Electric vehicles (EVs) gain traction worldwide yet, safety worries linger, especially for quieter EVs and their added weight. A fresh University of Leeds study eases these fears. It proves EVs pose no extra risk to pedestrians.
Study Reveals Equal Casualty Rates
Researchers analyzed UK crash data from 2019 to 2023. They found pedestrian casualty rates at 57.8 per billion miles for EVs and 58.9 for non-EVs. Thus, differences prove insignificant. Professor Zia Wadud led the work, published December 9 in Nature Communications. He highlights how newer EVs often feature advanced safety tech. For instance, better brakes and sensors help avoid impacts.
Moreover, EVs weigh about 0.3 tonnes more due to batteries. Still, injury severity matches traditional cars. No evidence shows worse harm from EV collisions. Transition words like “still” connect these facts smoothly. Overall, the study reassures drivers and policymakers.
Quieter EVs Get Safety Fixes
Early EVs sparked concerns over low noise at low speeds. Pedestrians might not hear them approach. However, UK rules since July 2019 mandate Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS). These emit sounds during slow travel. As a result, collision risks drop significantly.
Professor Wadud notes two main fears: more crashes from quietness and graver injuries from weight. Data debunks both. EVs equip with superior tech compared to older petrol vehicles. Therefore, they evade or soften many incidents.
Hybrids Show Higher Risks
Hybrids differ from pure EVs. They blend batteries and engines. This study separates them clearly. Hybrids record 120.14 casualties per billion miles—double EVs or non-EVs. Why? Many serve as taxis in cities, racking up urban miles near pedestrians.
Yet, hybrid injuries tend less severe than from conventional cars. Private hire use explains higher crashes. Policymakers should note this distinction. Pure EVs shine safer here.
SUVs Pose Real Threats
Large SUVs worry experts more than EVs. This research confirms bigger vehicles worsen pedestrian injuries. Whether electric or petrol-powered, SUVs heighten severity. They also clog roads and emit more lifecycle carbon.
Professor Wadud urges focus on SUV growth. “Worry less about EVs,” he says. Instead, address heavier vehicles overall. EVs support decarbonization goals. Governments worldwide promote them to cut emissions.
Broader Impacts on EV Adoption
EV numbers surge with policies like UK’s incentives. From 71,979 pedestrian hits by cars (2019-2023), EVs caused just 1.38%. Adjusted for miles driven, rates align closely. Future studies should compare equal-tech fleets.
EVs aid climate fights by slashing transport emissions. They match safety standards today. Thus, switch confidently. Pedestrians face no added danger. This bolsters public trust in electric mobility.
