Are EVs really exploding?
Reports in the news say electric cars are a fire risk. What's the truth? Let's explore the safety of EVs. Let's look at the evidence associated with electric cars. Let's see what the truth is about these claims.
How Common Are Electric Vehicle Battery Fires?
Electric Vehicle Battery Fires: An Uncommon Occurrence
Electric vehicle battery fires are rare compared to typical gas or hybrid vehicle fires. It's important to acknowledge the risks associated with these incidents. The National Fire Protection Association concluded that, between 2012-2016, fire departments dealt with an average of 4,100 vehicular accident fires yearly in the U.S.
When focusing on electric vehicle (EV) battery fires specifically, research by the National Transportation Safety Board found only 291 cases reported between 2011-2018. This is a small portion of overall vehicular accidents and fires.
It's essential to remember that not all EV battery fires have serious consequences. In some cases, emergency responders have the information and tools to manage these situations accordingly. The National Transportation Safety Board created an Emergency Response Guide for Electric Vehicle Incidents to advise how to extinguish lithium-ion battery fires. It emphasizes the importance of using large amounts of water—up to thousands of gallons—compared to standard gasoline vehicle fire suppression methods. They emphasize directing water to the battery itself to help limit thermal runaway. Oftentimes, water has been misdirected to the flames of the car instead of toward the battery.
Electric vehicle battery fires remain a concern for manufacturers and consumers. As safety standards are improved, efforts are being made to reduce these incidents and protect those involved.
A Tesla Model S caught fire in California after a collision but was successfully extinguished by firefighters following established protocols. This proves that emergency responders, who are armed with knowledge about EV battery fires, can manage such situations proficiently.
While electric vehicle battery fires do happen occasionally, they are not widespread or frequent when compared to other kinds of vehicular (174,000 gas/diesel car fires in 2022) or house (1.4 million) fires. Manufacturers and organizations like the National Transportation Safety Board continue to enhance safety standards and provide adequate guidelines for emergency responders to handle incidents safely.
No, not a Tesla on fire, but an ICE vehicle being attended to by firefighters!
How Prone Are Electric Cars to Catching Fire?
Electric cars are now popular due to their eco-friendly nature and fuel efficiency. However, worries over fire risk have arisen.
Though electric vehicles may catch fire, the frequency is much less than gasoline and diesel car fires. Hybrid cars are more likely to catch fire than electric ones. Electric cars have the lowest fire risk, even for house fires.
According to autoinsuranceez, electric car fires do happen, but they are minimal compared to other types of vehicles. Take a look at their official stats (and for reference, their article):
Number of fires ranked by vehicle type
Fires by vehicle type | Fires | Total number |
Hybrid (highest risk) | 3,475 | 16,051 |
Gas (highest fire incidence) | 1,530 | 199,533 |
Electric (lowest fire risk) | 25 | 52 |
Are EV Fires Hard To Put Out?
EV Fire Response Challenges:
Responding to EV fires can be tricky. Emergency responders need specialized knowledge and techniques.
EV fires have different hazards to those of traditional vehicle fires, hence the creation of emergency guides created by the NFPA and NTSB. Fire departments have had to train personnel to recognize different types of EV fires and engage specific strategies for extinguishing such fires. Be that as it may, the incidence of fires in EVs is very tiny.
EV fires tend to be as a result of physical trauma of the battery caused by accidents. Fire can result from breaches in the physical battery which can lead to what is known as thermal runaway and from stranded energy (unused stored). Lithium-ion batteries have high energy density, which can make it a challenge to suppress and prevent the spread of an EV fire. Luckily, many batteries undergo puncture tests to demonstrate their ability to prevent thermal runaway.
Naturally, charging stations are equipped with safety measures to help prevent EV fire risks, in the same way a gas station has to work to prevent fires from flammable fuel being pumped by the thousands of gallons per house. Consistent maintenance and regular inspection of equipment are important in avoiding sources of ignition for every car and is not unique to electric vehicles.
How dangerous are fires—in gas cars and EVs—to passengers?
Gasoline and diesel cars
A fire in a vehicle sounds like a nightmare. In an ICE vehicle (gas or diesel powered) there are fires and explosions going on every moment it’s in operation, all while you’re sitting there over a tank (possibly full) of extremely flammable material. If an ICE car bursts into flames, the use of that word “bursts” is pretty apt. Whatever the breach, whether it’s a puncture of the fuel tank, or a worn wire that comes into contact with one of the myriad flammable liquids (grease, oil, gas, etc), if a spark happens (and remember, they’re happening multiple times per second in that kind of car) then most of the time there is NO WARNING that the car is about to ignite and be of major risk to its inhabitants.
A leak and ignition of fuel can mean a fire that spreads easily: wherever the fuel has flowed to.
Electric cars
An electric car on the other hand is NOT filled with flammable liquid ready to ignite at the drop of a hat. For the most part, if an EV is going to burst into flames, there will be plenty of time to vacate. Waiver: that may not be the case if the car is involved in a major accident or where the battery is severely damaged. But, generally speaking there is a set of events like this:
- You may get a dashboard warning (fault code) to indicate a short circuit.
- You may smell strong metallic or chemical odors.
- Your car’s range may drop fast.
- You would see emission of clouds of dark and light vapor.
- The car would make popping or crackling sounds, whistling noises as gases escape.
- It is at this point, that if unattended to, flames may appear.
When a traction battery ignites, while the fire is more difficult to put out (due to thermal runaway and stranded energy) it can be more contained.
You would not want to be involved in any vehicle fire, but as you can see, the immediate danger to passengers is far greater in a gas car. The danger of a fire in an electric vehicle might create more risk to the car itself and if the fire remains uncontrolled then collateral damager may increase. But, as far as the safety of passengers goes, go electric.
Why Do Flooded EVs Catch Fire?
Flooded EVs? Danger! They may catch fire. This is due to thermal runaway. If an electric vehicle stays in water too long, submerge electronics can short circuit and ignite. Boom! Remember, we’re talking about EVs that stay submerged for hours at a time. You wouldn’t drive a gas car after a flood. There is a crossover of risks for ICE cars and EVs. Water could enter the gas tank and parts of the engine, and prevent you from driving. In an EV, there is an increased risk of thermal runaway when waterlogged from longstanding submersion.
Types of Electric Car Battery Fires
Electric Car Battery Fires
Various types of electric car battery fires can occur, causing different safety risks. Knowing the causes of electric car battery fires has helped create better designs and safer use of these vehicles.
Types of Fire:
- Battery Fires:
- Manufacturing Defects
- Physical Trauma from Accidents
- High Temperatures
- Battery Cell Rupture
The first two are self-explanatory. Overcharging and overdischarging, as well as high surrounding temperatures, can all pose battery fire risks, and cause thermal runaway.
A past major incident with a famous electric car model was caused by many battery cell ruptures, which lead to fire. Technological improvements in isolation of battery cells into modules, which in turn make up the battery architecture, does contribute to less fire risk in car traction-batteries. As mentioned before, manufacturers may use a puncture test. Take a look at this puncture test comparison of a NCM battery versus a BYD Blade battery. As technology evolves the risk will lessen. Keep in mind that gas cars occur in the US so high (over 450 per day) that they don’t even rate mention in the news.
Add a Lithium Fire Blanket to your emergency car kit
Put in a Lithium-Based Fire Safety Cover to Your Vehicle's Emergency Kit!
Incorporate the effectiveness of a fire blanket to upgrade your car emergency kit. A lithium fire blanket is a key part that can be useful for tackling issues caused by electric vehicle (EV) fires.
Remember these points about a lithium fire blanket for your car kit:
- Protection: Shield yourself and people around you from possible harm during accidents or unexpected electric troubles that could lead to an EV fire.
- Safety gear: Make sure you are prepared with safety measures, like a lithium fire blanket, to put out electrical fires quickly and well.
- Rapid response: By having this specialized fire blanket on hand, you can hurry to a fire incident and minimize potential damage or hurt.
- Flexibility: Not just working for EV fires, this convenient tool can also help with other kinds of electrical fires if needed.
- Reliability: Rely on the high heat resistance of the lithium-based material to supply steady protection against strong temperatures related to electric vehicle fires.
- Uncomplicated: The easiness of use allows anyone to use it well, without needing extensive training or technical knowledge.
A lithium-based fire blanket is a basic resource specifically made to tackle electric vehicle (EV) fires fast and effectively.
You can think about more improving your emergency car safety by taking extra steps, including:
- Carrying a portable fire extinguisher
- Keeping your EV running well and regularly checking it for any signs of electrical problems
- Being up-to-date on manufacturer recalls or service bulletins about battery systems
- Knowing proper handling techniques in case of EV fires
Making these changes greatly decreases the hazard linked to EV fires and increases overall safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Electric Cars Pose An Extreme Fire Risk?
No, electric cars do not pose an extreme fire risk. The risk of fire in electric vehicles (EVs) is a small percentage of that of conventional gasoline-powered cars. EVs undergo rigorous safety testing and have advanced fire prevention mechanisms in place to minimize the chances of fire.
Are EV fires more dangerous than those in gasoline (ICE) cars?
It’s not a black and white answer. Fires in gasoline and diesel fueled cars pose a far greater imminent risk of passenger danger than electric cars. The liquid fuel can spill and ignite and oftentimes there will be little warning that a fire is about to break out. A far in an EV may occur if the traction battery is damaged. If a fire occurs, there are often signs (gas, vapor and smells, as well as a dashboard warning or a marked drop in range) that will alert people to imminent risk. An electric vehicle fire does tend to risk damage more material property (ie, destroy the car and possibly other surrounding assets).
Are EVs Really Exploding Everywhere?
No, the claim that electric vehicles are exploding everywhere is an exaggeration and not based on facts. While rare incidents of EV fires have occurred, they are isolated incidents and not indicative of a widespread problem. The media tends to sensationalize these incidents, resulting in misconceptions about EV safety. Data from insurance companies who have run the numbers have shown that the number of EV fires is tiny compared to the many hundreds of ICE car fires that occur on a daily basis.
What are the causes of EV fires?
The causes of EV fires are typically related to accidents or external factors, such as high-speed collisions, punctures, or improper maintenance. The lithium-ion batteries used in EVs are generally safe when handled correctly, but physical damage to the battery pack could lead to thermal runaway and fire. That risk is diminished by improved isolation of the battery’s cells and modules.
Do EVs have safety precautions in place?
Yes, electric vehicles have several safety precautions in place to minimize the risk of fire. These include advanced battery management systems that monitor temperature and voltage to prevent overcharging, as well as robust cooling systems to ensure optimal battery performance. EVs also have built-in fire suppression systems that activate in case of an emergency.
How are EV fires dealt with?
In the event of an EV fire, emergency responders are trained to follow specific protocols for handling electric vehicle incidents. They use specialized tools and techniques to mitigate the risk and extinguish the fire safely. EV manufacturers often collaborate with first responders to provide guidance and training on handling EV fires effectively.
Are there any ongoing efforts to improve EV safety?
Yes, the automotive industry and regulatory bodies continuously work together to enhance EV safety. Manufacturers invest in research and development to create safer battery technologies and improve the overall safety of electric vehicles. Regulatory standards are also evolving to address emerging risks and ensure the highest level of safety for EV users.