Collision propensity is higher in alternative energy vehicles, and is higher in electric cars compared to hybrids.
Raquel Oliveira 01:30
Photo: Vasco CoimbraDespite higher costs, policies have the same price regardless of energy
1/two
Photo: Vasco CoimbraDespite higher costs, policies have the same price regardless of energy
Photo: Pedro CatarinoPreference for light cars
1/two
Electric and hybrid vehicles have higher accident rates of around 50% and 25%, respectively, when compared to combustion vehicles. The data comes from a study by Fidelidade, which the CM had access, done from the company’s wallet.
The propensity for accidents is higher in electric cars compared to hybrids, but both are more likely to have accidents when compared to vehicles with combustion engines. Among the reasons for this difference, compared to diesel or gasoline vehicles, is the fact that electric vehicles have sudden, and sometimes unwanted, acceleration, causing greater difficulties in controlling the vehicle.
Photo: DR
Electric cars are more likely to have accidents
On the other hand, as they are heavier – the weight of an electric vehicle can be 35% greater than that of a combustion vehicle – they cause more damage in a collision.In cities, they may be associated with pedestrian accidents, due to the fact that they are quieter.
The characteristics of this type of vehicle make repairs more expensive and downtime longer.According to Fidelidade, electric and hybrid vehicles have an average repair cost higher than combustion vehicles of, respectively, 26% and 11%.On the other hand, the average immobilization time required to repair the accident is, respectively, 17% and 16% higher than the others, the same study also concluded. Despite the higher costs, there is no difference in the price of policies, explained a company source.Fidelidade has more than 70 thousand vehicles in its portfolio (34,522 electric vehicles and 39,332 hybrid vehicles), basing the data not only on car accidents, but also on information provided by the network of workshops that works with the insurer.
At the moment, there is no official information – not even from automotive sector associations – about accidents involving alternative energy vehicles. The National Road Safety Authority (ANSR), which collects data on accidents in Portugal, still does not receive disaggregated information from the police forces that report accidents, he explained to CM ANSR source.More than half of sales are already from alternatives
The year 2023 confirmed the preference for more sustainable vehicles, according to data from the Portuguese Automobile Association. “In the passenger car category – where there was a growth in registered vehicles of 26.9% compared to 2022 – alternative energy vehicles [aos motores a combustão] have a weight of 51.9%”, says ACAP, highlighting that electric vehicles represent a total of 18.2%, followed by hybrids (14.5%) and plug-in hybrids (13.6%) .
DETAILS
FAST ABOVE AVERAGE
Portugal is above the European average, with 39% of fast and ultra-fast sockets, according to a study by Mobi.E on supporting charging infrastructures.73% OF OWNERS
Around 73% of electric vehicle owners have experienced difficulties finding available charging stations, according to the same Mobi.E study.
MOST CHARGES AT HOME
The majority of charges are carried out at home (85%). Reserving a seat for an additional payment is not an option for 59% of them.NATIONAL NETWORK EXPECTED FOR 2050
The national network should have, in 2050, a total of 82 thousand charging points, 76 thousand of which refer to new investments.
The propensity for accidents is higher in electric cars compared to hybrids, but both are more likely to have accidents when compared to vehicles with combustion engines.
