Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination

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Department Resources

Data Shows EVs are Less of a Fire Risk than Conventional Cars

Post written by Gina Weil, Project Manager for the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination

Are electric vehicles (EVs) more prone to fires than gasoline-powered vehicles?

Recent news reports of fires involving lithium-ion batteries, as well as some high-profile recalls related to fire risks, have sounded an alarm with some potential EV buyers. But when you look at the evidence, the notion that electric vehicles pose a greater fire risk than other vehicles can be quickly doused.Between the red trucks filling Fuel and electric blue sedan charging. expensive fuel crisis, energy conservation, eco green, concept isolated on red and blue background 3d rendering illustration

Kelly Blue Book reported on findings from a study that shows EV are actually less likely to cause or be involved in fires than gasoline-powered or hybrid vehicles.1 Data from the National Transportation Safety Board showed that EVs were involved in approximately 25 fires for every 100,000 sold.  Comparatively, approximately 1,530 gasoline-powered vehicles and 3,475 hybrid vehicles were involved in fires for every 100,000 sold.

Reporting from other countries supports the assertion that EVs are less fire-prone than gas-powered vehicles.2 Data from Norway, Sweden, and Australia is consistent with findings in the U.S., showing that the prevalence of EV fires remains relatively low.

So why the concern? There are two main reasons, according to those who have looked at the issue:

  1. Because EVs are still relatively novel, media may have a tendency to highlight fires that involve lithium-ion batteries.3 Increased media coverage can lead to a public perception of increased risk, even when the opposite is true. 
  2. While EV fires are not as common as gas-powered vehicle fires, they are more difficult to extinguish, due to how the batteries are protected from the elements.4 Batteries take a long time to cool, creating a risk of reignition, so EVs that have caught on fire must be handled differently. The battery chemistry itself also poses challenges to firefighters during extinguishment.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has published resources for first responders, including safety trainings and emergency response materials from automobile manufacturers to close this knowledge gap. NFPA also supports National Electrical Safety Month, an annual campaign sponsored by Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), to raise awareness about electrical fire safety5. Just as emergency responders have learned to address battery and internal combustion engine fires differently, consumers must also learn about new technologies they bring into their lives.

fireman checking a fire extinguisher

Like any vehicle, EVs must be properly maintained, and if charging at home, consumers must also prepare their homes properly.  ESFI offers information to help consumers understand how to safely prepare their homes for EV charging before they plug in.

The choice is clear! EVs remain a great option for those who wish to reduce their environmental impact, cut down on maintenance costs, and skip trips to the gas station.  A number of incentives exist to help with the purchase price and the cost of charging equipment.  

Learn More

Check out our Electric Vehicles page for more information and resources and visit Plug Star to learn more about incentives in your area. 

Sources

  1. Kelly Blue Book, Study: Electric Vehicles Involved in Fewest Car Fires by Sean Tucker, January 28, 2022 
  2. The Guardian, Do electric cars pose a greater fire risk than petrol or diesel vehicles? by Jasper Jolly, November 20, 2023
  3. IEEE Spectrum, Extinguishing the EV Battery Fire Hype by Willie Jones, December 4, 2023
  4. AutoInsuranceEZ, Gas vs. Electric Car Fires [2024 Findings] by Justin Wright and Eric Stauffer, December 19, 2023
  5. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), NFPA, ESFI underscore safety related to electric vehicles and e-mobility devices during National Electrical Safety Month in May, April 27, 2023

Gina Weil is the project manager of Charge Up Fairfax, a program to help community associations overcome the challenges to installing electric vehicle charging equipment. She has worked in environmental policy for the last 20 years and joined Fairfax County following a career in federal government.

Climate Matters is the blog of Fairfax County’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination, where we share stories, insights and information related to climate change and environmental sustainability. Posts are written by knowledgeable and passionate OEEC staff members and guest authors. To read all blog posts, visit Climate Matters.            
 

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