Are Electric Cars Safe?

Are electric cars safe?

The real question here should, perhaps be, are cars safe?

All vehicles are potentially dangerous and need to be treated with respect and care. There are, however, certain areas where specific concerns have been raised about EVs (electric vehicles) as interest continues to significantly increase among the environmentally conscious car-buying public. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about the safety of electric cars:

Can EVs catch fire and burn all night?

Yes, EVs have been known to catch fire, but then so have conventional cars – and there is no evidence to suggest that electric cars are any more likely to catch fire than other non-electric vehicles. The available statistics do not give a clear result one way of the other, but Tesla (one of the largest producers of electric cars) claim that a conventional car is eleven times more likely to catch fire than one of theirs.

Are EVs a cancer hazard waiting to happen?

Another regularly asked question is whether electric cars can cause cancer. This rumour has been circulated due to the extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) that they emit when running. There has been some research into these effects and the potential risks; but the results have, as yet, been inconclusive. The facts are that all electrical devices emit some level of these ELF EMFs and pose a potential hazard (this includes the electrical systems of conventional cars). The general consensus is that the levels in electric vehicles are far too small to constitute any more risk than most people already face in an average daily life.

EVs have been referred to as potential silent killers, due to the lack of engine noise. Concern is that this may catch some absent-minded pedestrians unaware. This is a potential hazard,  but surely the old ‘STOP, LOOK and LISTEN’ advice is still valid here – and in that order. Even so, some EV manufacturers have taken the steps of fitting microphones that emit sounds whilst EVs are travelling at low speed and there is talk about legislation to enforce this sort of solution in the future.

Will I get an electric shock from electric vehicles?

The risk of electric shock from an EV has also been highlighted as a potential issue. At the time of writing, as far as we are aware, there have been no recorded cases of people dying by being electrocuted by an EV. Motor vehicle engineers (mechanics) are usually given additional training to help minimise any potential risk while working on EVs in garages. Strict manufacturer legislation means that high levels of insulation must be fitted to protect passengers and drivers from exposure to live electrics in all vehicles – especially all-electric cars.