According to a report from insurance industry expert LexisNexis Risk Solutions, drivers who switch from gas-powered cars to electric vehicles (EVs), specifically Tesla models, may be more prone to accidents due to unfamiliarity with the unique characteristics of battery-powered vehicles. The analysis revealed that insurance claims frequency increased by 14.3%, while the amount paid out rose by 14.5% for those who made the switch.

These findings provide support for Hertz's recent decision to sell approximately 20,000 EVs, with Teslas making up about 80% of the fleet. The company cited the high costs associated with repairing electric vehicles as the primary reason for the sale.

LexisNexis discovered that the spike in insurance claims is most evident within the first year of transitioning to an EV. The study focused on insurance claims related to new EVs replacing gas-powered vehicles in American households.

Interestingly, the data showed that accidents were not only prevalent during the initial switch from gas to battery but also increased in households that owned both gas and electric models, highlighting the potential challenges of regularly switching between the two types of vehicles.

While LexisNexis did not identify any specific EV feature that led to accidents, there are notable differences between Teslas and traditional gas-powered cars. For instance, Tesla vehicles turn on and are ready to drive as soon as the driver sits in the seat, and they turn themselves off when the driver exits. Unlike traditional cars, the absence of engine revs or vibrations in Teslas can make it difficult for drivers to determine if the vehicle is ready to drive.

Another factor contributing to accidents is the higher acceleration rate of Teslas compared to gas-powered cars. According to LexisNexis, a Tesla Model 3 can go from zero to 60 miles per hour in 4.1 seconds, whereas a BMW 330i takes over a second longer to achieve the same speed.

Xiaohui Lu, head of EV research at LexisNexis, emphasized that unfamiliarity with EVs plays a role in the increased accident rates. For example, drivers may not be accustomed to the quick response to pedal pressure in EVs compared to gas cars, especially in low-speed zones like parking garages or traffic jams.

Furthermore, EV drivers may need to adjust to "one-pedal driving," a feature that slows down the vehicle rapidly when the accelerator pedal is released. This difference can cause confusion in emergency situations, where a quick slam on the brake pedal is necessary.

Aside from the higher accident rates, the study also revealed that repair bills for EVs tend to be significantly higher due to their complex features, such as safety sensors in bumpers. Even minor dent repairs can be costly.

While neither LexisNexis nor Tesla representatives provided immediate comment, these insights shed light on the importance of driver education and awareness when transitioning to electric vehicles.