Electric Vehicles

Human Factors Issues with EVs

Sponsored by NHTSA, with lead Westat

NHTSA has identified potential human factors issues with the widespread deployment of electric vehicles (EVs).

Collaborating with Westat, DSRI conducted extensive research to identify and prioritize these and other potential human factors issues involving EVs. This included literature reviews, interviews (with OEMs, rescue responders, owners, and technicians), analyzing public discourse on social media, and crash data analysis.

The DSRI team completed a research plan and pilot study in 2024, which included comparing foot behavior and pedal interaction while driving an EV vs ICE vehicle. The final report is in progress.