There are reasons why electric cars have to be stronger
It is now a well known fact that electric cars are heavy, much heavier than their petrol powered equivalent. This picture from @Sugardesign which we stumbled upon on social media shows clearly why electric cars are stronger than regular petrol of diesel cars in a similar segment.
Let us explain.
To start, the EV battery packs can get really heavy. These packs provide the power that your electric car needs to function. They will drive the motor and any electrical components inside of your electric car.
For example, a Tesla Model 3 Long Range car, the battery pack alone weighs just over 450 kilograms. Even small compact EV’s like the Geely Panda is very strong.
Meanwhile, as you are reading this article, car battery designs and technology are improving, especially with how many auto manufacturers are on board spending a big portion of their budget on research and development. The electric motor efficiency will only get better and better.
So, why are electric car heavier. Well, when the overall weight of the vehicle increases, the bodywork has to get stronger. For an EV, this means thicker metal and a more robust crumple structure to accommodate the added weight of the battery pack.
Plus, you need to be safe when driving an electric car. Therefore, If a battery pack gets punctured or severely damaged, it can explode. To avoid this disaster, there has to be a strong shell around the battery pack that protects it.
This shell is made of heavy-duty metal that acts like armor for the battery pack. So, with the added weight of the battery pack and to ensure it is safe in an accident, the electric needs to be over-engineered and this mean added weight and strength in all areas including its pillars and doors.
So, electric cars are much safer in accidents.
