Electric cars don’t burn any more frequently than gasoline cars

The alleged fire risks of electric vehicles always spark discussion. Statistics show that cars with gasoline or diesel engines burn more frequently.

Markus Abrahamczyk/t-online

The images are spectacular: an electric car on fire and thick smoke rising. Such videos have repeatedly caused a stir on social media and raised concerns about fire hazards posed by electric vehicles.

But how real is this danger? Are electric cars actually more flammable than gasoline and diesel cars? How safe is the technology – and what does it mean for drivers, firefighters and the environment?

How often do electric cars burn out?

Electric vehicles are often suspected of being particularly prone to fires. But current data shows: They catch fire less frequently than internal combustion engines. A recent study in Norway showed that despite accounting for 8.9% of the car fleet, electric vehicles caused only 2.3% of vehicle fires.

ADAC crash tests also show that electric cars do not catch fire more frequently after accidents. There is no evidence that electric vehicles, accident or not, are more likely to combust than internal combustion engine vehicles.

Studies in Germany, Sweden and Australia have found similar results. However, EVs tend to be younger, which may skew the statistics slightly. New cars typically receive more maintenance and have fewer defects than older cars.

How fire safe are electric vehicles?

Electric vehicle batteries are well protected. They undergo rigorous heat, shock and short-circuit resistance testing and comply with international standard ECE R 100. The battery management system monitors current, voltage and temperature and automatically shuts down if a problem occurs.

Air or liquid cooling and mechanical protection devices provide additional safety. However, if a fire does occur, what's known as “thermal breakdown” can occur, where the battery spontaneously ignites and becomes difficult to extinguish.

What causes electric vehicle fires?

Fuel leaks or catalytic converter overheating are common causes of internal combustion engine fires. However, when it comes to electric cars, the battery comes into play almost entirely. Mechanical damage caused by an accident or problems with the battery management system can result in a fire. The spread of fire from outside to the battery also poses a risk.

Are electric vehicle fires more dangerous?

There is almost no difference in the amount of heat produced by combustion in an electric car or an internal combustion engine car. The fire load (i.e. the energy released) comes primarily from tires, plastics and upholstery materials.

There are differences in the contaminants in fire extinguishing water: Electric vehicles release metals such as nickel and lithium, while fire extinguishing water from internal combustion engines contains more lead and organic contaminants.

Removing EVs: What's the difference?

Burning EVs can also be extinguished with water. Because fires often start in the battery casing, fire crews sometimes have to use fire extinguishers to inject water directly into the battery.

Need to be careful after extinguishing: monitor the temperature of the battery as it may reignite. This is why electric vehicles are quarantined if necessary after a fire.

In principle, security experts make it clear:

Cell Types: Safety Differences

Modern lithium iron phosphate batteries (LFP) are considered to be particularly stable and less prone to fire than nickel batteries (NMC). In Europe, nickel batteries are currently mainly used, which also meet the most stringent safety requirements. However, cheaper lithium iron phosphate batteries are on the rise. Future solid-state batteries could significantly improve safety because they do not require flammable liquid electrolytes.

Conclusion: The risk is not as high as claimed

Fears of electric car fires are exaggerated. Statistics show that these vehicles catch fire less frequently than vehicles with internal combustion engines. Thanks to modern safety systems, most risks can be controlled as long as the battery is properly monitored and protected. This means fire departments need to adapt, but technology is constantly evolving and safety is evolving with it.