Electric vehicles are gaining in popularity. In 2022, purchases of transports increased 65 percent to reach more than 800,000, accounting for nearly six percent of all new vehicle sales. Government initiatives and tax credits could help to achieve their goal of e-vehicle sales accounting for 50 percent of the entire market by 2030.
While EV supporters see it as a way to reduce, if not eliminate, carbon emissions caused by cars, safety risks are coming to light as they grow in prominence.
Potentially deadly dangers
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) sounded the alarm over their concern about safety risks caused by the heavier EVs crashing into much lighter vehicles. An official cited the weight of electric GMC Humvees weighing 9,000 pounds, with the battery accounting for nearly a third of that weight.
By way of comparison, the EV battery weighs as much as a standard Honda Civic and other similarly sized vehicles.
Bigger is better when it comes to the marketability of battery-powered cars. The more a battery weighs, the longer the range without having to stop for charging, an attractive perk for consumers. Work continues on putting more energy into reduced mass. Still, the combination of weight and the ability to accelerate faster than most other vehicles presents deadly dangers on roads throughout the United States.
Heavier vehicles rule the roads, with sales of trucks and SUVs skyrocketing over the past decade. However, when it comes to accidents, fossil fuel-powered vehicles may not stand a chance if they collide with a significantly weightier EV.
The formula of mass combined with speed can turn any vehicle into a deadly weapon. However, EVs are presenting a more clear and present danger in spite of the environmental benefits they may have in the long run.
Subscribe To This Blog’s Feed