Shocking Truth: Are Electric Cars More Prone to Accidents?

Shocking Truth: Are Electric Cars More Prone to Accidents?

With electric vehicles (EVs) rapidly gaining popularity on our roads – making up over 8.8% of new car registrations in the first half of this year – it's natural for concerns about their safety to emerge. A recent study by insurer Axa sheds light on a surprising trend: electric cars are involved in 50% more traffic accidents than their petrol and diesel counterparts.

It's Not the Cars – It's the Drivers

But before you jump to conclusions about faulty technology or exploding batteries, here's the crucial twist: the higher accident rate has nothing to do with the EVs themselves, but everything to do with driver behaviour.

Axa's extensive research, including a survey of over 1,200 EV owners, debunks the myth of higher fire risks from batteries. In fact, electric cars are no more likely to catch fire than traditional combustion engine vehicles.

The Real Culprit: Instant Acceleration

So, what's causing the fender benders? According to Michael Pfäffli, head of accidents and prevention at Axa, it boils down to one key factor: the incredibly fast and sharp acceleration of electric motors.

"We have seen in our statistics that drivers of electric vehicles cause 50 per cent more collisions than cars with internal combustion engines," explains Pfäffli. "Drivers of powerful electric cars in particular cause twice as many accidents as with standard cars."

Crash tests clearly demonstrate how quickly EVs can "shoot out of the starting blocks." Many drivers, especially those new to electric cars, simply aren't accustomed to this instant torque. They misjudge the acceleration, leading to unexpected surges and, ultimately, collisions. Axa's data shows that most accidents occur during acceleration, not braking.

How to Stay Safe in an EV

The takeaway? It's all about adjusting your driving style. If you're making the switch to an EV, remember that it's a different beast. Be mindful of the agile acceleration, handle the pedal with care, and always maintain a safe distance.

Interestingly, while EVs might be more accident-prone due to driving behaviour, they often fare better in collisions. Their heavier build, thanks to those batteries, means the lighter car in a crash typically sustains more damage.

Drive Smart, Embrace the Power

So, as the electric revolution continues, let's all drive smart and embrace the power responsibly!

References:

1. Axa Study on Electric Vehicle Accidents – Axa Insurance Group, 2024.

2. EV Fire Risk Myth Debunked – Axa Survey of 1,200 EV Owners, 2024.

3. UK New Car Registration Data – Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), 2024.