Safety
How do EVs perform in crash tests?
The electric drivetrain provides more flexibility in vehicle design and this enables better designs from safety perspectives too. In general, EVs get excellent safety ratings on crash tests. Crash test results are included in the EV Info List and you can look at more detailed reports on the IIHS website.
Are EVs safe in crashes?
There are risks in car crashes but EVs are as safe, if not safer, than traditional cars. "Are Electric Cars Safer in Collisions?" (Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen, P.C.)
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How do batteries behave in a fire?
Battery fires are almost always caused by some kind of accident where the vehicle battery container shell is punctured, causing a short circuit which overheats the batteries. The best way to put out a battery fire is to use a lot of water. First responders don’t have to be worried about getting a shock from the battery when cooling it with water because there is no potential difference between a DC battery and the ground."How Tesla and Other EV Battery Fires Challenge First-Responder Tactics" (Consumer Reports)
What do first responders need to know about EVs?
Basic instructions for approaching an EV are very similar to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. Here are some good resources:
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Tesla first responder training video that also provides an electric 101.
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"NFPA's Alternative Fuel Vehicles Safety Training (National Fire Protection Association)
Is it safe to charge an electric car in the rain?
Yes, it is. Since electricity is stored in batteries inside the EV and there isn’t potential difference between the battery (and EV) and the ground, there is no risk of shock from the car. This means that the only risks would be from the grid-connected charging cable. When these cables are not connected to the car, there is only a harmless low voltage pilot signal present. When the connector is pushed to the car, the pilot signal checks the car’s readiness for charging and the system confirms that there are no ground leaks. After all these checks have been performed the charging station energizes the power circuit and starts charging. (Wikipedia)
Any major concerns about EV charging?
When you get an EV, have an electrician inspect the wiring that is involved with EV charging and upgrade the system if parts of the circuit are not up to code. If you use the Level 1 cordset for charging we would recommend installing a new, high-quality 120V outlet for that. Also, make sure that your Level 1 cord set is well supported and doesn’t just hang from the outlet. "Level 1 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at the Workplace" (U.S. Department of Energy)
