How EVs Are Safer in Accidents—and Where They're Still Catching Up

Electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly changing how we think about driving—from reduced emissions to lower running costs. But one area where EVs are drawing particular attention is safety. With different drivetrain layouts, battery configurations, and onboard tech, EVs behave differently in crashes than traditional petrol cars. In many cases, they’re safer. But there are also areas where improvements are still underway.

Let’s break down the real-world safety advantages of EVs—and where they still have room to grow.

1. Crash Performance: Why EVs Hold Up Well

EVs are often rated highly in crash tests, and that’s no accident. Without a bulky engine up front, designers have more flexibility to create extended crumple zones and redistribute impact forces. This leads to better absorption in frontal collisions.

In side impacts and rollovers, EVs benefit from rigid battery enclosures beneath the floor, which add torsional stiffness to the frame.

Notable examples like the Tesla Model Y and Hyundai Ioniq 5 have received 5-star ANCAP and Euro NCAP ratings, with particularly strong scores in adult occupant protection.

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2. Battery Packs: Strong, Stable—and Heavy

The large battery packs in EVs are encased in robust metal housings and mounted low in the chassis. These casings are built to withstand significant forces and are typically shielded from common collision areas.

However, the added weight—EVs often weigh 200–500kg more than their petrol counterparts—can affect accident dynamics. In multi-vehicle collisions, heavier EVs may pose greater risks to occupants in lighter vehicles.

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3. Lower Centre of Gravity = Better Stability

The placement of the battery under the floor lowers the EV’s centre of gravity, which reduces rollover risk and improves handling.

This extra stability is especially valuable in emergency maneuvers like swerving or sudden braking, making EVs less likely to spin out or flip compared to taller SUVs with high-mounted engines.

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4. Built-In Safety Features: Digital First Responders

Many EVs come loaded with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including:

Automatic emergency braking
Lane-keeping assist
Adaptive cruise control
Collision warning systems
360-degree cameras

Some EVs also include crash alert systems that automatically contact emergency services with GPS location and status data.

This tech can prevent accidents—or reduce their severity—by acting faster than a human ever could.

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5. Fire Risk: The Lithium-Ion Question

EV battery fires get headlines, but how real is the risk?

Research shows EVs are less likely to catch fire than petrol cars per distance driven. However, when battery fires do occur, they burn hotter and longer, requiring special techniques to extinguish.

EV manufacturers have made significant progress with:

Thermal runaway containment systems
Battery isolation in crash events
Fire-resistant materials in battery casings

While not fireproof, modern EVs are far more advanced in managing thermal safety than just a few years ago.

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6. Post-Crash Challenges: First Responder Access

EVs can be more complex for emergency responders after a crash. Risks include:

High-voltage shock hazards
Unfamiliar battery fire protocols
Difficulty in disabling the vehicle remotely

To address this, many carmakers now include “rescue sheets” for emergency services that map out cut points and battery locations. But training and awareness among responders are still catching up, especially in regional Australia.

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7. Pedestrian Safety: Quieter Cars, New Solutions

The near-silent operation of EVs at low speeds raises concerns about pedestrian safety, especially for those with vision impairments.

In response, most EVs now feature Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS) that emit low-speed sounds to warn pedestrians of an approaching vehicle. AVAS is mandatory in many regions and is gaining traction in Australia as well.

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8. Insurance and Repair Considerations

While EVs may be safer in crashes, they’re often more expensive to repair—especially if the battery pack or high-voltage components are damaged.

This affects:

Insurance premiums
Write-off thresholds
Access to qualified repairers

The safety doesn’t end at the crash—it extends into the economic and logistical aftermath of an accident.

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9. FAQs

Q: Are EVs more dangerous in a crash than petrol cars?
A: No—EVs often score better in crash tests and are structurally very robust. The main concern is the high-voltage battery, which is well-protected in most models.

Q: What happens to the battery in a crash?
A: The battery management system will isolate the pack to prevent fire or shock. Physical protection is built into the vehicle design.

Q: Is rollover more likely in heavier EVs?
A: Actually, EVs are less likely to roll due to their low centre of gravity.

Q: Do I need special training to help someone in an EV crash?
A: First responders receive EV-specific safety training. As a bystander, treat it like any other accident—don’t touch exposed components.

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10. Conclusion

EVs bring a new safety paradigm to Australian roads—one that combines advanced structural engineering, smart technology, and battery innovation. While there are still challenges, particularly around post-crash response and fire protocols, the overall safety profile of EVs is strong and improving year by year.

As more Australians adopt electric vehicles, both industry and emergency services will continue refining the systems that protect drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike.

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EVs are changing the crash safety game. Discover how electric vehicles compare to petrol cars in real-world accidents—and where they still need to improve for Aussie drivers.