Electric vehicles (EVs) incorporate several passive safety features specifically designed to protect the high-voltage battery and occupants during a crash.
- Battery protection structures: EVs use reinforced battery enclosures made from materials like high-strength steel or aluminum to shield the pack from impact and deformation.
- Crash zone design: The absence of a combustion engine allows engineers to optimize front and rear crumple zones to absorb energy more effectively in a collision.
- Automatic battery disconnect: In the event of a crash, most EVs automatically disconnect the high-voltage system to prevent short circuits or electric shock.
- Underbody shielding: To protect the battery from road debris or impacts from below, EVs often feature thick skid plates or protective panels.
- Fire containment and isolation: Battery packs are compartmentalized and insulated to prevent thermal runaway from spreading in the event of a failure.
These passive safety measures are crucial for reducing fire risks and ensuring the structural integrity of the vehicle during accidents, making EVs highly secure in crash scenarios.