The safety of electric cars

Nissan Leaf

For many drivers tired of paying an arm and a leg at the pump, as well as for conservationists worried about the environment, electric cars represent the car of the future. This purely electric vehicle demonstrates the possibility of an utopian, pollution-free future – one without fuel dependency, in which the environment is respected.

This category of cars needs to go above and beyond the capabilities of traditional cars in order to win over apprehensive consumers. Buyers will need to be able to trust electric cars before these new cars can replace traditional cars for good.

One vital characteristic for drivers looking for any new car is its safety. Electric cars aren’t well trusted in this department, due to the myth that the battery inside the vehicle is likely to explode and cause fires. Unlike traditional cars, safety of electric cars depends upon the protection of their lithium ion batteries.

Due to highly flammable gasoline, traditional cars run the risk of catching fire. Though electric cars also have the risk of catching fire, this risk is currently being minimized thanks to newer battery technology. The battery packs designed for electric cars are similar to those for cellular phones and laptops. There have been reported cases of fires with those electronics as well that have caused the public to doubt the safety of electric car batteries. Currently, the risk of fire is reduced thanks to technology developed by Nissan that isolates the combustible battery within iron chambers. In the event of an explosion caused by an automobile accident, the fire will be contained within these chambers, protecting the passengers and the rest of the vehicle. The manufacturer, Volvo, has redesigned the location of the lithium ion batteries, placing them in a secure location, outside the high-impact collision zones.

Among other safety precautions, many electric car models, including prototypes by Tesla and Ford, include an impact detection system. This system can intentionally cause short-circuits, thus automatically disconnecting battery fuses at the point of impact. Cooling systems are also implemented to help cold air circulate throughout the vehicle while in use. This helps to ensure that the battery doesn’t overheat and cause an internal fire.

Sofia Sanchez

There is no need to worry about the safety of electric cars. Since they are made of dense materials, these vehicles offer the same level of safety and security that traditional cars do. Even lawyers dealing with auto-related accidents have seen less physical damage (for passengers and cars) in electric car collisions.

With the development of modern technology, one can predict that electric cars will become safer than traditional cars, mostly due to the lowered risk of fires.

Sofia Sanchez is an alumnus  of Florida International University. As an aspiring writer, she specializes in topics related to ecological advances.

2 Comments

• 
  Alex July 6, 2012 at 4:32 pm

  Electric cars are a very good option . Major manufacturers of cars are getting involved in development of electric cars now, so when the market grows, the electric cars will be at same point of traditional cars in speed, safety, price, etc.. Is only a question of time, very few time. Actually the worst workaround is the price, that will be solved very soon with the mass productions. Good article.

  Reply
• 
  Shawna July 1, 2012 at 4:50 am

  I recently looked into buying an electric car as a family runaround, However was very disappointed in what was on offer. People are used to a certain way of life that the usual electric car just can’t sustain.
  Many things you have discussed such as saftey, no gas costs, and slightly reduced insurance were explained to us by the overly friendly sales advisor, though after looking into it this is by no means the full picture. Many loyal mechanics will not touch an electric engine, so its a trip back to the manufacturer for even the simplest of breakdowns, and since its such a niche item could take days/weeks to come back!
  This is the equivelant to a ‘wing clip’ for the average working family, I would rather pay a fortune at the pumps than be standing at the bus stop with my 4 kids!

  Electric cars are a good idea, and greatly benefit the enviroment in the long run there’s no doubt about that!
  Though I for one will be waiting until a better executed model becomes available!

  Reply