In a recent video by the Chase Car channel, a troubling trend was brought to light, suggesting that electric vehicles are involved in more accidents compared to traditional gas-powered cars. The video delved into the reasons behind this surge in accidents, leaving many EV owners frustrated and questioning the future of electric mobility. Here’s what it said.
The Increase in Crashes
The video opened with a statement that the frequency of insurance claims is significantly higher among new EV owners, highlighting that these drivers are struggling to adapt to the unique features of electric vehicles. The claim was made that EVs crash 14% more than gas-powered cars, sparking dissatisfaction and a desire among some EV owners to revert to gas vehicles.
The video then delved into the factors behind why EVs crash frequently.
The Reasons
One of the highlighted factors was the acceleration of electric cars, particularly exemplified by Tesla models. The video suggested that this rapid acceleration becomes problematic in everyday driving scenarios, especially for drivers accustomed to the power buildup of traditional gas engines resulting in crashes.
The video next explained the difference in driving dynamics between electric and gas-powered cars, focusing on the concept of one-pedal driving in EVs. While convenient, this feature is deemed confusing, particularly in emergency situations, potentially leading to accidents.
EVs Are Heavier
Despite their quick acceleration, the video shared that electric cars are noted to be significantly heavier than traditional gas-powered cars due to the large and heavy batteries required for longer autonomy. The video argued that this added weight makes EVs more challenging to control, especially for inexperienced drivers.
The focus then shifted to Tesla, a major player in the EV market, which is facing scrutiny for its design choices prioritizing convenience. The video pointed out Tesla’s unconventional ignition and vehicle start process, which, while highly convenient, can be confusing in environments with ambient noise.
Being Silent Has Consequences
The video also acknowledged the appeal of silent EV operation but highlighted safety concerns for pedestrians who may not hear approaching electric vehicles. Regulatory changes mandating sounds at low speeds for new electric cars were discussed as a response to this safety concern.
Advanced safety and driving assistance features, such as autopilot and semi-autonomous driving, were shared as potential contributors to accidents. The video argued that these systems, while promising, are still in early phases and may be prone to software errors, posing safety risks.
Learning to Adapt
A central theme throughout the video was the learning curve associated with transitioning from traditional gas-powered cars to electric vehicles. The video concluded, “Adaptation to the new way of driving requires time more than most drivers initially expect, which may be one of the reasons why a solid number of EV owners are not happy with their cars and want to switch back to internal combustion.”
Several YouTube users shared their thoughts on the video.
One user wrote, “The uncontrolled torque from a standstill will also ruin the tyres on the drive wheels and the road as well. In combination with the extra weight of EVs this will cause a major expense for road authorities (and therefore taxpayers) and extra particle pollution from the tyres and damaged road.”
Another user added, “I will never own an EV. It’s a poor financial decision and inconvenient. However, EV insurance is higher but that could be because EVs are simply more expensive.”
So what do you think? Given the challenges, do you believe that manufacturers should intensify efforts to educate and train drivers on the unique features and driving dynamics of electric vehicles to improve safety and reduce accidents?
