When considering a new vehicle purchase, safety is undoubtedly one of the key factors driving the decision-making process. Over the years, both conventional cars and electric cars have made significant advancements in their safety features. This comparative study explores these safety features in detail, highlighting the similarities and differences between conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and electric vehicles (EVs).
Structural Safety
Conventional Cars: Conventional cars have long benefitted from advancements in structural safety. Features like crumple zones, reinforced passenger compartments, and side-impact protection systems have been refined over decades. Modern ICE vehicles often use high-strength steel and advanced materials to create rigid but energy-absorbing structures.
Electric Cars: Electric vehicles also employ similar structural safety techniques but with added considerations for the battery pack’s location and protection. Many EVs have low centers of gravity due to the underfloor placement of the battery, which enhances stability and reduces rollover risks. Additionally, the absence of a large engine in the front allows for more effective crumple zones.
Battery Safety and Fire Risk
Conventional Cars:
The primary fire risk in conventional cars comes from the fuel system. Innovations such as fuel cut-off systems, better tank designs, and materials have reduced these risks significantly over time.
Electric Cars:
Electric cars face different fire risks mainly related to the battery pack. However, manufacturers have made substantial strides in battery safety, incorporating features like robust casing, cooling systems, and automatic disconnects to mitigate these risks. While incidents can occur, statistically, EV fires are less frequent compared to conventional car fires.
Active Safety Features
Conventional Cars:
Modern ICE vehicles are equipped with a plethora of active safety features. These include anti-lock braking systems (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), adaptive cruise control, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like lane departure warnings, blind-spot detection, and automated emergency braking.
Electric Cars:
Electric vehicles also boast a full suite of active safety features, often matching or exceeding those found in conventional cars. In some cases, EVs integrate these systems more seamlessly due to their advanced electrical systems. Many EVs, particularly those from tech-forward manufacturers like Tesla, come equipped with advanced autonomous driving capabilities, significantly enhancing their safety profiles.
Passive Safety Features
Conventional Cars: Passive safety features such as airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners, and energy-absorbing steering columns are standard in conventional cars. The design and placement of these systems have been optimized over years of research and real-world data.
Electric Cars:
EVs include the same passive safety features found in conventional cars. Additionally, the layout of electric vehicles often allows for more flexible interior design, providing better impact protection in some models. The added focus on securing the battery pack ensures that the car’s integrity is maintained even in severe crashes.
Environmental and Pedestrian Safety
Conventional Cars:
Conventional cars have also integrated safety features aimed at protecting pedestrians, such as pedestrian detection systems and active bonnet systems that minimize injury on impact.
Electric Cars:
EVs are quieter than conventional cars, which presents both benefits and challenges for pedestrian safety. To address potential risks, many jurisdictions require EVs to emit artificial sounds at low speeds to alert pedestrians. Additionally, electric cars tend to incorporate advanced pedestrian detection systems.
Conclusion
Both conventional and electric cars have evolved significantly in terms of safety features. While conventional cars benefit from decades of incremental improvements in structural and passive safety, electric cars leverage their modern, tech-centric design to introduce advanced safety technologies. The choice between the two will often come down to personal preference and specific safety feature priorities, but one thing is clear: both types of vehicles are equipped to offer high levels of protection for their occupants.
For those weighing their options, this comparative study underscores that safety is a priority across the automotive industry, regardless of the powertrain. Whether you choose a conventional car or an electric vehicle, advancements in safety technology ensure that modern vehicles are safer than ever before.