Electric vehicles (EVs) are often praised for their environmental benefits and cutting-edge technology. However, a new study from Insurify reveals that some EV drivers are more likely to engage in risky behaviors on the road. The data, analyzed by Chris Chilton, provides a fascinating look at which electric vehicles have the highest rates of ticketsaccidents and DUIs.
The findings may surprise many, as some of the most powerful and performance-oriented EVs top the list. However, there are also some unexpected entries that challenge common perceptions about EV drivers and their driving habits.
The top offenders: GMC Hummer EV and Dodge Charger Daytona EV
The GMC Hummer EV emerges as the top offender in nearly every category. With a 7.5 percent ticket rate8.3 percent accident rate and a notable 6.4 percent DUI rate the Hummer EV leads the pack. Close behind is the Dodge Charger Daytona EV with a 7.0 percent ticket rate7.7 percent accident rate and 5.4 percent DUI rate.
Given the impressive power figures and bold personalities of these vehicles, their high rates of tickets and accidents come as little surprise. However, the DUI rates are particularly noteworthy, suggesting that drivers of these high-performance EVs may be more likely to engage in risky behaviors behind the wheel.
Unexpected entries: Kia Soul EV and Chevrolet Bolt
What might be more surprising are the next entries on the list. The Kia Soul EV ranks third 1 percent ticket rate6.5 percent accident rate and 4.8 percent DUI rate. Following closely is the Chevrolet Bolt with rates of 4.8 percent4.6 percent and 4.2 percent respectively.
Neither of these vehicles is particularly fast or powerful, which raises the question: why do they have such high rates of tickets and accidents? One possible explanation is demographics. Both the Kia Soul EV and Chevrolet Bolt have historically appealed to younger and more budget-conscious buyers, groups that statistically tend to take more risks behind the wheel.
Outliers and surprises: BMW i5 and Chevrolet Blazer EV
Digging deeper into the data reveals some interesting outliers. The BMW i5 for example, posts a relatively modest 4.6 percent ticket rate but a hefty 6.7 percent accident rate one of the highest in the study. Meanwhile, the Chevrolet Blazer EV scores 6.2 percent for tickets and 7.0 percent for accidents, suggesting that owners may enjoy using all that instant electric torque.
The Tesla Cybertruck also presents some surprises. While it doesn’t top the 9 percent ticket rate which is the same as for a Model 3 and worse than for other Teslas. However, the Cybertruck’s DUI rate of 1.4 percent is much higher than for any other Tesla product, suggesting that Cybertruck owners may be more likely to engage in risky behaviors.
In contrast, other Tesla models have much lower DUI rates. The Model 3, Model S, and Model X all post DUI rates of just 0.4 percent while Model Y owners come in even lower at 0.3 percent. This suggests that, while Tesla drivers may be more likely to receive tickets or be involved in accidents, they are generally less likely to engage in drunk driving.
The data from Insurify provides a fascinating look at the driving habits of electric vehicle owners. While some of the findings may be expected, others challenge common perceptions and raise interesting questions about the relationship between vehicle type and driver behavior.
