Umair Gaines
Electric vehicles (EVs) are often portrayed in the media as being more susceptible to fires than traditional gas-powered cars. However, this perception may be misleading. While it is true that EV fires can be challenging to extinguish and may reignite due to thermal runaway, data suggests that they are, in fact, less likely to catch fire. Statistics from 2015 revealed that out of 174,000 vehicle fires reported, the vast majority involved gasoline vehicles. More recently, in 2022, the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) reported a significantly lower rate of fires in EVs compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) cars. This trend is further supported by studies from Australia and an examination of global data, all indicating that EVs are less prone to fires than their gasoline counterparts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Electric vehicles catching fire | Very rare |
| Gas-powered vehicles catching fire | Common |
| Probability of an EV catching fire | 0.0012% |
| Probability of an internal combustion engine car catching fire | 0.1% |
| Number of vehicle fires in the US from 2013 to 2017 | 117,370 per year |
| Number of fires in EVs from 2020 to 2022 | 20 per year |
| Number of fires in internal combustion engine vehicles from 2020 to 2022 | 3,400 |
| Number of fires in EVs in the US from 2012 to 2021 | 11 times lower per mile than the figure for all cars |
| Number of vehicle fires in 2015 | 174,000 |
| Number of vehicle fires in 2015 that involved EVs | 5 per billion miles traveled |
| Number of vehicle fires in 2015 that involved gasoline cars | 55 per billion miles traveled |
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What You'll Learn
- Electric vehicles are less likely to catch fire than gas-powered cars
- Electric vehicle fires are harder to extinguish
- Electric vehicle batteries are more likely to spontaneously combust
- Electric vehicle fires are more dangerous than gas-powered car fires
- Electric vehicle fires are more likely to be reported in the news
Electric vehicles are less likely to catch fire than gas-powered cars
Electric vehicles (EVs) are less likely to catch fire than gas-powered cars. This is due to the fact that EVs do not have an engine or gasoline, two components which are often the cause of vehicle fires. According to the NFPA, mechanical failure or malfunction is the leading cause of vehicle fires, accounting for 45% of all vehicle fires. As such, the absence of an engine and gasoline in EVs significantly reduces the risk of a fire starting.
Data from several countries supports this, revealing that EVs are less likely to catch fire than gas-powered cars. For example, statistics from 2015 showed that almost all of the 174,000 vehicle fires reported involved gasoline vehicles. Similarly, Tesla reports that gasoline cars are 11 times more likely to catch fire than a Tesla. Using a different metric, there are approximately five fires per billion miles travelled in EVs compared to 55 fires per billion miles travelled in gasoline cars.
Australia's Department of Defence also found that there was a 0.0012% chance of a passenger EV battery catching fire, compared to a 0.1% chance for internal combustion engine cars. This is echoed by Sweden's Authority for Social Protection and Preparedness, which reported 23 fires in 611,000 EVs during 2022, or 0.004% in a year, making it 20 times less likely to happen than internal combustion engine car fires, which burned 3,400 times in 4.4 million cars, or 0.08% in a year.
While it is true that Li-ion battery fires in EVs can be challenging for emergency services due to the risk of thermal runaway, it is important to remember that these fires are still rare. The perception that they are common may be due to the fact that they are more likely to be reported in the news. As EVs are still relatively new, these fires tend to receive a lot of coverage. In contrast, gas-powered vehicle fires are less newsworthy as they have been occurring for over a century.
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Electric vehicle fires are harder to extinguish
Electric vehicles (EVs) are less likely to catch fire than gas-powered cars. However, when they do, the resulting fire is harder to extinguish. This is due to the high-voltage lithium-ion batteries that EVs use, which contain flammable electrolytes. When an electric vehicle catches fire, the battery's high voltage can cause a phenomenon called thermal runaway, where the battery pack overheats and ignites other cells, leading to an intense and prolonged fire.
Thermal runaway can release large amounts of heat, toxic gases, and chemical fumes that pose a severe risk to firefighters. As a result, firefighters must be trained to use specific techniques and equipment to handle EV fires safely. The complex electrical systems in EVs and their proximity to water sources can also pose an electrocution hazard, further complicating the firefighting process.
The traditional method of putting out a fire with water is not effective for EV fires. Instead, firefighters must use alternative methods such as high-temperature-resistant fire blankets to isolate and control the fire and prevent collateral damage.
The challenge of extinguishing EV fires is further complicated by the fact that they are a relatively new technology. Fire departments and emergency teams are still learning how to best respond to EV fires and develop procedures to handle them effectively.
While EVs may be less likely to catch fire in the first place, the intensity and duration of EV fires, combined with the specialized knowledge and equipment required to extinguish them, make them a unique challenge for firefighters and first responders.
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Electric vehicle batteries are more likely to spontaneously combust
Electric vehicle batteries are not more likely to spontaneously combust. In fact, electric vehicles (EVs) are less likely to catch fire than gas-powered cars. This is because, unlike gas-powered cars, EVs do not have an engine or accompanying mechanical systems, which are the leading cause of vehicle fires. EVs also do not have gasoline, hot exhaust, or controlled explosions, which significantly reduces the possible ways for a fire to start.
However, it is important to note that EV battery fires burn hot and can be difficult to extinguish. The lithium-ion chemistry used in most modern EVs is very sensitive, and if the battery pack is compromised in a serious crash, the battery cells can rupture and heat up until they reach "thermal runaway". Thermal runaway is a chemical chain reaction where the battery cells get so hot that chemical reactions begin to occur, and the fire can be challenging to control.
While EV battery fires are rare, they tend to receive more media coverage than gas-powered car fires. This may create the perception that EVs are more likely to catch fire. However, it is important to remember that gas-powered car fires are far more common, and the risk of an EV battery fire is extremely low. For example, Australia's Department of Defence found that the chance of a passenger EV battery catching fire was 0.0012%, compared to 0.1% for internal combustion engine cars.
To prevent EV battery fires, manufacturers have implemented several safety measures. For instance, EV batteries are surrounded by a cooling shroud filled with liquid coolant to prevent overheating. Additionally, all EV batteries are installed in an array with additional firewalls between clusters to limit the damage in the case of a malfunction. While these safety measures are effective, it is important for first responders to be familiar with the unique challenges posed by EV battery fires.
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Electric vehicle fires are more dangerous than gas-powered car fires
Electric vehicle (EV) fires are less likely to occur than gas-powered car fires, but they can be more dangerous due to several factors. Firstly, Li-ion batteries used in EVs can experience thermal runaway, a chemical chain reaction that causes the battery to continue heating up and reigniting even after the fire is put out. This can result in the fire flaring up again several hours or even days later. As a result, EV fires may require more water and time to extinguish completely.
Secondly, EV fires are relatively new and can pose unfamiliar challenges for first responders. The procedures for handling burned EVs after the fire is out are more complex and require additional safety measures, such as isolating the vehicle to prevent reignition and monitoring it for an extended period.
Additionally, media coverage of EV fires tends to be more prominent and sensationalized compared to gas-powered car fires, which have become relatively commonplace. This disproportionate media attention can create a perception that EV fires are more frequent or dangerous than they actually are.
While the data shows that EVs are less likely to catch fire, it is important to recognize that both types of vehicles have the potential to cause fires. The chemicals and elements in EV battery packs, especially Li-ion batteries, can be sensitive and prone to thermal runaway if the battery is compromised in a serious crash. In contrast, gas-powered cars carry flammable gasoline and are susceptible to mechanical failures or malfunctions that can lead to fires.
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Electric vehicle fires are more likely to be reported in the news
Electric vehicles (EVs) are less likely to catch fire than gas-powered cars. However, when they do, it is more likely to be reported in the news. This is partly because electric vehicles are still relatively new, and their fires can be challenging to extinguish, often requiring significant amounts of water and time to get under control.
The novelty of electric vehicle fires means they are more likely to be considered newsworthy. In contrast, gas-powered car fires are less likely to be reported because they have been occurring for over a century and are thus less newsworthy. This is despite the fact that gas-powered cars are far more likely to catch fire. Statistics from 2015 showed that almost all of the 174,000 vehicle fires reported that year involved gasoline vehicles. Similarly, the National Fire Incident Reporting System data collected by the U.S. Fire Administration found that an average of 117,370 passenger vehicles caught fire every year between 2013 and 2017, with the vast majority being gas-powered cars.
The media's focus on electric vehicle fires can create a misleading perception of their frequency. For example, reports of Tesla car fires have led to concerns about the safety of electric vehicles. However, Tesla claims that gasoline cars are 11 times more likely to catch fire than their vehicles. This is supported by data from several countries, which indicates that the probability of experiencing an electric vehicle fire is much lower than for petrol or diesel cars.
The higher newsworthiness of electric vehicle fires may also be due to the challenges they pose for first responders. Electric vehicle fires can be more intense and difficult to extinguish than gas-powered car fires due to the risk of thermal runaway, where the battery cells continue to heat up even after the fire is put out. This requires additional procedures, such as transporting the burned vehicle to a holding yard prepared to handle a reignition.
In summary, while electric vehicles are less likely to catch fire, the media's focus on these incidents can create a perception that they are more common than they are. This is partly due to the novelty of electric vehicle fires and the challenges they pose for emergency responders.
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Frequently asked questions
No, electric vehicles are less likely to catch fire than gas-powered cars. According to a report by Kelley Blue Book, data from several countries reveals that electric vehicles are less likely to catch fire. This is further supported by Australia's Department of Defence research, which found that there was a 0.0012% chance of an electric vehicle battery catching fire, compared to a 0.1% chance for internal combustion engine cars.
Electric vehicles can catch fire due to a serious crash or fault that compromises the battery pack. The chemicals and elements in the battery pack are very sensitive, especially the lithium-ion chemistry used in most modern electric vehicles. If the battery is compromised, the cells can rupture and heat up, leading to "thermal runaway".
While electric vehicle fires are less common, they can be more challenging to extinguish and may reignite. This is because lithium-ion batteries have energy stored in the battery pack, and thermal runaway can cause the fire to flare for several hours, requiring significant amounts of water to control. However, it is important to note that gas-powered cars carry flammable gasoline, which is always a fire risk.
