Stellantis's CEO Carlos Tavares has highlighted a frequently overlooked aspect of electric vehicles: their rapid acceleration capability, which he argues is a significant asset for safety rather than just a selling point for performance enthusiasts.
The Safety Advantage of Electric Acceleration
During an interaction with journalists reported by Top Gear, Tavares emphasized the importance of acceleration power, particularly for maneuvers such as overtaking. He believes that the ability to accelerate instantly is crucial to ensure safe overtaking and lane changes, especially in tricky situations like passing a truck.
The STLA Large platform, unveiled this month by Stellantis, will be at the heart of this strategy. It will equip the first models of Jeep and Dodge in the United States, promising a range of up to 800 km and power exceeding current top V8 engines. Tavares sees this technology as a key element in achieving Stellantis's goal: 50% electric vehicle sales in the United States and 100% in Europe by 2030.
Performance and Safety: A Winning Combination
The safety implications of rapid accelerations are not universally agreed upon. While some argue that the swift acceleration of electric vehicles could pose a danger to pedestrians and cyclists, Tavares insists that these performance capabilities allow for safer overtaking maneuvers, avoiding unexpected emergency braking.
Electric vehicle technology, with its instant acceleration, therefore offers a significant safety advantage. It enables drivers to react swiftly in critical situations, such as passing a heavy truck on the highway.
The Debate is Open!
Tavares's perspective opens an interesting debate on the safety and performance of electric vehicles. What do you think about this approach? Do you see rapid acceleration as a factor for safety or risk? Your comments are welcome to further enrich this discussion.
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