Electric cars cause more road accidents. Does it mean they’re riskier?


A study found that electric vehicle drivers are more likely to cause car accidents and be at fault compared to petrol or diesel drivers.

Researchers from the University of Limerick (UL) and the Universitat de Barcelona have conducted a comparative study of driving behavior and insurance claims. They found that drivers of electric vehicles (EVs) are more likely to be involved in at-fault road traffic accidents than drivers of petrol and diesel cars.

The study used data from telematic devices. These tracked vehicle movements during 125 million trips by 14,642 commercial fleet vehicles in the Netherlands, recorded between January and October 2022. It also included insurance claims data from the same time.

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While EV cars have lower average mileage than other types of cars, the findings show an interesting tendency in car accidents. “This suggests that internal combustion engines should have a higher probability of incurring an at-fault claim than alternate energy fuel-type vehicles,” said Kevin McDonnell from UL.

“However, the claims data contradicts this assumption by providing evidence of increased at-fault claim occurrences in EVs through predictive modeling and risk analysis.”

Dr. Barry Sheehan, Associate Professor in Risk and Finance at UL, said the research shows driving behavior changing significantly when switching to hybrids or EVs. “These results mean EVs are more likely to experience an at-fault claim than internal combustion engines,” he said.

EVs have inherently different engine, transmission, and pedal control designs than regular engine cars, leading to inherently different driving profiles. The difference between safer driving habits and insurance claims data shows that even though EV drivers make fewer harsh moves than petrol or diesel drivers, this doesn't reduce their risk of filing an at-fault claim.

The researchers conclude that electric cars are riskier, at least financially – the vehicles cost 6.7% more to repair than traditional cars. For example, the research shows that over one-third of EVs and hybrids incur damages of over €1,000 when involved in an accident.

They also come with a higher risk and cost due to increased chances of at-fault insurance claims at lower mileage and expensive battery repairs, making them more financially burdensome than petrol or diesel cars.

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