Student Spectrums

Rayyan Khan has been a student at Ilm Academy since 1st grade and has been able to absorb and reflect the values of a Muslim and incorporate these topics into his work. His work displays his deep reflections about modern day society, specifically as a member of Gen Z.

Imagine being burned alive by a car you bought, thinking it was environmentally safe. According to the “San Francisco Chronicles,” this scenario was the fate of four recent graduates who were involved in a tragic Cybertruck accident in Piedmont. 3 of the graduates were killed, with the other being severely injured, which brought up safety questions about electric vehicles. The high-speed crash happened on Nov 28, 2024, when the vehicle veered off the road, hit a cement wall, and caught fire. The cause of the crash is under investigation, but the fire—despite quick firefighting—raises safety concerns about these advanced vehicles in high-speed, high-impact scenarios.

As a Silicon Valley resident, the tech center of the world,  I myself am in fear for both my and my community’s safety. This concern is emulsified by the thought that not too long ago my dad was considering purchasing an EV car, specifically as this region idolizes tech innovation, in which EV cars excel in the forefront of that industry. The event indicated hereby is that electric cars, on the other hand, despite being revolutionary, pose risks that must be taken with due seriousness.

One of the biggest problems with EVs is the danger of lithium-ion batteries. The Cybertruck has one of these batteries, which can be explosive in collisions. There was no detonation after the accident in Piedmont, but the resulting fire was very robust and challenging to suppress. EV battery fires are difficult to put out, posing a challenge to emergency responders and increasing the danger to those involved in an accident.

According to a multitude of Auto insurance sites, EVs have 25 fires per 100,000 sold, while hybrids have 3,474 and ICE vehicles have 1,529. Although EVs catch fire less often, their fires burn hotter, emit flammable gases, and may reignite later due to thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) also reported incidents of EV fire hazards, including battery reignition and delayed ignition after accidents. Experts advise using unique firefighting methods, like extended water submersion.

EV makers have been working to improve the technology of batteries, but e-cars are not yet as safe as their gasoline-powered counterparts. Though they emit less greenhouse gas, there is an even greater problem that needs to be addressed. The a need to step up efforts in the field of battery safety and overall crash-worthiness as technology advances.

People living in the Silicon Valley tech hub are also worried about radiation exposure from electric cars. While not all risks have been studied, there is a growing concern over the electromagnetic fields, or EMFs, from the batteries and components of EVs. Long-term exposure to EMFs might put people at risk of diseases or conditions such as headaches and sleep problems, and increase the risk of cancer. In sensitive communities, the rise of electric cars raises concerns about EMF exposure.

Safety and health concerns can be only taken up by the regulators in collaboration with the manufacturers so that high safety standard of EVs is met: tougher crash tests, fire safety protocols, and clear communication on EV battery risks. Manufacturers should also fund research into how to improve battery safety and reduce EMF emissions. Related research on the health effects of EVs must be well maintained, as people should know their possible radiation risk facts, so they can wisely pursue safety measures.