A new study by Anidjar & Levine examines how EVs, gas, and diesel vehicles compare in terms of fire risks, crash impact, safety features, environmental effects, and repair costs. The findings reveal that while EVs are safer in some areas, they introduce new safety challenges that demand updated policies and infrastructure improvements.
Key Findings :
- EVs report 25 fires per 100,000 vehicles, a fraction of the 1,530 fires in gasoline and diesel vehicles.
- Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) in EVs, such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist, actively prevent accidents caused by human error.
- Heavier EV batteries absorb crash forces, making them safer for occupants but increasing risks for pedestrians and smaller cars by 47% in multi-vehicle crashes.
- Diesel and gas vehicles emit particulates that worsen asthma and respiratory diseases, while EVs improve air quality, particularly in urban areas.
- Gasoline vehicles maintain a stable crash fatality rate of 38 deaths per million vehicle years, reflecting decades of refinement in safety technology.
Comparison of Safety by Vehicle Type:
| Aspect | Electric Vehicles (EVs) | Gasoline Vehicles | Diesel Vehicles |
| Fire Incident Rates | 25 fires per 100,000 vehicles | 1530 fires per 100,000 vehicles | 1530 fires per 100,000 vehicles |
| Crash Risks | Heavier weight increases fatality risk by 47 percent | Stable crash dynamics | Heavier weight increases collision severity |
| Safety Features | Advanced (ADAS, battery absorption) | Airbags, seat belts, crumple zones | Robust frames, blind-spot monitoring |
| Public Health Impact | Reduces urban air pollution significantly | Stable but emits greenhouse gases | Highest emissions; severe health risks |
| Repair Costs | Higher due to battery and software issues | Moderate repair costs with traditional parts | Higher due to engine complexity and specialized parts |
Fire Risks:
EVs have the lowest fire risk, with just 25 fires per 100,000 vehicles, compared to 1,530 for gas and diesel and 3,475 for hybrid vehicles. This makes them a safer choice for those concerned about vehicle fire hazards.
Crash Impact:
EVs’ heavier battery weight absorbs impact forces, reducing injuries for passengers. However, their mass increases crash severity by 47% for smaller cars in multi-vehicle collisions.
Safety Innovations:
Lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and emergency braking systems—now standard in most EVs—help reduce human error, a leading cause of accidents.
Air Quality & Health:
Gas and diesel vehicles contribute significantly to air pollution, increasing asthma risks in children and worsening respiratory conditions. In contrast, EVs improve urban air quality by eliminating tailpipe emissions.
Child Safety:
EVs increasingly include child-focused safety features, such as interior monitoring systems and reinforced crash structures, making them a strong choice for families.
What This Means for Drivers and Policymakers:
As EVs become more common, their impact on road safety, public health, and accident severity requires updated safety regulations and emergency response strategies.
- Policymakers should consider weight-based safety regulations to mitigate crash severity risks in smaller vehicles.
- Fire departments need improved training and equipment to handle lithium-ion battery fires.
- Automakers should continue developing safety innovations that protect both EV occupants and other road users.
“Electric vehicles introduce advanced safety features, yet their heavier batteries pose increased risks for smaller vehicles and pedestrians. While gas and diesel cars maintain stable crash dynamics, their environmental impact remains a significant concern. This study provides key insights into the evolving safety challenges of modern vehicles,” said a spokesperson from Anidjar & Levine.
The complete Anidjar & Levine study ranks the risks and benefits of EVs, gas, and diesel vehicles, offering a comprehensive analysis of accident dynamics, safety features, and public health implications.