Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular as a sustainable alternative to traditional gasoline-powered cars. However, one significant difference between the two is weight. EVs are generally heavier than their gas-powered counterparts, primarily due to the large batteries required to power them. This added weight has implications for both safety and road maintenance, which need to be addressed as EV adoption continues to rise.

Why Are EVs Heavier?

The primary reason for the increased weight of EVs is their batteries. Lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in EVs, are much heavier than the internal combustion engines found in gasoline-powered cars. For example, the battery pack of a 2023 GMC Hummer EV weighs around 2,900 pounds, contributing to the vehicle’s total weight of over 9,000 pounds⁷. In comparison, a similar gas-powered vehicle, like the GMC Sierra, weighs less than 6,000 pounds⁷. On average, EVs can weigh about 30% more than gas-powered vehicles⁶.

Safety Considerations

The additional weight of EVs has several safety implications. While the heavier weight can provide better protection for the occupants of the EV in the event of a crash, and the batteries’ placement often results in a lower center of gravity, improving stability and reduce the risk of rollovers¹, the increased weight also means that EVs can cause more damage in collisions with lighter vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists¹. Studies have shown that the risk of fatality increases by 47% for every 1,000 pounds added to a vehicle’s weight².

Moreover, the increased weight of EVs can strain existing infrastructure, such as parking garages and bridges, which may not have been designed to accommodate such heavy vehicles². This concern was highlighted by the collapse of a parking garage in New York City, which, although not directly caused by EVs, underscored the potential risks associated with heavier vehicles¹.

Road Maintenance Challenges

The heavier weight of EVs also poses challenges for road maintenance. While EVs are not the primary culprits of road wear—heavy trucks and semitrucks cause the most damage—the additional weight of EVs can still contribute to the deterioration of road surfaces⁶. This is particularly concerning as the number of EVs on the road continues to grow. In 2022, there were approximately 3 million EVs on U.S. roads, and this number is expected to increase significantly in the coming years⁶.

One of the challenges with road maintenance is funding. Gasoline taxes are a major source of revenue for road maintenance, but EV owners do not pay these taxes⁶. To address this, some states have implemented additional fees for EV owners to help offset the loss of gas tax revenue and fund road improvements⁶. However, more comprehensive solutions may be needed to ensure that roads can handle the increased weight of EVs without deteriorating rapidly.

Conclusion

As the adoption of electric vehicles continues to rise, it is essential to address the safety and road maintenance challenges associated with their increased weight. While EVs offer numerous environmental benefits, their heavier weight can pose risks to other road users and impact road maintenance and how that maintenance is funded. By addressing these challenges proactively, we can ensure that the transition to electric vehicles is both safe and sustainable.

Sources:

1. EVs are much heavier than gas vehicles, and that’s posing safety problems. Axios. https://www.axios.com/2023/04/28/evs-weight-safety-problems.
2. EVs outweigh gas cars, but semitrucks do most road damage. Politifact. https://www.politifact.com/article/2023/jun/21/carry-that-weight-electric-vehicles-outweigh-gas-c/.
3. As electric vehicles become more common, experts worry they could pose a safety risk for other drivers. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/electric-vehicle-safety-heavy-battery/.
4. EVs are getting too heavy and too powerful, safety chief says. Ars Technica. https://arstechnica.com/cars/2023/01/top-safety-advisor-raises-alarm-about-ever-heavier-evs/.
5. EV Weight Surge Sparks Safety and Environmental Concerns. Motor Illustrated. https://motorillustrated.com/ev-weight-surge-sparks-safety-and-environmental-concerns/121251/.
6. Heavier EVs are causing safety and pollution problems. Automotive News. https://www.autonews.com/manufacturing/growing-weight-evs-causing-pollution-and-safety-problems.
7. Electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles safety considerations. Weightmans. https://www.weightmans.com/insights/electric-vehicles-and-hybrid-electric-vehicles-safety-considerations/.
8. Carry that weight? Electric vehicles outweigh gas cars but aren’t main culprit of road wear. Center for Transportation Research. https://ctr.utk.edu/electric-vehicles-damage-roads/.
9. Are Electric Vehicles Heavier Than Gas Cars? (And Safer). The Eco Guy. https://theecoguy.com/are-electric-vehicles-heavier-than-gas-cars/.
10. Heavier EVs Tear Up California Roadways But Pay Nothing for Road Maintenance. New Geography. http://www.newgeography.com/content/008081-heavier-evs-tear-up-california-roadways-but-pay-nothing-road-maintenance.
11. The hidden cost of road maintenance due to the increased weight of …. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10098-022-02433-8.
12. EV Road Usage Fees: A 3-Step Guide for States. Plug In America. https://pluginamerica.org/policy/ev-road-usage-fees/.
13. Heavier EV’s tearing up the California roadways but paying nothing for road maintenance. Climate Depot. https://www.climatedepot.com/2024/02/06/heavier-evs-tearing-up-the-california-roadways-but-paying-nothing-for-road-maintenance/.