As petrol costs rise, electric cars are becoming increasingly sought-after. Once limited to the wealthy, EVs are becoming more affordable as the technology becomes less expensive and simpler to produce, striking a chord with customers looking for more reliable options.
Although electric vehicles have many advantages over traditional cars, the question is whether they pose any dangers in accidents.
One of the biggest dangers of electric cars in accidents is the potential fire hazard. The lithium-ion batteries can catch fire due to overheating. Additionally, since EVs barely produce noise, accidents with pedestrians are common since they don’t hear the engine revving up to them.
While EVs are renowned for being safer than conventional vehicles, in the end, they’re still machines — and machines can malfunction sometimes. In this article, we’ll look at a few of the dangers EVs pose in accidents and what you can do to look after your vehicle.
Some Dangers Of Electric Cars
Even if EV manufacturers perfect the art of electric car production, it will probably be difficult for them to negate some of the risks that EV cars pose entirely. These risks are a real concern if, unfortunately, you get into an accident.
Fire Hazard In Accidents
Lithium-ion batteries, whether used in vehicles or electronic gadgets, can catch fire due to damage. Even though any type of flammable fuel does not power EVs, there’s still a chance that they may catch fire in an accident.
Lithium-ion Batteries
The problem arises because of the use of liquid electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries. The electrolytes are highly-volatile and combustible when running at high temperatures. An external force, such as a collision, often causes these electrolytes to leak and catch fire.
A lithium-ion battery has a significantly smaller operating temperature range of roughly 15 to 45 degrees, while conventional automobiles can function in temperatures ranging from -30 to +50 degrees Celsius. Therefore, it is vital to stay within the specified temperature range.
If you drive your EV in scorching temperatures, ensure you utilize the cooling management and monitoring system to prevent the battery from overheating.
Apart from accidents, an EV can catch fire due to a flaw in the battery’s production, as manufacturing flaws are known to cause an EV to catch fire. Another reason could be an electrical short in the system, although that rarely happens with EVs.
Thermal Runaway In EVs
Thermal runaway is the formal term given to an excessive and unprecedented rise in temperature of a lithium-ion battery, which can cause smoke, fire, and, worst case, an explosion.
The combustible gases inside a lithium-ion battery can often cause an outburst of flames, and if this occurs, passengers only have limited time to escape the vehicle.
Electrocution
While electrocution is quite rare in EVs, it can still cause significant damage or harm to individuals in case of an accident. As EVs operate between 200 and 800 volts, anyone who comes into contact with a bare connector can be in grave danger, especially first responders, who are among the first to arrive at the crash scene.
Moreover, accidents can often cause wires to break loose or come apart causing them to dangle underneath your car. While usually, they can’t harm you by themselves, if those loose wires come into contact with a wet surface on a rainy day or a paddle, this could give you a major electric shock.
EVs And Danger To Pedestrians
One of the most common concerns about EVs is that they produce a dangerously low sound, unlike traditional cars. While the absence of noise isn’t itself a problem, it can be potentially hazardous for pedestrians, especially blind people who rely on sounds to identify where vehicles are running.
There’s a big chance that these people will be unable to hear EVs coming at them and unintentionally run into them.
The actual danger comes when EVs move at speeds slower than 20 mph. At that speed, EVs barely produce noise due to minimum tire friction compared to when they’re moving faster than 20 mph.
Tips On Staying Safe With An EV
While EVs offer great security and comfort, they’re not invincible machines. The best you can do is follow some safety measures to prevent getting yourself severely injured in case of an accident. Here are some tips that you can follow to ensure your and your vehicle’s safety:
Use The Battery Wisely
The first thing you should understand about your EV is its battery. An EV’s lithium-ion battery isn’t meant nor designed to withstand hot temperatures, as that can make them susceptible to damage. Consequently, EV owners should avoid storing their vehicles in extremely hot conditions.
It is also essential to understand that frequently overcharging a battery can damage it and consequently increase the chances of an explosion. Ideally, you should charge your vehicle up to 80 or 90%. Constant use of Level 3 chargers also degrades your car’s battery life quicker, so it’s best to charge your vehicle using a Level 2 charger.
Invest In Non-Flammable Batteries
EV technology is snowballing and becoming more adept at delivering on its environmental and financial advantages. The good news is that you can choose non-flammable batteries for the electrical components of your EV to minimize the chances of a fire hazard in accidents.
These batteries can perform just as well as any ordinary lithium-ion battery and at half the cost!
FAQs
When Should I Service My Electric Car?
You should service your EV twice a year. This servicing should entail tire rotations and checking the mechanical system. These service checks will increase your battery’s lifespan. You also need to replace a battery that’s been used for more than eight years.
What Is The Battery Management System In An EV?
All electric cars have a battery management system (BMS) designed explicitly for the EV. This system regulates the flow of electricity in and out of the battery and extends
its lifetime.
What Are Supplemental Batteries In An EV?
Supplemental or auxiliary batteries provide electrical energy to various electrical components inside your EV. If the primary battery fails, these batteries will keep charging the vehicle.
Conclusion
Electric cars, despite being considerably safer than conventional fossil fuel-powered vehicles, do pose some potential hazards in case of accidents, including fire outbreaks and electrocution.
While you cannot completely avoid accidents, you can stay on the safe side by observing some safety tips we’ve mentioned above. Safe driving!
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