EVs are NOT more Prone to Fires but Burn Hotter and Longer
- Admin
- Jun 25
- 5 min read

As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly popular, questions surrounding their safety—particularly their susceptibility to fires—are gaining more attention. While conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles have long been associated with fire risks, the rise of EVs has sparked concerns about whether electric cars present a higher fire hazard. With high-profile incidents of EV fires making headlines, it’s crucial to examine whether these vehicles are more prone to catching fire than their gasoline-powered counterparts, and what the industry is doing to mitigate these risks.
Understanding the Differences in Fire Risk: EVs vs. ICE Vehicles
The fire risks associated with ICE vehicles are well-documented. Gasoline is highly flammable, and car accidents involving fuel leakage can lead to explosive fires. While improvements in fuel systems, crash safety, and fire suppression technology have significantly reduced the risk of fires in ICE vehicles, fires still occur, often due to accidents, engine malfunctions, or faulty electrical systems.
On the other hand, EVs present a different set of challenges when it comes to fire safety. The lithium-ion batteries used in most EVs are energy-dense and capable of storing large amounts of power. However, these batteries can pose a fire risk if they are damaged, overheated, or improperly handled. The phenomenon known as “thermal runaway” can occur when a battery cell is punctured, overcharged, or exposed to excessive heat, causing it to catch fire. This type of fire can be more difficult to extinguish than a typical gasoline fire due to the high energy content of the batteries.
The Real Risks: What the Data Shows
Despite the attention given to EV fires, data shows that the overall risk of a fire in an EV is actually quite low compared to ICE vehicles. A report from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) found that between 2011 and 2018, the rate of car fires in the U.S. for gasoline-powered vehicles was much higher than for electric vehicles. ICE vehicles accounted for approximately 174,000 fires per year, while only around 300 EVs caught fire annually during the same period.
This suggests that, proportionally, EVs are not more likely to catch fire than their traditional counterparts.
"While EV's are absolutely NOT more prone to fire events than ICE vehicles, these fires can result in higher insurance damage claims and a complete loss of the vehicle in question. This is due to poisonous vapor cloud contamination of every part of the EV, leaving nothing salvageable", said Bruno Lucarelli, Managing Partner, and VP Sales EV Safety Inc
However, when EV fires do occur, they tend to receive more media attention, in part because of the relatively new technology and the dramatic nature of battery fires. These fires can burn hotter and longer than those caused by gasoline, making them more dangerous and more challenging for first responders to manage. The high cost of EVs also contributes to the attention given to these incidents, as consumers and insurance companies may be more impacted by the financial and emotional toll of an EV fire.
Why EV Fires Are Different: Challenges with Lithium-Ion Batteries
The primary difference between a fire in an EV and an ICE vehicle lies in the nature of the fuel. While gasoline is volatile and can ignite quickly in a crash or fuel system failure, lithium-ion batteries present unique fire risks due to the chemical reactions that occur when they overheat or are damaged. When an EV battery enters thermal runaway, the reaction can continue even after the initial fire has been extinguished, leading to reignition. This behavior is particularly problematic for firefighters, who must use specialized equipment and techniques to handle EV fires safely.
Additionally, EV fires are more likely to occur during the charging process, especially if the vehicle is charging with a damaged or faulty battery. Poor-quality charging equipment, overcharging, or improper handling of the vehicle can all increase the risk of a fire. However, it’s important to note that charging fires are relatively rare, and many modern EVs are equipped with sophisticated battery management systems designed to detect overheating or malfunctioning cells and prevent dangerous situations from escalating.
Industry Responses and Safety Innovations
The EV industry has taken significant steps to improve the safety of electric vehicles and address fire risks. Battery manufacturers and automakers are investing heavily in research and development to create safer, more resilient battery systems. New advancements in battery chemistry, including solid-state batteries, promise to reduce the risk of thermal runaway and make EVs even safer in the future.
Automakers are also focused on improving battery management systems (BMS), which monitor the temperature, voltage, and overall health of individual battery cells to ensure safe charging and discharging. The implementation of fire suppression systems, both within the vehicles themselves and at charging stations, is another area of ongoing development to minimize the impact of potential fires.
Furthermore, automakers are designing EVs with improved crash safety standards to protect battery packs in the event of an accident. Reinforced battery enclosures and other protective measures are being incorporated into vehicle designs to prevent battery damage and reduce the likelihood of a fire in the aftermath of a crash.
Consumer Awareness and Fire Safety Measures
For consumers, staying informed and taking proper precautions when handling EVs is key to ensuring safety. It’s essential to use certified charging equipment, follow manufacturer guidelines for charging, and avoid overcharging or leaving a vehicle plugged in for extended periods of time. In the event of an accident or battery damage, it’s important to seek professional assistance and avoid attempting to fix the issue without proper expertise.
Additionally, it’s crucial to remember that the risk of fire in any vehicle—whether electric or gasoline-powered—can be minimized by regular maintenance and proper handling. Consumers should ensure their vehicles are inspected regularly for potential issues and be aware of any recalls or safety notices related to their EVs.
Conclusion: EVs vs. ICE Vehicles—Are They Safer?
When comparing the fire risks of EVs and ICE vehicles, the data suggests that electric vehicles are not inherently more prone to catching fire. While EV fires can be more dramatic and harder to extinguish, the overall risk of a fire in an electric vehicle remains low compared to gasoline-powered vehicles. Advances in battery technology, vehicle design, and fire safety measures are further reducing these risks.
Ultimately, as the EV market continues to grow, it’s essential for automakers, regulators, and consumers to remain vigilant about safety and continue to innovate to ensure that the transition to electric mobility is both sustainable and safe. The future of transportation is electric, and with ongoing improvements in safety and technology, the fire risks associated with EVs can be minimized, allowing consumers to confidently embrace a cleaner, greener future.
For more updates on electric vehicle safety, battery innovations, and the future of the EV market, stay informed with our latest articles and subscribe to our newsletter at ChargedUpPro.com/subscribe.
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