Are electric cars more dangerous to drive than diesel locomotives? This is a question that has been pondered over insurer Axa, who studied the accident rate of electric cars. Research that shows that the power of an electric car increases the risk of collisions.

Electric cars, too powerful vehicles?

A study by the insurance company Axa emphasizes that the acceleration power of electric cars can surprise the driver. According to data from tests conducted by the insurer on 1,200 people in Switzerland, the risk of collision is 50% times higher with an electric vehicle than with a thermal vehicle. According to the collected opinions, the availability of torque and instantaneous power surprise drivers who are not used to electric motors. In addition, it is the drivers of electric vehicles, which are considered “very powerful”, that cause the most accidents when accelerating.

No more accidents than thermal cars

However, the insurer’s report found that electric vehicles generally do not cause more accidents than internal combustion vehicles. But the insurer clarifies that the cost of repairing an electric car is higher than that of a thermal car. The insurer also clarifies that there are certain shortcomings in the design of electric cars. Especially the bottoms of cars. Research by Axa highlights a flaw that can cause a high risk of car fire after impact. And this is even a few days after the accident.

“The bottom can be the Achilles heel of electric cars. Drivers should know this” explains Michael Pfeffley, Head of Accident Research at AXA Switzerland.

But, despite these shortcomings, data from the insurer show that the risk of fire on an electric car is not higher than on a thermal car.