A common misconception is that EVs catch fire faster than petrol or diesel cars. In this blog article, we dig deeper into the facts and show that EVs are just as safe, if not safer, than traditional cars.

Are EV's more likely to catch fire?

No, electric cars are not more likely to catch fire. They are at least as safe as a petrol or diesel car. Multiple studies show that there is a lot less chance of an electric car catching fire.

Globally

According to global research  by EV Fire Safe Australia, there were just over 100 electric vehicle fires worldwide in 2023. The chance of your electric car catching fire is only 0,0012%. For diesel and petrol vehicles, this chance is about 0.1%.

Tesla reports that from 2012 to 2021, there was an average of 1 Tesla fire for every 210 million miles driven (338 million km). This is ongeveer 10 keer veiligerthan the average petrol car.

Sweden

In a May 2023 report by Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency , it was reported that combustion engine vehicles are twenty times more likely to catch fire than EVs in Sweden. 

What makes electric cars safe?

There is a lithium-ion battery in almost every electric car, the same type of battery which we find in our smartphones, laptops, tablets and other devices. As with these devices, the chances of these types of batteries catching fire are extremely low. Therefore, it is safe to say that they are not a real threat. Therefore, you have absolutely no need to worry about your safety in an electric car. The chances of it spontaneously catching fire are almost non-existent.

EV's also have some built-in safety advantages over petrol cars:

• No fuel: EVs have no fuel on board, eliminating one of the biggest fire risks in traditional cars.
  
  

• Advanced battery technology: EV batteries are designed with advanced safety systems that prevent short circuits and overheating. Manufacturers are also currently busy designing a 'solid-state' battery that is even more fire-safe than the lithium-ion batteries currently in use.
  
  

• Stringent standards: EVs must meet strict safety requirements designed to minimise fire risks.
  

How do you put out a fire in an electric car?

Although fires in electric car batteries are rare, putting them out is trickier. Firefighters need special techniques and more extinguishing water to get the fire under control.

Extinguishers

• Water for extinguishing fires: contrary to previous belief, extinguishing water can be used to extinguish fires in EVs in most cases. The modern lithium-ion batteries used in most EVs are less reactive with water than older battery models.
  
  

• Blusschuim: blusschuim wordt vaak gebruikt als aanvulling op bluswater om de brand te verstikken en de koeling te bevorderen.
  
  

• Fire blanket: this is a huge blanket which is placed over the EV. The purpose of this blanket is not to completely extinguish fires. It is used to significantly reduce smoke damage to buildings and other surrounding vehicles, prevent the spread of fires and smother the fire.

Post-fire

Even after the flames are extinguished, the battery can remain hot and reignite for hours. The fire brigade will continuously monitor the EV and extinguish it in a container or 'immersion tank' of water for 24 hours.

New techniques and methods

The fire service is constantly developing new training and methods to extinguish electric vehicles efficiently and effectively. In addition, experiments are being conducted to evacuate EVs from underground car parks, as seen in this article from Bruzz.

There are also numerous new inventions that enhance the safety of firefighters. One example is the 'battery fire cooler', designed by a Dutch firefighter. This system cools the battery from below so that firefighters can keep a safe distance.

The data is clear: EVs are just as safe, if not safer, than traditional cars. With their advanced technology and built-in safety benefits, EVs are ready for the future and offer a cleaner and safer way to drive.