Debunking Preposterous Electric Vehicle Misconceptions
In the world of transportation, electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular. However, misinformation and irrational fears about the safety of EVs around water persist, particularly among younger drivers.
According to a survey by Autoglym, up to 46% of 25-34 year olds and 40% of 18-24 year olds in the UK fear electric shock when washing EVs. But fear not, for washing an EV is completely safe.
Modern electric vehicles undergo rigorous safety and water soak tests during manufacturing to ensure all high-voltage components are fully insulated and watertight. These tests simulate conditions far harsher than a typical car wash, guaranteeing that the EV’s electrical systems are protected against water exposure.
Experts and industry insiders, including TV presenter Quentin Willson, emphasize that the risk of electric shock from washing an EV is an old myth and completely false. Since electric cars have been commercially sold since 2009, if there was any genuine danger, it would be well documented by now.
The only caution recommended is to avoid flooding the EV’s charging port during washing, as this is the only part where water ingress could potentially cause issues. Aside from that, cleaning an EV is no more dangerous than washing a petrol or diesel vehicle.
While the fear of electric shock while washing an EV is a common misconception, another myth surrounding EVs is the belief that they increase the likelihood of motion sickness. This belief is attributed to a lack of familiar signals like engine revs, engine vibrations, torque, etc., that help a brain anticipate acceleration.
However, studies suggest that the primary cause of motion sickness in an EV might be the lack of previous experience, as the brain lacks accuracy in estimating motion forces due to a new motion environment. A 2024 study found a strong correlation between the severity of motion sickness and vibrations in EV seats.
In terms of cleaning, the primary difference between EVs and traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) powered vehicles is the amount of brake dust, according to Autoglym. Since most EVs use regenerative braking, there is less brake dust to contend with.
In conclusion, the fear of electric shock while washing an EV is unfounded. Modern EVs are designed and tested extensively to prevent electric shock when exposed to water. No verified cases of shock from washing EVs exist despite years of EV use worldwide. Normal washing practices are safe, but care should be taken not to soak the charging port.
As for motion sickness, it can be attributed to a lack of previous experience and the brain's difficulty in estimating motion forces in a new motion environment. With time and experience, these issues should diminish.
References:
- Autoglym Survey
- Quentin Willson on EV Safety
- The Guardian on Motion Sickness in EVs
- 2024 Study on Motion Sickness in EVs
- To address a common myth, modern electric vehicles (EVs) undergo rigorous safety tests during manufacturing to ensure they are safe to wash, debunking the myth of electric shock.
- Contrary to beliefs, motion sickness in electric vehicles (EVs) is often caused by the brain's struggles to adapt to a new motion environment, rather than increased likelihood, as indicated by studies.
- In contrast to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, electric vehicles (EVs) produce less brake dust due to their regenerative braking system, making them easier to clean, according to Autoglym.
- It is important to note that electric vehicles (EVs) have been commercially available since 2009, and there are no verified cases of electric shock from washing EVs worldwide, as emphasized by experts and industry insiders.
