their ‘one pedal’ mode capability, enabling the vehicle to begin braking as soon as the driver lifts their foot from the accelerator, even before it’s put down on the brake pedal. Although there is limited data on this topic, driving in “one pedal” mode is thought to reduce reaction time, enhancing the driver’s ability to react to hazards.
Additionally, driving slower helps conserve an EV’s battery, according to the Energy Saving Trust, so many EV drivers make an active effort to drive at reduced speeds. While their primary aim is to conserve their charge, they’re also contributing towards safer roads in the process.
Due to where the battery packs are placed in an EV, they often have a lower centre of gravity which can increase vehicle stability. This helps to reduce the likelihood of the vehicle rolling over as a result of any impact.
Finally, the requirement to regularly charge an EV means that drivers are more likely to take frequent breaks on long journeys. The Highway Code recommends taking a break every two hours of driving to rest your eyes and maintain focus. Charging breaks mean EV drivers are more likely to take pitstops more often, refreshing themselves and having an increased level of focus and therefore safety.
In conclusion, EVs are tested to a rigorous standard – meeting the same safety standards of petrol and diesel cars, so they are incredibly safe on our roads. In fact, EVs offer a great deal of added safety benefits, from encouraging an increased number of breaks, to combating poor air quality, and to incentivising drivers to slow down.
With almost one million EVs on the road in 2023, it’s reassuring to know that they’re not only greener than petrol and diesel cars – they’re also just as safe.
Whilst I don’t fall out with the idea of EV’s i have a lot of concerns at this time.
1. The current battery technology uses Lithium which is mined, often by under age children, in appalling conditions.
2. We still don’t fully understand how to re-cycle old batteries and are storing up an environmental issue for the future, solve one problem create another !!!
3. whilst EV’s are 20 times less likely to catch fire then petrol/diesel, once they do they are 20 times more difficult to extinguish, due to to thermal runaway.
4. With the batteries being slung low down, if they do roll over onto their side there is a possibility they will roll back without warning.
5. The additional weight of the vehicles is slowly having an issue with some roads, especially those with old bridges, just imagine the weight of a couple of EV’s with passengers passing on a bridge with a weight limit.
6 Standardisation of charging at EV charging stations.
7. The full charging issue for rural communities, ( i live in Derbyshire and there are only 4 charging stations in the town and it would be very difficult to charge at home unless i have a cable all over the pavement), also the current state of the National Grid is struggling with the strain.
I do realise that a lot of these issues will be solved with the new gen of batteries due to come on line, which then gives the question:
what will happen to al the old Lithium batteries ???
I believe we are about 5 to 7 years behind where we need to be to have a smooth transition.
Stephen Hughes, Derby
+6
In my experience so far of EV, they are much faster than their diesel or petrol counterparts. I have driven the electrical version of my current diesel car and the acceleration and top speed are so much higher. I consider myself a skilled and experienced driver but the acceleration with very little pressure on the pedal caught me by surprise.
Excessive speed is one of the main contributory factors to KSIs in the UK so why are we manufacturing cars that go even faster so much quicker? How does that make our roads safer? If we are promoting EV as greener and safer shouldn’t speed restrictors have been included as standard to prevent speeding instead of making them so much faster?
Sharon, Warwickshire
+9
Observations show that EVs are generally driven in a way less likely to cause a collision – especially with drivers new to clutchless vehicles. Progess is smoother, with no unecessary acceleration and braking (common for drivers of cars with manual transmissions) speeds are steady and controlled and overall they seem to induce a much better (and safer) style of driving. Even if their approach is ‘silent’ and a pedestrian should unwittingly step out in the vehicle’s path, a slower speed in the first place and quicker (left-foot) braking means no collision!
Hugh Jones, Cheshire
--7
They weigh a lot more than older cars, especially with the current trend for SUV body styles, therefore they impart more energy in the event of collisions, and need more braking force and road grip in order to stop quickly.
There is also a trend for manufacturers to chase stupidly quick acceleration times even for “standard family cars”; this can promote wilder behaviours behind the wheel.
More cars = more crashes. Never lose sight of that!
Simon Taylor, Nottingham
+11