The risk gap was triple in cities where background noise is louder.

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Experts found the pedestrian casualty rate for trendy electric cars such as Tesla, and hybrids like the Toyota Prius, was 5.16 per 100million miles driven.

It was more than twice as high as the 2.4 per 100million miles for gas-guzzling motors.

Dr Phil Edwards, of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said: “One plausible explanation is they are less audible.

Dr Edwards added that younger people might be more attracted to EVs, which have greener credentials, and also be worse drivers.

He said: “Younger, less experienced drivers are more likely to be involved in a road traffic collision and are also more likely to own an electric car.

“Some of the risk of electric cars may therefore be due to younger drivers preferring them.”

There are now more than a million electric cars on British roads.

They accounted for 15 per cent – one in seven – of new cars registered in March 2024.

Manufacturers are phasing out traditional petrol and diesel models to try and save the planet.

Dr Edwards said: “Drivers of electric or hybrid-electric cars must be cautious of pedestrians who may not hear them approaching and may step into the road.

“The greater risk to pedestrian safety posed by electric cars needs to be mitigated as governments proceed to phase out petrol and diesel cars.”