Beatrice Lang
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular due to their fuel efficiency and environmental benefits. However, despite their advantages, there are several risks associated with them. One of the main concerns is the potential for battery-related issues, such as unexpected fires or short circuits caused by water damage. Additionally, the limited range of EVs and the potential for higher insurance costs are also factors that potential buyers should consider. From a safety perspective, EVs pose certain dangers to pedestrians, cyclists, and children due to their quiet operation, and there are specific procedures to follow in the event of an accident. Overall, while EVs offer many benefits, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and challenges associated with their adoption.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | EVs are considered as safe as traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. |
| Accidents | EVs can catch fire unexpectedly, and there are certain dangers in the event of an accident. |
| Children | EVs pose a risk to children, who may be impulsive and likely to step out into the street without looking. |
| Pedestrians | EVs may pose a risk to pedestrians due to their quiet engines. |
| Charging | A lightning strike can cause an electrical surge that could damage an EV's charging system. |
| Water damage | Water can cause an EV to short-circuit and break. |
| Insurance | Insuring EVs may be more expensive than traditional gasoline vehicles. |
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What You'll Learn
Electric vehicles can catch fire unexpectedly
Although electric vehicles (EVs) do not run on combustible fuel, they can still catch fire unexpectedly. This is due to the chemistry of the battery pack, which is composed of sensitive chemicals and elements. In particular, the lithium-ion chemistry used in most modern EVs is very sensitive. If the battery pack is damaged, for example in a serious crash, the battery cells can rupture and heat up due to chemical reactions. This can lead to a phenomenon known as ""thermal runaway", where the cells get so hot that the chemical reactions continue to increase, causing the battery to catch fire. Improperly charged or balanced battery cells can also cause thermal runaway.
While EV fires are rare, they can be challenging to extinguish due to the protection of the battery from the elements. The batteries take a long time to cool down and can reignite, even several days later. The chemistry of the battery also poses challenges for firefighters during extinguishment. As a result, it is important for first responders to be trained on how to handle EV fires and for consumers to be educated on the potential risks associated with the technology.
Despite the risks, it is important to note that EVs are less likely to catch fire than traditional gas-powered vehicles. Data from various sources, including Kelly Blue Book, the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB), and the National Transportation Safety Board, all indicate that EV fires are less common than those in gasoline-powered or hybrid vehicles. For example, the MSB's 2023 report found that out of about 611,000 electric vehicles, there were only around 20 fires per year in the last three years, compared to 3,400 fires in 4.4 million cars powered by fuel. Additionally, Australia's EV FireSafe group estimated the risk of an electric car battery catching fire to be a thousandth of a percent (0.0012%), significantly lower than the estimated risk for internal combustion engine vehicles.
Overall, while the chemistry of EV batteries does pose a risk of fire, the likelihood of this occurring is very low, and EVs are generally considered to be safer than traditional gas-powered vehicles in terms of fire risk.
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Electric vehicles may be unsafe for pedestrians and cyclists
Electric vehicles (EVs) are often criticised for being too quiet, which can make them dangerous for pedestrians who may not hear them approaching. This is particularly concerning for blind or visually impaired people, as well as children, who may be less aware of their surroundings and more likely to step out into the road unexpectedly. In addition, electric vehicles tend to have faster acceleration and are heavier than traditional cars, meaning they often have longer stopping distances.
Several studies have analysed the risk that electric vehicles pose to pedestrians. One study, based on UK data, found that out of 96,285 pedestrians hit by a car or taxi, 1,652 were hit by electric or hybrid vehicles. This suggests that electric vehicles are three times as likely to be involved in pedestrian collisions in urban areas, although the data is from 2013 to 2017, when there were far fewer electric vehicles on the road. More recently, in 2024, an analysis of 32 billion miles of battery-powered car travel and 3 trillion miles of petrol and diesel car trips found that mile-for-mile, electric and hybrid cars were twice as likely to hit pedestrians and three times more likely to do so in urban areas.
However, it is important to note that modern Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) often include pedestrian detection and avoidance features, which can reduce the number of collisions regardless of vehicle type. Additionally, electric vehicles are not completely silent and produce tire noise, especially due to their extra weight. Some have argued that the media is jumping on a bandwagon of antipathy against electric vehicles and change in general, and that similar issues of inaudibility can occur with quiet internal combustion engine (ICE) cars.
To address the potential risk to pedestrians and cyclists, regulations have been introduced to require all hybrid vehicles sold after September 2020 to generate artificial sounds between 40-90dB when travelling below 19 mph. These sounds are intended to alert visually impaired pedestrians and cyclists to the presence of the vehicle and are expected to prevent about 2,400 pedestrian injuries each year. However, there have been challenges in designing effective NHTSA-compliant pedestrian alerts, as low-frequency sounds can bounce off buildings, and high-frequency sounds can cause driver distraction.
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Electric vehicles may be unsafe for children
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular, with over 1 million on UK roads alone. While they have many advantages, such as fuel efficiency and environmental benefits, there are also concerns about their safety, particularly for children.
One of the main risks of EVs is their potential to catch fire unexpectedly. Data from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board shows that there are approximately 25 fires for every 100,000 EVs sold, which is significantly lower than the rate of fires in gas-powered vehicles. However, the toxins released during EV fires are still not fully understood, and they pose a danger to both firefighters and the surrounding community.
EV batteries are well-protected from the elements, but they can short-circuit and break if they come into contact with water. It is recommended that EVs are unplugged from chargers during lightning storms, as a nearby lightning strike can cause an electrical surge that damages the charging system. Staying inside an EV during lightning is generally safer than being outside, as the vehicle acts like a Faraday cage, directing the electric current away from the occupants and into the ground.
In addition to the risks associated with EV batteries and fires, there are also concerns about the safety of children around these vehicles. EVs are often quieter than traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, especially at slower speeds. This can lead to children mistakenly thinking it is safe to cross the road or retrieve a toy, as they may not realize a car is approaching. The impulsive nature of children means they are more likely to run into the street, and the quietness of EVs can increase the risk of accidents.
While EVs have some safety concerns, it is important to note that they are generally considered as safe as, if not safer than, traditional ICE vehicles. However, further research and advancements are needed to fully understand and mitigate the risks associated with EV fires and battery malfunctions, especially when it comes to protecting children and other vulnerable road users.
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Electric vehicle fires pose dangers to firefighters
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly common, but they are not without their risks. One of the primary concerns is the danger they pose in the event of a fire. While EV fires are less common than those involving traditional gas-powered vehicles, they are more challenging to extinguish and pose significant dangers to firefighters.
EV batteries, typically lithium-ion, take a long time to cool, creating a persistent risk of reignition. This prolongs the time firefighters are exposed to the more than 100 toxic chemicals released during an EV fire, including heavy metals, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen cyanide. The very nature of the battery chemistry also poses challenges to firefighters during extinguishment.
The unique hazards of EV fires have prompted multidisciplinary studies, such as the Firefighter Cancer Initiative, to investigate the environmental and health consequences for firefighters. Researchers have employed wearable sensors to monitor real-time exposure levels to ensure the safety of firefighters and the public. These studies are crucial for understanding the residues and toxins released during EV fires and for developing improved protective measures for firefighters.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has recognized the distinct challenges posed by EV fires and has published resources for first responders. These include safety trainings and emergency response materials from automobile manufacturers to enhance the knowledge and preparedness of firefighters when dealing with EV fires.
Despite the risks, it is important to note that the prevalence of EV fires remains relatively low. Data from the National Transportation Safety Board showed that for every 100,000 EVs sold, approximately 25 were involved in fires. In contrast, gasoline-powered vehicles had a significantly higher rate, with 1,530 fires per 100,000 vehicles sold.
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Electric vehicles may be more expensive to insure
The higher cost of insurance for EVs may also be due to the higher value of these vehicles compared to traditional gas-powered cars. EVs tend to be more expensive to purchase, and in the event of a total loss, it is usually more costly to replace an electric car. This increased cost of replacement is reflected in higher insurance premiums.
Another factor that contributes to the higher insurance costs for EVs is the potential for higher labour costs when repairs are needed. There are fewer repair shops that are specialised in working on EVs, which can result in higher labour rates and increased overall repair costs. These higher costs are then passed on to the customer in the form of higher insurance premiums.
While EVs may offer long-term savings through reduced gas costs and fewer trips to the mechanic, the initial purchase price and insurance costs can be higher. This is an important consideration for potential EV owners, especially when weighing up the benefits and drawbacks of switching to an electric vehicle.
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Frequently asked questions
EVs are as safe as traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. However, there are some risks associated with purchasing and owning an EV. For example, EVs can catch fire unexpectedly, and insurers may charge higher premiums due to the higher costs of EVs compared to traditional gasoline vehicles.
Data from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board shows that there are approximately 25 fires for every 100,000 EVs sold, compared to 1,530 fires for every 100,000 gas-powered vehicles sold. The toxins released during EV fires and their impact on firefighters and the community are still being studied.
The battery pack and other parts of an EV are well protected from the elements. However, if water reaches the electrical components, it can cause a short circuit. Nearby lightning strikes can also cause electrical surges that damage the charging system or the charger.
EVs are quieter than traditional vehicles, which can pose a risk to pedestrians and cyclists who may not hear them approaching. This is especially true for children, who may impulsively run into the street.
