EV Safety 101 Essential Tips for a Secure Driving Experience

How to Educate Drivers on Electric Vehicle Safety

The electric vehicle wave is upon us, and the technology inside these vehicles is progressively evolving and, in turn, competing with the road for your drivers attention. With distraction at an all-time high, providing continuous education to drivers on how and when to use the complex technologies found in EVs is critical to maintaining a safe fleet.

This was a small sampling of the discussion during a seminar on EV safety at the 2021 Fleet Safety Experience presented on Sept. 22. Sara Sweeney, senior product manager, Wheels Inc., moderated a panel that included Tony Vinciguerra, chief operating officer, Driving Dynamics, and Katie Keeton, fleet manager, Siemens.

Driver Education

As EV sales grow year-over-year and become established in fleets, organizations must address the unique characteristics of EV operation and educate drivers accordingly.

Although Siemens has offered EVs on its selector for a few years, drivers were slow to adopt them. The reason for that is because people are generally not aware of what it means to drive an electric vehicle, said Katie Keeton, fleet manager, Siemens.

Siemens held information sessions for drivers on EVs and brought in manufacturers to discuss the specifics of EV operation.

It was an opportunity for us to look at how we educate our drivers, Keeton said. Most EVs are just as safe, if not safer, than any other vehicle on the road. We had to demystify what is means to operate an EV, while at the same time help our drivers understand we have a carbon-neutral goal, so we need them to be a part of this journey with us. This is uncharted territory in fleet, so the best thing we can do is continuously educate.

EVs must pass all the same safety standards as vehicles with internal-combustion engines (ICE). According to Tony Vinciguerra, chief operating officer, Driving Dynamics, 94% of all crashes are due to human error, and thats not going to change when a driver goes from ICE to electric. However, there are a few notable differences: the acceleration is quicker in an electric vehicle and regenerative braking is more responsive.

Make sure your employees understand the nuances of an EV, and that you can turn off certain features, like cruise control or regenerative braking, so that you have more control over the vehicle when youre traveling in ice or snow, Vinciguerra said. In a gas-powered vehicle, if you take your foot off the gas, you coast, but with an EV, if you take your foot off the pedal, you can feel it; its almost as if you have your emergency brake on. Its that aggressive.

Another difference between ICE vehicles and EVs is that EVs have noiseless engines. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), theres a 19% greater chance of hitting a pedestrian in a plug-in or hybrid vehicle because the vehicles are so quiet, Vinciguerra said.

Organizations should keep this in mind when training drivers. For instance, drivers should create eye contact or give a quick beep on the horn to pedestrians or cyclists so they know that the driver is there, he said.

Engage Drivers

Sweeney cited alarming statistics on the rise of roadway fatalities in the last two years. Safety doesnt jump into peoples minds when theyre thinking about electrification, Sweeney said, but based on what were seeing on the roadways, we cant leave safety on the wayside as we move into this new frontier of electric vehicles.

Its crucial for fleet managers to communicate with employees so they understand the organizations goals for electrification.

Fleet managers are taking on the monumental task of getting in front of their drivers and educating them, Sweeney said. They (drivers) can be so amped to drive their EVs that they may not have their full attention on the road.

Additional tools Sweeney utilizes are telematics, gamification, and a train-the-trainers module, where the companys leaders are taught EV operations and safety techniques, and they go back and demonstrate what theyve learned to their employees.

If you can get your drivers excited and engaged in thinking about the companys sustainability efforts and safety, its a great way to get them educated, she said.

Understanding Complex Technology

Autonomous driver-assistance systems and EVs are increasingly entwined, which makes it all the more important to train employees on how to use the technology.

Theres a whole change going on in the automotive industry, and thats whats causing these challenges were facing, Vinciguerra said. There are way too many distractions and toys inside the vehicle, and electric vehicles are just another layer on top of that. Unless fleet managers start educating their drivers and making them more comfortable behind the wheel, we will continue to see increased fatalities and injuries on the road.

Drivers are becoming too reliant on safety equipment, according to Keeton. Vehicles are becoming safer, but if vehicle operators arent doing their job, then all the safety systems in the world are not going to help them.

Fundamentally, people need to realize that the most dangerous thing they are going to do during the course of a day is get behind the wheel, Vinciguerra said. They get into bad habits and need to be reminded frequently about what they should be doing.

When it comes to electrification, fleet managers should never compromise on any part of their safety policy.

If your policy says a vehicle has to have certain features or a minimum crash rating, dont compromise just because its an EV and you need to get an EV initiative, Sweeney said. Continuing to promote your safety culture and enhancing it as you move to an electric fleet is going to be important so that you dont lose all the hard work youve done to build it up over the course of many years.

PTEC-NSTDA provides essential safety tips for electric vehicle users

PTEC-NSTDA shares important guidelines on driving electric vehicles during heavy rain and flooding, as well as tips for proper EV charger installation at home, ensuring safety and optimal performance for EV users.

The National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), led by Dr. Kraisorn Anchaleeworaphan, Director of the Electrical and Electronic Products Testing Center (PTEC), recently hosted an open house session at Thailand Science Park in Pathum Thani. The event included an exclusive media interview on the topic of EVSafety on par with international standards as part of the NSTDA Meets the Press initiative. Attendees had the opportunity to explore standardised EV performance analysis areas, such as the EV laboratory for EMC and charger testing, as well as EV battery performance testing.

Dr. Kraisorn emphasised NSTDAs commitment to providing professional testing and support for the research and development of electrical and electronic products, with the aim of advancing the Thai industry and obtaining international product certifications.

PTEC currently offers lithium battery testing services for plug-in hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles (EV) according to international standards, catering to both domestic use and export to foreign markets. The centre also conducts customised tests to meet the specific needs of various automotive sectors, including R&D for manufacturing companies and the development of new EV models.

Thanks to government policies promoting EV adoption, the popularity of electric vehicles has experienced significant growth in Thailand over the past two years, with over 10,000 electric, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid vehicles on the road in 2023. This places Thailand among the top countries in ASEAN for electric vehicle usage. In addition to factors like model design, technology, facilities, and cost-saving efficiency, consumer safety considerations greatly influence purchasing decisions for electric vehicles. Proper installation of EV chargers, which are essential components, must adhere to international testing standards, both for home installations and other service areas.

PTEC has been providing testing services for key components in various types of electric vehicles, including lithium batteries, electronic control systems, lighting, chargers, and EMC testing, in accordance with TISI standards. The centre also offers additional testing services for automotive manufacturers that have assembly plants in Thailand and require standardised parts for export to European, Japanese, Chinese, and American markets.

The parts for which PTEC provides testing services include the following:

Electric vehicle battery safety and transportation in accordance with United Nations (UN) regulations: PTEC offers comprehensive testing services for lithium batteries of all sizes battery cells, battery modules, and battery packs. The testing aligns with international standards such as UN R136 for electric motorcycles and UN R100 for plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles. Focus areas include short circuit protection, temperature resistance, vibration, impact resistance, fire safety, submersion, overcharging, and over-discharging.

Electric vehicle electronic parts for export: PTEC provides testing services for various electric vehicle electronic components, including automotive cabin lights, front/tail lights, radio entertainment systems, navigation systems, ECU systems, radar systems, and antennas. Testing adheres to UN R10, ISO, CISPR, and IEC standards, with comprehensive EMC testing tools available to evaluate vehicles of different types, such as sedans, pickup trucks, SUVs, vans, buses, and truck tractors. PTEC also conducts driving simulation tests using a dynamometer to simulate various road conditions, including straight lines, curves, uphill and downhill driving. Additionally, noise levels inside and outside the cabin are evaluated.

Electric vehicle charging stations to support the EV ecosystem in Thailand: PTEC provides testing services for AC normal chargers commonly installed in homes and shopping malls, as well as DC quick chargers found at gas stations. Currently capable of testing 150 kW chargers, PTEC has plans to expand its testing capacity to 250 kW in 2023, making it the largest and fully equipped EV charger laboratory in the ASEAN region. This expanded capacity will also enable testing of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology starting next year, further supporting the development of the complete EV ecosystem in Thailand.

SAFETY TIPS FOR EV USE

The Director of PTEC provided essential safety tips for using electric vehicles, which include:

Driving Electric Vehicles during Heavy Rain and Flooding: Due to the positioning of the batteries beneath the drivers seat for a more spacious cabin, it is crucial to be cautious when driving through water or parking in flooded areas. Regularly check for moisture, water, and any damage under the car to prevent water from entering the battery.

Tips for EV Charger Installation at Home: When installing EV chargers at home, it is important to check the size of the electrical cable to ensure it can handle the charging current properly. Avoid using cables that are brittle or damaged. If the electric current is insufficient, do not directly connect the homes electrical cable to the charger head. It is recommended to have an electrical safety assessment conducted by experts before installing the charger. Additionally, follow installation instructions provided by relevant agencies such as the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) and the Engineering Institute of Thailand, as different charger types have specific features to withstand temperature, rain, and dust.

PTEC is a registered testing laboratory for electrical and electronic products under the ASEAN Trade Agreement and is recognised by seven ASEAN member countries. PTEC also collaborates with SGS Finland for EMC testing of domestically produced electric vehicle parts, enabling them to obtain the international automotive certification mark (E-mark) from the EU Department of Land Transport. This enhances the competitiveness of the Thai automotive industry in exporting parts and products to European Union member countries.

www.nstda.or.th

12 Essential Tips for First Time Drivers in the Philippines

With drivers license comes great responsibility. Getting a drivers license may symbolize freedom and independence to drive for some people. Driving for the first time may be both exciting and frightening. However, earning your license should not be taken lightly and should be treated as a serious responsibility.

There are various factors that affect the success of your first driving experience. As a responsible driver, you must remember that these factors include the combination of you right attitude as a driver and a road-worthy motor vehicle.

In order to help your first driving experience not comes as a nightmare, Philkotse.com will give you 12 essential tips and hope you can greatly enjoy your first-time driving.

Ignoring the safety measures means ignoring not only your life but other peoples lives.

1. Get to know your car

Read your car manual to be able to understand the features of your car. Familiarize yourself where the things are located, adjust the mirror, learn to operate things, find the switches for rear fog and front lights, and learn to switch on and off your hazard light button.

Remember that visibility is an essential factor to drive safely. Hence, you need to keep your lights and windows clean for better visibility. Moreover, check the brakes if its working well.

It's better to create a list of everything you need to check and make it a habit until you get to know your own vehicle well

2. Make yourself comfortable

Position your seat in such a manner that you feel comfortable. Adjust the temperature of your air conditioner according to the need of your body. Driving also demands you to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. For motorcycle riders in metro Manila, traffic some enforcers penalize those who are not wearing shoes and pants while driving.

Being in the best mental and physical condition whiledrivingdoesn't only secure you as a driver, but secures your passengers as well

For four-wheelers, always remember to buckle up before driving. Avoid drinking and eating when driving. Remove the things that distract you, such as your gadget or mobile phones. Do not attempt to text or take a selfie while driving. Pull over safely if there is an emergency call or text you need to attend to.

3. Start to drive in safe environment

While your desire to drive immediately may be uncontrollable, it is advisable to try it in a safe environment. Do not drive at night in order not to impair the visibility of the road. Your test drive should not be on the public road to avoid bigger problem in case of trouble. You do not need to navigate every corner of your surrounding but stay on familiar routes to avoid getting lost.

For first time drivers, it is encouraged not to drive on peak hours to reduce stress

4. Stay calm and focus on the road

As you take the wheel, you might start to feel overwhelmed due to the rules you need to remember from your driving lesson. Just remember to avoid overthinking the situation and calm down since driving requires your hundred percent focus. Take a deep breath until you feel calm.

It is encouraged to bring an experienced and trusted driver seated next to you to give helpful driving tips and advice and help you calm down while driving your car for the first time.

5. Learn basic traffic rules

Posessing drivers license indicates that you have passed the exam conducted by LTO for aspiring drivers. Thus, law enforcers expect that you know the basic traffic rules and regulation to maintain safety on the road.

First time drivers should know pedestrian and traffic signals, rules on special crossings, intersections, highways, including hand signals from their fellow drivers. Moreover, they are not only expected to know it but apply the law and not violate traffic laws accordingly.

It is every driver's obligation to make himself familiar with all the traffic signs and road policy

6. Stay on your lane

If you are driving around Metro Manila, special lanes are designated for motorcycle riders, trucks, or provincial buses. As first time drivers, you have to respect these lanes not only to avoid penalty but also to refrain from getting caught in road collisions.

Although sometimes it is tempting, avoid overtaking other vehicles as much as possible

7. Slow down

Responsible driving does not mean you are the best or fastest driver on the road. Do not get into racing because driving is not a competition. Remember to slow down and comply with the prescribed speed limit of your vehicle. Learn to adjust your speed according to the condition of the weather (e.g. foggy, rainy), in order to lessen the risk of accident.

Being in a hurry is not an excuse to violate traffic rules

8. Learn to do driving-related works

When you encounter unavoidable circumstance (e.g. flat tire) in the middle of nowhere, it is helpful if you know how to change tire. Knowing the ropes of driving entails the art of learning driving-related tasks, such as but not limited to jump starting your car, pumping gas, adding washer fluid to your windshield, and changing tire.

You don't need to learn everything about fixing a car

9. Insure your car

Some car insurance companies demand a higher premium for first time drivers. This may be due to the fact that first time drivers have higher risk of getting caught in road accident. Our post on car insurance in the Philippines might be some help if you would like to learn basic knowledge of auto insurance and which type of insurance will fit you the most.

Getting car insurance is preparing your pocket in case an unfortunate event happens while driving

10. Accessorize your car with safety measures

Installing safety measures does not only reduce the risk associated with road accidents, it also helps you to lower your car insurance premium. Have a checklist if your car has the following safety accessories: GPS, front and side airbags, antilock brakes, seatbelts, head restraints, rear view mirrors, and electronic stability control.

If you think accessorizing your car only means more expenses - think again

11. Do the right thing in case of accident

Accidents are like unwelcomed guests who come to you when you least expect. While we aim to avoid crashes, it is also vital to know the right things to do in case we encounter accidents. Protect vital organs of your body, including your head.

If you are stuck inside, break the side windows and move out. If you have child passengers, let them out first. If you can, contact emergency hotline to aid you and your passengers.

Accidents happen at the most unexpected time. In times like this, stay calm and remain focused

12. Get more driving training

Getting a drivers license should not be the end! Enhancing your driving skills should be part of your plan as driving gets complicated once you are on the road. Enrolling in driving education courses would help you acquire the necessary skill when driving in busy towns, on motorways, during rainy weather, or at night.

Practicing through proper training is surely the best way to hone your driving skills