Electric vehicle safety FAQs
Monday 22nd July 2024
Are you looking at upgrading or replacing your car with an electric vehicle? Do you have concerns about the safety of EVs? Formula One Autocentres has compiled the most frequently asked EV safety questions into an informative article. If your query hasn’t been answered, contact our friendly team across our nationwide branches now.
Do I need to get my electric car serviced?
Like a petrol or diesel car, you should get your EV regularly serviced to ensure it continues to run smoothly and safely. When you take your vehicle for a service, a specialist will look at and check the following areas:
- Battery connections and individual battery cells.
- Oil and coolant.
Can I charge my EV in the rain?
EV charging cables and connectors are waterproof, meaning you can charge your electric car in the rain or snow. Once you have connected the cable to your EV and charge point, it will start charging your vehicle.
Are EVs dangerous to pedestrians?
An EV is quieter than a conventional vehicle, particularly at lower speeds. The reduced noise can be dangerous for pedestrians as they may be unaware of your EV.
Children, the elderly and disabled people are more at risk of being involved in an accident or collision with an electric car. Researchers from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that the average annual casualty rate for pedestrians involved in accidents for hybrid electric vehicles/taxis is 5.16 per 100 million miles. For petrol or diesel vehicles, it’s 2.40 per 100 million miles. This means pedestrians are on average more than twice as likely to be involved in a collision with an EV or hybrid vehicle.
Most EVs have emergency braking systems to prevent accidents with other vehicles and pedestrians but drivers still need to be vigilant as other road users may not be aware of their presence.
Is it possible to jumpstart an EV?
Yes, it is possible to jumpstart an EV. However, the likelihood of needing to jumpstart an electric car is rare due to how the power system in the vehicle works. Many EVs have either 12-volt batteries, like conventional petrol-powered cars, or small lithium-ion batteries installed.
This means you can technically jump-start it in the same way as an internal combustion engine vehicle. Before jumpstarting your vehicle, ensure the car is not connected to a charger to avoid damaging the EV’s electrical system.
Can an electric car battery catch fire?
Yes, your electric vehicle can catch fire if it’s overcharged, overheated or damaged during an accident. According to Honeywell Safety and Productivity Solutions, 239 fires were recorded in the UK for EV fires from July 2022 to June 2023. An EV battery fire can happen unexpectedly, which may involve one of the cells being contaminated. However, electric car battery fires are rare. Tesla’s Vehicle Safety Report states that one vehicle catching fire every 205 million miles is ten times less than the average for EV battery fires. Automobile manufacturers have worked hard to reduce the likelihood of battery fires occurring in EVs.
Is it safe to use a rapid EV charger?
Yes, it is safe to use a rapid charger on your EV. However, using this charging mode regularly to charge your electric car can degrade the battery. We recommend rapid charging when you need to charge your battery quickly while on a long-distance trip.
Do you own an electric vehicle that’s more than three years old? Have you wondered if it needs an MOT test? Our article answers the question of if an EV needs an MOT. Book your hybrid service at your nearest Formula One Autocentres branch today.
