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While Electric Vehicles are gaining popularity and acceptance among Indian consumers, we also witnessed a heating debate which shows consumers' concerns for EV safety on roads. As a matter of fact, some teething problems are bound to happen in any new technology or trend when it reaches it's last mile. Maybe this could be the influencing parameter for such concerns.
We are SMEStreet picked up this concern of Safe EVs to feature in the first part of the Clean & Smart Mobility Report of SMEStreet. This report talks about Safe EVs for consumers in which consumer experience can become better with respect to safety.
While doing such a report, we reached out to EV manufacturers and consumers and experts and found some important takeaways which could be useful for the readers to understand if they are considering EV as their next vehicle.
Consumer-Centric EV Safety Highlights
Here are a few ways to ensure road safety while driving an electric vehicle (EV) for the consumers:
- Familiarize yourself with the vehicle: As with any new vehicle, it's important to familiarize yourself with the controls, features, and characteristics of the EV before you start driving it. This will help you to feel more confident and comfortable behind the wheel.
- Check the battery level and charging status: Before starting your journey, make sure the battery level is sufficiently charged, and plan your route accordingly. Some EV models have the ability to plan your route based on the battery level and charging points available.
- Follow recommended charging guidelines: When charging your EV, make sure to follow the recommended guidelines for the charging equipment and the vehicle. Never charge a damaged or recalled battery, and never charge the battery inside an enclosed space such as a garage.
- Be aware of the vehicle's range: EV have limited range compared to conventional vehicles, so you will need to plan your route and charging stops accordingly.
- Check and maintain your vehicle regularly: As with any vehicle, regular maintenance is important to ensure safe operation. This includes things like checking tire pressure, brake pads, and other vital components.
- Be aware of the vehicle's behavior: Electric vehicles behave differently than internal combustion engine vehicle, be aware of its acceleration and braking, it is different.
- Drive with caution: Always drive with caution and be aware of the potential hazards on the road, including other vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles, and other obstacles.
- Obey traffic laws: Always obey traffic laws and regulations, including speed limits and stop signs.
By following these guidelines and using good judgement, you can help to ensure road safety while driving an EV.
EV Safety Parameters
There are several important parameters that need to be considered for the safe operation of electric vehicles (EVs). Some of these include:
- Battery safety: The batteries used in EVs have the potential to pose a risk of thermal runaway, fire, or explosion if they are damaged, punctured, or overheated. Properly designed and tested battery systems with multiple layers of protection can help to mitigate these risks.
- Charging safety: EVs require specialized charging equipment and protocols to ensure that the batteries are charged safely and efficiently. This includes protecting against overcharging, undercharging, and other charging-related hazards.
- Crashworthiness: Like traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, EVs must meet federal and state crashworthiness standards to ensure that they provide adequate protection to occupants in the event of a collision.
- Software and system reliability: The software and electrical systems used in EVs must be reliable and able to withstand the rigors of daily use. This includes protecting against hacking and other cybersecurity risks.
- Thermal management: The high-performance batteries in EVs generate a lot of heat and need to be properly cooled to maintain their performance and safety.
- Emission: Electric vehicles emit no pollutants and since they are powered by electricity from clean energy sources, it helps reduce the emissions and also contributes to cleaner air.
- Noise: Electric vehicles are quieter than conventional vehicles and therefore, have been designed with built-in noise emitters to warn pedestrians and bicycle riders.
Those are some of the key parameters for safe EV operation. EV technology is constantly evolving, so new safety measures and improvements are being developed all the time.