When it comes to electric cars, safety is one of the main concerns many potential buyers have. There’s a lingering myth that electric cars are less safe than their gas-powered counterparts, with fears often focusing on battery fires, lack of crash protection, or other unknowns related to this new technology. However, in reality, electric vehicles (EVs) are just as safe — and in some cases, even safer — than traditional gas-powered cars.

Let’s dive into why the idea that electric cars aren’t as safe as gas-powered cars is simply a myth.

1. Battery Fires: A Concern or Overblown Fear?

One of the most common safety concerns surrounding electric cars is the risk of battery fires. After all, EVs rely on large lithium-ion batteries, which have been associated with fires in some cases. However, it’s important to note that while these incidents are highly publicized, they are extremely rare.

Modern electric vehicles are designed with multiple layers of safety to prevent battery-related issues. They are equipped with sophisticated cooling systems, fire-resistant battery enclosures, and advanced monitoring systems that ensure the battery operates within safe parameters. Manufacturers also put EV batteries through rigorous crash tests to ensure they don’t pose a risk during accidents.

In fact, gas-powered cars are not without their fire risks either. A study by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) found that between 2014 and 2018, nearly 200,000 vehicle fires occurred annually in the U.S., most of them involving gasoline-powered cars. So while battery fires in EVs make headlines, they’re far less common and dangerous than the fires in traditional vehicles.

2. Crash Safety: Better Design, Better Protection

Another myth about electric cars is that their absence of an internal combustion engine (ICE) makes them less safe in a crash. However, the design of electric cars actually provides unique advantages when it comes to crash safety.

In traditional gas-powered cars, the engine sits in the front of the vehicle, making it a prominent feature in the event of a collision. Electric cars, on the other hand, are designed without a bulky engine in the front. This allows for more crumple zones — the areas that absorb energy during a crash — which can reduce the force of impact and protect passengers.

Additionally, the weight of an electric car’s battery pack is often distributed low to the ground, providing a lower center of gravity. This helps reduce the likelihood of rollovers, making EVs more stable in emergencies. In crash tests, many electric cars have received top ratings for safety from organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

3. The Strength of EV Bodies

The body structure of an electric car is built to be strong and resilient. Because electric vehicles are often designed with fewer moving parts, manufacturers have the flexibility to create a more rigid and reinforced structure for added protection. For example, many EVs are built with reinforced side-impact bars and a rigid battery casing to protect both the occupants and the battery in the event of a crash.

The design and materials used in the construction of electric cars are no less advanced — and sometimes more so — than those in traditional vehicles. Leading EV models, such as the Tesla Model 3, the Audi e-tron, and the Volvo XC40 Recharge, have received excellent crash safety ratings, further proving that EVs are not only safe but sometimes outperform their gas-powered counterparts.

4. No Exhaust System Risks

In addition to the benefits of crash safety, electric cars have another major advantage: the absence of an exhaust system. In traditional gas-powered cars, the exhaust system can sometimes malfunction or cause carbon monoxide leaks, which pose risks to drivers and passengers.

Electric vehicles don’t have an exhaust system, meaning they eliminate the potential for dangerous gases to seep into the cabin. This makes EVs inherently safer in this regard compared to conventional gasoline vehicles, especially in confined spaces like garages.

5. Advancements in Autonomous Safety Features

Many electric cars come with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that are designed to improve safety on the road. These systems include features like lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot detection, and adaptive cruise control. While these technologies are available in some gas-powered cars, they tend to be more common and integrated into EVs, as automakers view electric cars as the future of transportation.

EVs are often at the forefront of the autonomous driving revolution, with companies like Tesla leading the charge in developing self-driving technology that can reduce human error and increase safety. While autonomous driving is still a work in progress, the added features and technology in electric vehicles contribute to their overall safety.

So, are electric cars less safe than gas-powered cars? Absolutely not. In fact, they’re just as safe, and in many ways, even safer. With their robust designs, advanced safety features, and growing infrastructure, electric vehicles offer a secure and reliable mode of transportation. While there are some risks associated with any type of vehicle, electric cars have proven to be just as safe — if not safer — than their gas-powered counterparts.

As the electric car market continues to grow, we can expect even more innovations in vehicle safety. The myth that electric cars aren’t safe simply isn’t true. In fact, they’re making our roads safer, one electric vehicle at a time. So, if you’ve been holding off on buying an EV because of safety concerns, it’s time to put those fears to rest and consider the many benefits that electric cars bring to the table.