EV Safety: Heavy Electric Vehicles Pose Risk
EVs are safer than fossil fuel vehicles for drivers and passengers, but heavy electric vehicles could raise the stakes for roadway collisions. Industry researchers have found that the average weight of electric cars is substantially higher than that of traditional vehicles, with many EVs tipping the scales at over 6,000 pounds. That dramatic increase in weight adds devastating inertia to collisions that already claim the lives of nearly 50,000 Americans per year.
Electric Car Weight: A Big Deal
All cars, including fossil fuel trucks and SUVs, have gotten noticeably bigger over the past two decades. Vehicle bloat, also known as autobesity, is already raising safety concerns among industry experts.
But those fears are dwarfed by the risk posed by heavy electric vehicles. The average EV weight has increased as manufacturers have put larger batteries into bigger chassis to meet two consumer priorities; Americans love big SUVs and have crippling range anxiety.
One of the first commercially available EVs, the Nissan Leaf, was 3,339 pounds. Designed for short commutes, it was small and light, with a substantially shorter range to match. On the other end of the spectrum, GMC’s Hummer EV weighs more than 9,500 pounds, a full 2,000 pounds more than Rivian’s production EV pickup.
The Dangers of Electric Cars vs. The Benefits
Despite slowing growth, there’s no doubt that electric vehicles are the future. Electrification offers plenty of benefits to the planet and drivers, who enjoy:
Lower costs of ownership
Fewer mechanical issues
Better performance, including faster acceleration
The weight of electric vehicles is a serious risk to other road users, though few legislators are looking to regulate EV weight; they’ve done nothing to address autobesity, either.
Mitigating the Risk
Vehicle weight disparity is at the heart of the problem. As more EVs hit the road, we’ll see more collisions - and consequences - of heavy vehicles on lighter ones. Regulators may be able to reduce the risk by introducing weight restrictions on EVs or removing tax credits on electric vehicles over 6,000 pounds. This may also keep EV prices in check and push manufacturers to focus on battery cell efficiency improvements instead of simply building larger batteries.
A Well-maintained Car Is a Safe Car
For over forty years, Garfield Auto Service Center has helped northern Michigan drivers adapt to changing transportation technology. Keep your gasoline car going for the long haul with fast, professional service you can count on. Call (231) 929-3862 or schedule your appointment today.