Victoria AdolphusA recent study by Lero and the Universitat de Barcelona reveals that electric vehicle (EV) drivers are more likely to be involved in at-fault accidents and face higher repair costs compared to traditional vehicle drivers.
Key Findings:
- EV drivers have a 4% increase in crashes compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
- EVs record more at-fault claims than traditional vehicles.
- EVs are 6.7% more expensive to repair than traditional vehicles.
- Hybrid vehicles show similar risks to ICE vehicles.
Study Details:
- Analyzed 125 million commercial fleet vehicle trips and insurance claims data.
- Compared driving behaviors and insurance claims among ICE, hybrid, and EVs.
Expert Insights:
“EV drivers have a higher chance of experiencing an at-fault claim… despite lower average mileage.” – Dr. Barry Sheehan
Risk Factors:
- Different driving behaviors among EV and hybrid drivers.
- Lower mileage does not reduce accident risk for EV drivers.
- Battery costs and significant first-party damages contribute to higher financial burden.
Implications:
- EV drivers should be aware of potential risks and adjust driving behaviors.
- Insurance companies may need to reassess risk profiles for EVs.
- Further research required to understand causes of increased accident risk.
Reference:
“Are electric vehicles riskier? A comparative study of driving behaviour and insurance claims for internal combustion engine, hybrid and electric vehicles” (Accident Analysis & Prevention, 2024)
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