EVs No More Dangerous Than Petrol Cars

A comprehensive study by the University of Leeds has concluded that electric vehicles (EVs) do not present a greater risk to pedestrians than their combustion engine counterparts. Despite EVs typically being heavier due to battery packs, research analyzing UK crash data between 2019 and 2023 found no significant differences in pedestrian casualty rates or injury severity. This suggests that concerns about the increased weight of EVs are unfounded.

Professor Zia Wadud, leading the research, expressed hope that these findings will alleviate public and policymaker concerns. The study addressed two main worries: that EVs' quiet operation might increase collisions and that their weight could cause more severe pedestrian injuries. The results indicated neither fear materialized, partly attributed to advanced safety technologies in newer EVs that help prevent accidents or reduce impact.

While EVs appear safe, the research points to larger vehicles, specifically SUVs, as a more significant concern due to their size and prevalence. Additionally, hybrid vehicles showed a higher casualty rate, which researchers suggest may be linked to their extensive use as private hire vehicles in urban environments, increasing their exposure to pedestrian collisions. The mandatory Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) for new EVs since 2019 also mitigates risks associated with their quiet operation.