Yes, EVs are generally as safe as, or safer than, comparable gas cars in crash testing, though they have a different risk profile in a few specific areas worth understanding rather than a simple “safer” or “less safe” verdict.
Crash safety
EVs often perform well in crash testing partly due to their design: the battery pack, typically mounted low in the floor, lowers the vehicle’s center of gravity, which can reduce rollover risk. EVs also generally lack a large engine block up front, which can allow for more crumple zone design in a frontal collision. Many current EV models have received strong ratings from testing organizations like the NHTSA and IIHS, though ratings vary by specific model just as they do for gas cars, so it’s worth checking the rating for the specific vehicle you’re considering rather than assuming all EVs perform identically.
What about battery fires?
This is the most common safety question about EVs, and the data so far generally suggests EV battery fires are less frequent than gasoline vehicle fires on a per-vehicle basis, according to several independent studies and insurance industry data. That said, when an EV battery fire does occur, it can behave differently than a gasoline fire, potentially burning longer and being harder to extinguish with standard equipment, which is why fire departments have developed specific EV-fire protocols in recent years. Manufacturers also design battery packs with safety systems intended to contain and slow this kind of event.
Weight and its effects
EVs tend to be heavier than comparable gas cars due to the battery pack, which affects other road users somewhat, specifically increasing force in a collision with a lighter vehicle. This is a genuine tradeoff of EV design that safety researchers continue to study as EVs become more common, rather than something specific to any one brand.
Staying on top of safety issues
Like any vehicle, EVs are occasionally subject to manufacturer recalls covering everything from software issues to physical component defects. Checking for open recalls periodically, especially after buying a used EV, is a simple way to stay ahead of any known issues.
💡 Tip: Check our Vehicle Recalls page to see if there are any open recalls for your specific EV model.