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That's a very big question and probably only time will tell. Without getting into it too much, a very basic difference is.. Gas can explode like a bomb but (a)
by abalone 13y ago
That's a very big question and probably only time will tell. Without getting into it too much, a very basic difference is..
Gas can explode like a bomb but (a) it needs an ignition source and (b) there can be visible signs when the fuel is leaking to let you know to take extra precautions (like spray fire retardant). You can actually get fuel on you and you'll be fine.
High voltage systems don't (usually) explode, but they have lethal amounts of energy stored that can find its way into your body if you complete a circuit. Furthermore in a mangled wreck there aren't necessarily visible signs when a component is electrified. You find out the hard way.
Basically Tesla deserves props for making an extremely strong car. That's what was tested here. But the spin is they're claiming "safest car" while completely side-stepping the high voltage safety issue.
- masklinn 13y ago> Gas can explode like a bomb but (a) it needs an ignition source and (b) there can be visible signs when the fuel is leaking to let you know to take extra precautions (like spray fire retardant). And (c) if it's a diesel car (very common in europe), good luck getting it to explode.
- Casseres 13y agoWant to scare your friends? Put out a lit match or cigarette using Diesel fuel. Diesel fuel requires a lot of heat to combust. Diesel engines don't contain spark plugs, they heat the fuel by compressing the air that the fuel is atomized in.
- TWAndrews 13y agoTechnically they only claimed "ACHIEVES BEST SAFETY RATING OF ANY CAR EVER TESTED" which is completely true. The "unaware of any Model S or Roadster occupant fatalities in any car ever" is also a pretty strong argument for actually being the "safest car" too.
- icelancer 13y ago>Basically Tesla deserves props for making an extremely strong car. That's what was tested here. But the spin is they're claiming "safest car" while completely side-stepping the high voltage safety issue. That's not a side-step. IIHS doesn't test for this, and Tesla is not beholden to do so.