When considering buying an electric vehicle (EV), many people focus mainly on the vehicle’s range. However, some folks are a bit uneasy about the large lithium-ion battery located under the car. These batteries have a reputation for catching fire, as seen in some incidents with Chevy Bolt vehicles. But, how real is this danger? Should it stop you from purchasing an EV?
The main safety concern with lithium-ion batteries is temperature control. If they get too hot, they can catch fire. If they get too cold, they might freeze and stop working permanently. The rates at which they charge and discharge also need careful regulation to avoid electrical fires. Over time, small flaws in the battery’s structure can cause short circuits and shorten its lifespan.
Fortunately, EVs come equipped with battery management systems, or BMS. These systems monitor various aspects of the battery’s health, issuing warnings and even cutting off power if necessary to prevent problems. Additionally, EV battery packs feature thermal management systems, usually involving a loop of liquid coolant flowing near the battery cells. Some designs use air cooling or directly weld battery cells to the car’s chassis to manage excess heat.
Since there is no engine at the front of an EV, the hood often houses a “frunk” or front trunk, which serves as a significant crumple zone in the event of a head-on collision. In Germany, there was a crash where this feature played a crucial role in preventing injuries. Crash tests support this advantage, with popular EVs like the Tesla Model 3, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Nissan Leaf all receiving five-star safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
While there is some concern about battery fires, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has tested 55 different EV models without encountering a single fire. Though rare, incidents like the 2019 crash of a speeding Tesla Model S have occurred.
Like any vehicle, EVs require certain precautions. Thankfully, modern EV technology is advanced enough to minimize many risks. These cars come with an impressive array of intelligent systems that monitor battery health and surroundings, enhancing safety. As technology advances, these safeguards are expected to improve even further.
Not every EV includes autopilot, and fully autonomous driving is still on the horizon. However, EVs generally have more smart driving features than conventional cars. Proximity sensors are a common safety feature, and rearview cameras are now standard in most cars. However, advanced features like lane assist and Tesla Autopilot add an extra layer of complexity.
A recent study in Germany found that cars capable of activities like passing, merging, and swerving on their own increase safety by 18%. Highway autopilot makes vehicles 5% safer. A 2018 review by AAA suggests that advanced driver assistance systems could prevent 40% of passenger vehicle crashes. Tesla’s own data indicates that autopilot drivers have nearly ten times fewer accidents per mile driven than the national average.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has started publishing monthly data on crashes involving advanced driving assistance technology. This data is still new and somewhat unclear, primarily noting whether cars had features like autopilot, and not whether these features were active at the time of a crash. From July 2021 to May 2022, 130 crashes were documented, with only 16 resulting in injuries, one of which was serious.
Despite this data, U.S. legislators remain cautious. Senators Edward Markey (D-MA) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) have praised the NHTSA’s investigations but expressed significant concerns about the safety of using autopilot systems. They argue that Tesla’s disregard for safety rules and its misleading statements about Autopilot make the roads more dangerous.