Could larger models of electric cars pose a risk to smaller vehicles in the case of a collision?
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said Wednesday that they believe drivers of lighter vehicles could find themselves in serious danger if they get into an accident with some of the heavier electric models of automobiles.
NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy highlighted the fact that the battery alone in an electric GMC Hummer weighs around 2,900 pounds – which is roughly equivalent to an entire Honda Civic. An entire electric Hummer tips the scales at around 9,000 pounds – about three times the size of many smaller gas-powered cars.
"I'm concerned about the increased risk of severe injury and death for all road users from heavier curb weights and increasing size, power, and performance of vehicles on our roads, including electric vehicles," Homendy said at a briefing.
Electric vehicle batteries weigh thousands of pounds because they must be big enough to hold a charge for 300+ miles.
Electric car manufacturers are experimenting with ways to lessen the size of EV batteries, but any fruits of those labors is still likely years away.
Homendy said that while there is a push from the Biden administration to move away from carbon emissions, driver safety can’t take a backseat in the name of progress toward cleaner air.
“We have to be careful that we aren't also creating unintended consequences, more death on our roads,” she said. “Safety, especially when it comes to new transportation policies and new technologies, cannot be overlooked.”
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