The electric vehicle debate is as hot as ever in Canada. For a while there seemed to be a steady trajectory to adopt the electrification for our road commuter system. But with tariff-induced slowdowns tearing holes through the economy that trajectory is now uncertain at best.

Today’s economy adds another facet to the list of debatable concerns about running an EV — range anxiety, purchase cost, loss of subsidies, performance and supportive infrastructure.

The question of safety though doesn’t seem to receive much play in these debates. So what’s the deal? Are EVs safer than their gas engine counterparts? The short answer in my view is: yes. But as with all complicated systems for consumers, there are trade-offs.

One of the biggest advantages of EVs lies beneath your feet — the battery pack. Heavy lithium-ion batteries sit low in the vehicle’s chassis, creating a lower centre of gravity than most gas-powered cars. That makes the EV much more resistant to rollovers — one of the deadliest types of crashes.

European crash data from insurers shows that EVs have fewer serious rollovers and often maintain better stability control during emergency manoeuvers. For drivers on slippery Canadian roads, the extra stability can make a big difference........

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