KUALA LUMPUR – Electric vehicles (EVs) come equipped with superior safety features compared to their petrol-powered counterparts, despite lingering public concerns over non-petrol vehicle fires, industry experts said.
With the country’s growing adoption of high-tech automobiles, senior EV technology consultant and specialist Joseph Alexander Ebrahmian underlined that the advanced technology integrated into EVs significantly reduces the likelihood of fire incidents compared to petrol cars.
“Evidence suggests that EV cars are significantly safer than petrol cars. Contrary to common misconceptions, lithium-ion batteries used in EVs exhibit superior safety features,” Ebrahmian told Scoop.
“Regardless of fuel type, if a vehicle crashes, there’s a potential risk of fire. This risk escalates, particularly in high-speed collisions.
“Modern vehicles, whether EVs, hybrids, or petrol-based, are laden with extensive electrical wiring, heightening their susceptibility to fires compared to older models.”
Ebrahmian’s remarks come after a recent EV car accident involving a BMW i7, which tragically lost control and caught fire after colliding with a road divider on Duke Highway near Setiawangsa last Thursday, killing a 19-year-old and injuring his girlfriend seriously, including a fractured hip.
Additionally, Ebrahmian underscored the high quality and reliability of EVs imported into Malaysia, particularly those from reputable manufacturers such as BMW and Mercedes.
“All electronic cars are outfitted with advanced liquid cooling systems designed to prevent battery overheating. Thus, concerns regarding sudden battery fires or meltdowns are largely unfounded,” Ebrahmian reassured.
“However, there exists a remote possibility of battery leakage in EVs due to manufacturing errors, although the probability is minimal.”
In response to the accident, Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Road Safety Department director Law Teik Hua advocated for an update to the driver education curriculum to better prepare drivers to recognise and manage hazards.
“Prospective drivers must undergo comprehensive testing to evaluate their hazard identification and response proficiency,” Law said.
“Understanding both immediate and potential hazards empowers drivers to make informed decisions in any given circumstance.” – April 21, 2024