The latest arguments from opponents of electric vehicles focus on safety. Once again, they are completely wrong.
As we saw a few days ago, there is a debate about the fact that electric cars emit no engine noise at low speeds, which can sometimes lead to tricky situations with other road users, especially pedestrians.
Beyond this observation, it is sometimes said – often by the usual detractors who never lack for slightly twisted arguments – that electric cars are dangerous for various other reasons.
Among these, apart from their unbearable silence, we also find their excessive torque (I even recently read that it should be limited or prohibited, yes indeed) and its corollary, power. This also includes overly abrupt accelerations that are difficult to control, the one-pedal driving that could cause electric vehicle drivers to forget to brake, or even have ineffective brakes due to lack of use, and, while we’re at it, the fact that electric cars drive too slowly on highways due to their insufficient range for Jean-Kevin Diesel to drive 1000 km non-stop at 140 km/h in the left lane.
Not to mention all those Teslas that accelerate on their own, and electric cars that spontaneously catch fire.
In short, real public dangers.
From clichés to reality, the great divide of misconceptions
So, at the risk of disappointment, all these criticisms are not really in line with reality, and are more of a product of fantasies from brains that have a tendency to indulge in thinking slightly disconnected from the truth, fueled by a hint of conspiracy theory.
Regarding the issue of silence, the debate is almost closed since 2019, as electric and hybrid cars are now required to be equipped with AVAS, the system that emits an audible sound for pedestrians below 20 km/h. While not a perfect solution, it can help avoid some unpleasant encounters. Note that this would be the first time someone said that silence kills…
As for power and the enormous instant torque, it’s all about control. It is obviously not advisable to put a Tesla Model 3 Perf or Model S Plaid in the hands of an 18-year-old who has just obtained their license with no experience, as the quiet operation and ease of driving can quickly give the illusion that one is aboard a friendly and docile toy, when in fact a beast lies beneath the hood, ready to pounce at the slightest provocation. However, in reality, this is not the most common scenario, and the owners of these types of vehicles generally know how to control what they have under their foot. In fact, in terms of control, there is nothing more precise and progressive than the accelerator of an electric vehicle, which feels directly connected to the brain. In this regard, Tesla is the undisputed master, allowing almost anyone to drive their cars by precisely adjusting to their needs. In short, your grandmother can drive a Plaid and never know she is sitting among 1025 horsepower.
Furthermore, power can be controlled through software, so if you lend your Tesla, you can restrict it as you wish with the Valet mode, so the borrower doesn’t crash on the first acceleration.
Regarding one-pedal driving (regenerative braking until a complete stop), this convenient feature is so popular among those who have tried it that they would never go back to a vehicle without it. And it doesn’t seem to pose any particular safety issue. Of course, there is a small learning curve, but it is very quick to master. Once you have mastered this feature, it is more of a source of serenity that promotes smoother driving, the opposite of a hypothetical danger. Not braking does not mean not stopping, let alone causing havoc at the first slowdown. As for brake discs, pads, and calipers becoming ineffective due to infrequent use, simply brake properly from time to time to “deglaze” the system, and the issue is resolved.
There is also the issue of the weight of electric vehicles, which is higher than equivalent models of gasoline vehicles. Higher weight means additional inertia and greater risk of injury in the event of a collision with a lighter vehicle for the occupants of the latter. This is why manufacturers are trying to reduce the overweight of electric cars, especially by working on efficiency to reduce the size of batteries. Although the standard seems to be around 2 tons, some EVs are lighter, such as the Tesla Model 3 (around 1.8 tons), the MG4 (from 1.6 to 1.8 tons), and the Citroën ëC3 (1.4 tons). In the compact category, a Fiat 500e and an electric R5 weigh between 1.3 and 1.4 tons depending on the versions.
Insurance rates remain stable
Insurance companies regularly publish statistical studies based on collected data, which allow them to establish and adjust their rates. Despite the catastrophe predicted by anti-EV doomsayers, not much has ultimately happened, and electric vehicle insurance rates have not skyrocketed in recent years, apart from the usual increases applied to all models, including gasoline vehicles. Probably indicating that, despite some occasionally sensational announcements, electric vehicles do not cause more accidents than gasoline vehicles. However, it should be noted that the most recent known study, by AXA, dates back almost 2 years. We will need to wait for more recent or updated statistics to get a better picture of the accident rate of electric vehicles compared to equivalent gasoline models.
Then there is the matter of electric vehicle fires. Here too, without denying that it can happen, it is important to keep things in perspective. Because, on an equal footing, studies show that electric vehicles catch fire much less frequently than gasoline vehicles. However, fires mostly due to batteries are indeed much more difficult to contain. But suppliers and manufacturers are working on the issue. For example, Renault equips its electric models with a kind of anti-fire valve, the “Fireman Access”, a part that melts from heat to create an opening for direct access to the battery for firefighters’ hoses. The battery is then flooded in less than a minute.
In conclusion, drive electric and sleep soundly (but not while driving), things should be just fine.