The impacts of electric cars on road safety: Insights from a real-world driving study

In this paper, we explore the differences in vehicle dynamics and drivers´ behaviour between electric cars (ecars) and conventional cars with combustion engine. Our research aimed at revealing potential safety risks due to a higher e-car penetration, e.g. incidents or conflicts with other road users that primarily occur with e-cars involved. To do this, we conducted a real-world driving study with 90 participants on a pre-defined route. Each participant had to complete the route with an electric as well as a similar conventional car that both recorded video, GPS data and 3D accelerations. Our results show that the effects of an electric engine on "non-extreme" vehicle dynamics are negligibly low compared to other factors such as transmission type. Surprisingly high decelerations were measured during the e-car´s recuperation phases, which might lead to risks for follow-up drivers. The analysis of questionnaires showed that the participants felt safe and got used to the e-car quickly.