Looking for a new vehicle in 2022 can be quite the challenge, especially with so many different kinds available. Gas-powered, hybrid, and fully electric are just a few of the many options to choose from. An electric vehicle can be both a practical and affordable choice for many, with the added advantage of reducing emissions and being more eco-friendly. However, some drivers are still skeptical about the safety of electric vehicles. Are they safe? Do they have similar safety features as gas-powered vehicles? Let’s answer these questions and more so you can be confident in your purchase.
How Safe Are Electric Vehicles?
Image via Kia USA
To answer this question, it’s important to first understand how electric vehicles work. Whereas gas vehicles burn fossil fuels to create pressure that pushes pistons, which turns a crankshaft and moves the vehicle’s wheels, an electric car doesn’t use combustible fuel to power the vehicle. It depends on rechargeable batteries to provide electricity to the motor, which moves the vehicle. Drivers plug in their vehicles to gain more power instead of paying at the pump.
Since gasoline cars actually burn fossil fuels, there’s always a slight chance of an explosion or a fire. Gasoline is highly combustible and flammable. Combustion occurs when the gasoline’s fumes meet a spark or open flame, and the processed gasoline can burn at high temperatures for long periods of time. Smoking, keeping the car on, and several other actions at a gas pump can lead to dangerous outcomes. Even the slightest spark can sometimes ignite gasoline. Electric vehicles depend on electricity instead of fossil fuels, reducing the chance of an explosion or fire.
Collision Safety and Battery Risks of Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles often have aluminum or steel casing around their battery compartments, which can mean extra padding in the event of a collision. With additional reinforcement, passengers can be safer from flying debris, impact trauma, and the overall force of an impact. Additionally, some electric vehicles have extra fire protection between the passengers and the electric motor, which means passengers are less likely to become injured if a fire breaks out after a collision.
While using a battery to power a vehicle means that you’re less exposed to highly combustible and flammable liquids and fumes, the lithium-ion batteries in electric cars can potentially overheat, which could result in a fire. Also, electric vehicles can be quieter than gas-powered vehicles, so you might not even realize there’s an issue until it’s too late. Overcharging a battery can also present risks of overheating or mechanical issues. Overall, electric vehicles are safe to operate, and the few dangers that exist are subject to constant research and improvement efforts.
Safety Features for the 2022 Kia EV6
The 2022 Kia EV6 is a four-door, midsize SUV and is perfect for families or individuals who want a little more room for their adventures. The EV6 offers plenty of safety features and boasts an impressive 58-kilowatt battery for long-distance or city driving. The EV6 includes frontal collision avoidance technology, which relies on sensors and front cameras to detect cars, cyclists, and pedestrians and automatically applies the brakes if a collision might occur. The technology also senses vehicles turning at a junction or intersection and can automatically apply the brakes to avoid a collision.
The Kia EV6 also features dual front airbags, with advanced monitoring technology to control airbag inflation during a collision. Driver’s side knee airbags help protect the legs in the event of a crash, and full-length side curtain airbags can protect the vehicle’s passengers from side-impact trauma and flying debris. Both front seats also have side airbags to protect the head and body from side impacts, and each seat has a three-point seat belt system. The back seats offer a LATCH system for child seating and rear child-safety locks to prevent excursion.
Cutting-Edge Technology in the 2022 Kia EV6
Image via Kia USA
The Kia EV6 also comes standard with lane-keeping assist technology to keep drivers in their lanes and lane-following assist, which monitors the lane markers on the road to ensure you’re in between the lines. Smart cruise control with stop and go helps you maintain safe speeds in any environment, whether you’re cruising the highway or going to work. Intelligent speed limit assist technology can help drivers maintain safe speeds. The Kia EV6 also has park distance warning systems, a rearview monitor with parking guidance, and secure exit warning technology.
Blind-spot collision-avoidance technology helps drivers avoid blind-spot collisions by displaying a warning and applying the brakes should you risk a collision with another vehicle or pedestrian in either blind spot. Rear cross-traffic sensors help avoid a lane-change or passing collision, and driver attention warning and leading vehicle departure alert technology warn the driver if they stray from their lane or aren’t paying attention to the road. These safety features help keep the driver and passengers safe by detecting and notifying the driver of potential collisions and intervening to avoid them.
Finally, the Kia EV6 offers hill start assist control, a brake assist system, internal emergency trunk release, and a vehicle stability management system. Overall, the Kia EV6 provides some of the most advanced safety features available in a midsize SUV and a great price point for any budget. With a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty, Kia covers any defects so you can keep driving with peace of mind.
Picking the Right Electric Vehicle for You
When it comes to electric cars, deciding which one to choose can be lengthy. Knowing that the vehicle is safe, especially for the entire family, can help ease some of the uncertainty that might come with switching to a full-electric model. Overall, electric cars are at least as safe as gasoline-powered vehicles, and some even have additional safety features that make them unique. The absence of flammable gases and eco-friendliness is a positive feature for most and often contributes to the choice for many to go electric.
Huffines Kia in Corinth has a full inventory of new and certified pre-owned vehicles to choose from, including all-electric models if you’re ready to make the switch. Contact us or visit us if you want to check out a vehicle that’s right for you.