According to a survey, electric cars cause double the amount of stress to roads compared to their petrol counterparts, which could contribute to an increase in potholes amidst Britain's growing

pothole crisis. The University of Leeds led the study, which found that the average electric car puts 2.24 times more stress on roads than a similar petrol vehicle, and up to 2.32 times more stress for larger electric vehicles. This increased stress on the roads leads to greater movement of asphalt, resulting in small cracks and, eventually, potholes.

The timing of this research is significant as the UK is currently facing a pothole crisis, with an estimated £12 billion needed to address the issue. Reports indicate that only half the number of potholes are being filled compared to a decade ago. The weight of vehicles, particularly larger and heavier petrol and diesel SUVs, has been a growing concern for potholes in recent years. The rise of even heavier electric cars, especially SUV-style models, will further exacerbate the stress on road surfaces.

Experts have also warned that multi-storey car parks could be at risk of damage or collapse due to the weight of electric vehicles. The number of electric cars on the roads has tripled since 2019, with approximately 900,000 electric vehicles currently in use. The University of Leeds analyzed the weights of 15 popular electric cars compared to their petrol counterparts and found that electric vehicles, on average, are 312kg heavier, primarily due to the weight of their batteries, which can weigh up to 500kg.

The analysis used the "fourth power formula," a method employed by highways engineers and researchers to assess damage caused by heavy vehicles on road surfaces. It suggests that doubling the weight on a vehicle's axle can result in 16 times the amount of damage to a road.

To address the issue, new guidance is being developed to recommend higher load-bearing weights in order to accommodate the heavier electric vehicles. Structural engineers and car park consultants are at the forefront of these efforts, and the new measures are expected to be published in the coming weeks.

The Asphalt Industry Alliance revealed that the cost of Britain's pothole backlog reached £14 billion in the past year, representing an increase of nearly £1.5 million from the previous year. The pothole crisis continues to be a pressing concern, and experts emphasize the need for proactive measures to prevent further damage to roads and car park infrastructure. Photo by Alexander Migl/w, Wikimedia commons.