Trystan Casey
Electric vehicles (EVs) are less likely to catch fire compared to gas and hybrid vehicles. However, when they do, the fire is much harder to put out. EVs are powered by lithium-ion batteries, which are highly sensitive and can cause thermal runaway—a chain reaction where the battery cells heat up uncontrollably, leading to a fire. Despite this risk, EVs only account for a small percentage of vehicle fires. For instance, in Sweden between 2018 and 2022, EVs and hybrids made up 1.9% of all passenger vehicle fires, while gas and diesel-powered cars accounted for 98.1%. This discrepancy is partly due to the novelty of EV fires, which tend to receive more media coverage than the more common gas-powered vehicle fires.
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What You'll Learn
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 contrary to popular belief, which is likely influenced by media coverage of EV fires. However, it's important to note that while EV fires are less common, they are harder to extinguish and can be more dangerous.
The chemicals and elements in the individual cells inside an EV's battery pack are highly sensitive. The most common cause of EV fires is thermal runaway, which occurs when a battery's cells overheat and chemical reactions begin, leading to uncontrollable heat buildup and potential ignition. This can be caused by improper charging, collisions, or road debris. To prevent EV fires, it is crucial to charge batteries responsibly, park in cool and dry areas, and use compatible chargers.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), mechanical failure or malfunction is the leading cause of vehicle fires, accounting for 45% of all fires. Electrical problems come in second, at 23%. By not having an engine, EVs eliminate the risk of mechanical failures that can lead to fires. Additionally, EVs do not have gasoline, hot exhaust, or controlled explosions, further reducing the potential sources of ignition.
Several studies support the claim that EVs are less likely to catch fire. The UK's Guardian newspaper, using data from multiple countries, found that EVs are less prone to fires than gas-powered cars. Similarly, Norway's Directorate for Social Security and Emergency Preparedness reported that there are four to five times more fires in petrol and diesel cars compared to EVs. The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency found similar results, with 68 fires per 100,000 cars of all types but only 3.8 fires per 100,000 EVs or hybrids.
While EV fires are less common, they present unique challenges when they do occur. The high energy density of lithium-ion batteries can result in intense and prolonged fires. Additionally, conventional fire extinguishers are often ineffective against EV fires because the oxidizers in the batteries provide a continuous oxygen supply to the flames. As a result, EV fires can be more challenging to extinguish and may require specialized equipment and procedures.
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Battery damage is a common cause of EV fires
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular as consumers opt for more environmentally friendly transport options. However, news stories about electric car fires have also gained prominence, often leaving potential buyers worried about the safety of these vehicles. While it is true that EV batteries do catch fire, it is important to note that these incidents are not as common as they seem. In fact, electric cars are less likely to catch fire than traditional gas-powered vehicles.
The sensitivity of the chemicals and elements within the battery cells contributes to the risk of thermal runaway. Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in modern EVs, are particularly susceptible to this issue. Improper charging or balancing of battery cells can also trigger thermal runaway, as each cell must be charged to a similar level to prevent overheating. To mitigate this risk, modern electric cars employ cooling mechanisms for their battery packs, either through air cooling or more advanced liquid cooling methods.
While EV fires can be challenging to extinguish, requiring specialised training for firefighters, it is important to remember that they are not more prevalent than fires in traditional gas-powered vehicles. In Sweden, for example, out of about 611,000 electric vehicles, there have been an average of 20 EV fires per year in the last three years, compared to 3,400 fires in 4.4 million gas-powered cars. This data reinforces the fact that EV fires are relatively uncommon, and the risk of an electric car battery catching fire is extremely low, estimated at 0.0012% by EV FireSafe.
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Thermal runaway is the root cause of lithium battery fires
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more prevalent as consumers embrace greener transport options. While EVs are less likely to catch fire than traditional gas-powered vehicles, lithium battery fires in EVs can occur due to a process known as thermal runaway. This process involves a series of heat-releasing reactions and is triggered by various factors, including mechanical issues, exposure to high temperatures, and improper charging.
Lithium-ion batteries are designed to store chemical energy, and during thermal runaway, this energy is uncontrollably released. Several factors can initiate the thermal runaway process in lithium-ion batteries. One common cause is mechanical damage, such as crushing or puncturing the battery, which can lead to excessive physical stress and instability. Additionally, exposure to high temperatures or improper charging practices can also trigger thermal runaway. Improper charging can include using an incompatible or faulty charger or overcharging the battery, leading to the formation of metallic lithium within the battery.
The release of toxic and flammable gases during thermal runaway further complicates the situation. Dozens of hazardous gases, including acids, inorganics, and volatile organic compounds, can be released during this process, posing risks not only in the immediate vicinity but also over a more extensive area. Furthermore, thermal runaway generates oxygen, enabling a battery fire to ignite even without external oxygen. This characteristic of thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries makes it particularly challenging to extinguish and contain such fires.
To mitigate the risks associated with lithium battery fires, it is crucial to understand and address the causes of thermal runaway. This includes ensuring robust outer casing for batteries to prevent mechanical damage, maintaining appropriate environmental temperature ranges, and handling batteries with care to avoid exposure to excessive physical stress or improper charging practices. Additionally, making sure that emergency services can easily identify EVs through specific stickers or badges can help them prepare for potential lithium battery fire hazards.
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EVs are harder to extinguish than gas-powered cars
Electric vehicles (EVs) are harder to extinguish than gas-powered cars. This is because the lithium-ion batteries that power EVs can create their own oxygen, sustaining their own fire and getting bigger, with multiple explosions as they burn. This means that applying water to an EV fire can actually increase the fire. In fact, EV fires can burn significantly hotter than an internal combustion engine fire. Data from FEMA suggests a gas-powered vehicle burns up to about 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit, while a battery fire can reach over 2,500 F.
The South Portland Fire Department has stated that EV fires are one of the biggest challenges in fire services today. They require more resources and are very challenging to fight. The added heat and intensity of electrical fires, as well as the location of the battery packs, usually under the vehicle's passenger area, are complicating factors.
The risk of an EV fire is also influenced by the age of the vehicle. Older cars are more likely to catch fire, and there are not many older EVs on the road, with the oldest models dating back to about 2012. Therefore, more data is needed to fully understand the risk of EV fires compared to gas-powered cars. However, it is worth noting that the National Transportation Safety Board found that as of June 2023, electric vehicles were far less likely to catch fire than other vehicle types.
The chemicals and elements that make up the individual cells inside an EV's battery pack are very sensitive. If the battery pack is compromised in a serious crash, the battery cells can rupture and heat up until they reach "thermal runaway". At this point, the cells can catch fire and spread throughout the pack.
While EV fires are harder to extinguish, it is important to note that they are not more common than gas-powered car fires. In fact, gas-powered cars account for the majority of vehicle fires.
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Media coverage may skew public perception of EV fires
The rarity and novelty of EV fires make them attractive to the media. As a result, a few news stories about EV fires can shape public perception, even without supporting data. For example, a report by the UK's Guardian newspaper used data from several countries to conclude that EVs are less likely to catch fire than gas-powered cars. Despite this, the public perception of EV fires persists due to media coverage.
The media's focus on EV fires may be influenced by the fact that they are more challenging to extinguish than fires in traditional vehicles. The oxidizers in the battery provide a continuous oxygen supply to the flames, making conventional fire extinguishers ineffective. Additionally, lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in EVs, can experience thermal runaway, where the battery cells heat up uncontrollably, leading to a fire that can be challenging to control.
While the media coverage of EV fires may be skewed, it is important to recognize that EV fires do occur, and they can have serious consequences. The likelihood of an EV fire is low, estimated at 0.0012% for passenger electric vehicles, but not impossible. To put it into perspective, there were about 20 EV fires per year in Sweden between 2018 and 2022, out of approximately 611,000 electric vehicles.
To summarize, media coverage of EV fires may contribute to a skewed public perception by overemphasizing their occurrence. However, it is essential to acknowledge that EV fires pose a real, albeit small, risk that requires attention and preparation.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric vehicles are less likely to catch fire compared to gas-powered vehicles. However, an exact percentage is hard to determine as it varies based on location and changes over time. In Sweden, between 2018 and 2022, EVs accounted for 0.4% of all passenger vehicle fires. In Australia, between 2010 and 2020, there was a 0.0012% chance of an electric vehicle catching fire.
The most common cause of electric vehicle fires is thermal runaway, which occurs when a battery's cells get so hot that chemical reactions begin to occur, and the heat increases uncontrollably, eventually leading to a fire. This can be caused by a serious crash that compromises the battery pack, improper charging, or manufacturing defects.
To decrease the risk of your electric vehicle catching fire, follow these tips:
- Ensure your EV is identifiable by emergency services with a blue "EV" sticker/badge on the number plate.
- Avoid overcharging your EV and do not charge it immediately after driving.
- Park in cool, dry, and shaded areas to prevent battery damage from extreme temperatures and humidity.
- Only use compatible chargers.
Yes, electric vehicle fires are more dangerous because they are harder to extinguish. Conventional fire extinguishers are ineffective against electric vehicle fires as the oxidizers in the battery provide a steady source of oxygen to the flames. Additionally, electric vehicle fires can burn hotter than gas-powered vehicle fires.
