ELECTRIC VEHICLES SPARK INDUSTRY INTEREST (INSURANCE COMPANIES)

Background is given on the development and characteristics of electric vehicles (EV's) 100,000 of which are predicted to be produced annually by 1980. The Kemper Group is one EV insurer; since 1975, the company has issued EV policies which provide all essential coverages except for electrical breakdown. Certain hazards unique to EV's which pose insurance risks are listed: lack of power steering/brakes which might contribute to accident frequency; quiet running which may contribute to more pedestrian accidents; battery theft; electric shock; hydrogen gas buildup during rapid battery charging (an explosion hazard); accumulation of dangerous levels of gas if charging in a small, enclosed space; run-away vehicles when power cannot be cut off; susceptibility of motor to water damage; and more costly repair work. The biggest question in EV insurability is the absence of a reliable high-volume manufacturer producing vehicles in statistically significant quantity. Kemper's experience with EV claims is described. Special underwriting requirements used by Kemper in insuring an electric car are outlined: vehicle emergency cutoff switch; charger and regenerative braking system equipped with automatic tapering and cutoff control; venting of battery pack encasement; and battery discharge indicator.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • At head of title: Underwriting, losses and loss control.
• Corporate Authors:

  Best (AM) Company

  Oldwich, NJ  United States  08858
• Authors:
  • Ellison, C
• Publication Date: 1980-5

Media Info

• Pagination: 3 p.
• Serial:
  • Best's Review
  • Volume: 81
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: A.M. Best Company

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automobile insurance; Crash rates; Electric batteries; Electric vehicles; Electrical equipment; Explosions; Hazards; Pedestrian vehicle crashes; Risk assessment; Specifications; Theft; Vehicle safety
• Uncontrolled Terms: Requirement
• Old TRIS Terms: Electric shock; Runaway vehicles; Vehicular safety
• Subject Areas: Energy; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00384720
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: HS-029 078
• Files: HSL, USDOT
• Created Date: May 30 1984 12:00AM