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Are electric cars made of plastic?
Since EVs are all about going green, are electric cars made of plastic? I can’t really see a reason why they would need to use metal parts, other than for the tires and some of the electric gadgets.
Jason Crosby · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Electric cars
can be produced with up to 50% plastic parts, so you’re definitely on to something. While they can be up to 50% plastic, plastics only contribute to about 10% of an electric car’s total weight. It’s simple physics, really. A lighter vehicle requires less fuel (in this case, electricity) to accelerate. This means that electric cars are almost always able to be more energy-efficient than gas-powered vehicles as well as more powerful, as less energy is being wasted in propelling a heavier vehicle.
However, electric cars can have
batteries
that weigh over 1,000 lbs, which are sometimes 25-30% of the vehicle’s total weight. This curbs their efficiency somewhat, but because the battery is more centrally located than a traditional car’s heaviest component (the engine), they have a lower center of gravity. This translates into a reduced risk of rollover accidents, and more responsive handling and maneuvering for electric car drivers. The plastics used in electric cars aren’t the same that you’ll find in a Happy Meal toy, though. Carmakers use advanced polymer plastics, which are impact-resistant, durable, and made to withstand a whole range of driving conditions, including extreme heat and cold that can quickly degrade other types of plastic.
If you drive an electric car, now you know—your car could be composed primarily of plastic parts, which helps save you money in the long run. And with
Jerry
, your car insurance policy for your electric car could be saving you money, too. Download today to find better, more affordable coverage options within minutes. View full answer
- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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