Electric vehicles (EVs) feature a combination of traditional and EV-specific safety systems to protect both occupants and the electrical system.
Passive Safety Systems:
- Battery enclosure protection: High-voltage battery packs are housed in reinforced structures to prevent damage during collisions.
- Automatic battery disconnect: In the event of a crash, EVs isolate the high-voltage system to prevent electrical hazards.
- Underbody shielding: Heavy-duty protection shields the battery from road debris or bottom impacts.
- Optimized crumple zones: With no engine up front, EVs can have larger front crumple zones for better energy absorption.
Active Safety Systems:
- Battery thermal management: Cooling systems prevent overheating and thermal runaway during operation and charging.
- Regenerative braking integration: Works with ABS and stability control to provide smooth and safe deceleration.
- Pedestrian alert systems: EVs often include artificial sound generators at low speeds to alert pedestrians, since EVs are quieter than ICE vehicles.
- Remote diagnostics and alerts: Many EVs can detect anomalies in battery or motor systems and notify the driver or emergency services.
These systems work together to ensure EVs are not only efficient but also highly safe for drivers, passengers, and other road users.