More professionals in Rwanda are seriously exploring buying an electric car in Kigali — and for good reason. Fuel costs are rising, green mobility infrastructure is expanding, and EV options are more accessible than ever.
But one question keeps stalling the decision: are electric vehicles actually safe?
It’s a fair concern. Here’s what the data actually says — myth by myth.
❶ “EVs roll over more easily.”
Actually, electric vehicles are more stable than most petrol cars.
The battery pack sits low along the vehicle floor, giving EVs a naturally lower center of gravity. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) directly links this to reduced rollover risk — one reason models like the Tesla Model Y and BYD Atto 3 consistently earn top global safety scores.
For anyone driving Rwanda’s hills and winding upcountry roads daily, that stability is a real, practical advantage.
❷ “EV batteries catch fire easily.”
This is the concern we hear most from people considering EV buying in Rwanda — and it’s the least supported by evidence.
Insurance studies and U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) data show EV fires are statistically less frequent per vehicle sold than petrol car fires. Modern electric vehicles are built with thermal management systems, automatic battery isolation in crashes, and reinforced underbody shielding.
The BYD Atto 3 — widely available for purchase in Kigali — uses Blade Battery technology engineered to resist thermal runaway, passing nail penetration tests: one of the toughest safety benchmarks in the industry.
Could an EV battery catch fire under extreme conditions? Yes. Is it more likely than a petrol fire? No.
❸ “EVs are dangerous in floods.”
Particularly relevant in Rwanda’s rainy seasons — and worth addressing directly.
EV battery systems are sealed to international IP (Ingress Protection) standards, insulated and isolated from water contact. Petrol vehicles risk engine water ingestion, fuel contamination, and transmission damage in the same conditions.
Cautious driving in heavy rain applies to every vehicle. But electric vehicles carry no special flood vulnerability that petrol cars don’t also face.
❹ “EVs don’t hold up well in crashes.”
The global crash-test record says otherwise.
Euro NCAP and the NHTSA have awarded 5-star ratings to multiple EV models. Without a large engine block up front, electric vehicles benefit from better-engineered crumple zones. The battery casing adds structural rigidity. Power cuts automatically on impact.
Most EVs also come standard with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) — automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring. These don’t just protect you in a crash. They help prevent one.
What EV Safety Means for Drivers in Rwanda
Rwanda’s roads demand a capable, reliable vehicle — from Kigali’s city streets to steeper terrain upcountry. Electric vehicles are well-matched to this environment.
The low center of gravity improves handling on hills. Instant torque enables safer overtaking. Fewer mechanical components means fewer points of failure over time. No fuel tank means no leakage risk after an accident.
As Rwanda expands its EV infrastructure and import incentives, buying an electric car isn’t just an environmental choice — it’s increasingly the practical one.
So, Are Electric Vehicles Safe? Yes — Here’s the Summary
Today’s EVs are engineered and proven with lower rollover risk, advanced battery protection, top crash-test ratings, and built-in accident prevention. Like any vehicle, how you drive matters. But from an engineering standpoint, modern electric vehicles are among the safest on the road.
If you’re considering EV buying in Rwanda and want to understand your options, start with the facts — then explore what’s available.
Ready to buy an electric car in Kigali? Browse our latest EV listings or send us a message at automag.rw — our team will help you find the right fit for your needs and budget.
