Debunking the Myth:
The Truth About Safety

Electric Car Fire: The increasing presence of electric cars (EVs) on roads, including here in Gibraltar, has understandably led to discussions about their safety. While the environmental benefits are clear, we’ve noticed some comments on our social media channels expressing concern about the safety of their batteries, specifically the misconception that EVs are dangerous due to the risk of fire.

At Prime Auto in Gibraltar, we want to provide clarity on this crucial topic, drawing on recent statistical analyses and expert insights to address your questions about electric car fire incidents and provide you with the facts, backed by real data from the UK and EU, about EV battery safety. Modern electric car batteries are engineered with multiple layers of protection and undergo rigorous testing, making them incredibly safe.

Are Electric Car Fires Common?

Despite the attention they receive, electric car fires are not a common occurrence. In fact, multiple sources indicate that EVs are statistically less likely to catch fire than their petrol or diesel counterparts.

Data published by ARUP in July 2023 highlights this variance, stating that the incidence of fire in non-electric vehicles is significantly higher. This is echoed by the Authority for Social Protection and Preparedness in Sweden, which found that only a tiny fraction (0.4%) of vehicle fires involved electric cars. Similarly, London Assembly data from 2023 showed a far lower number of electric car fires compared to petrol and diesel car fires.

Further reinforcing this point, Thatcham Research in the UK found that the rate of fire claims for plug-in hybrids and range-extended EVs was considerably lower than that for petrol and diesel vehicles.

Even more compelling is a study by the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency and an American insurer, indicating that only 25 out of 100,000 EVs experience fire damage, compared to a staggering 1530 per 100,000 for ICE cars. This data strongly suggests that the likelihood of an electric car fire is significantly less than that of a conventional vehicle fire.

Other UK sources, such as Honest John and Energy Saving Trust, corroborate this, stating that EVs are significantly less likely to catch fire than ICE vehicles. Some data suggests EVs are up to 20 times less likely to experience a fire.

Why the Focus on Electric Car Fires?

So, if electric car fires are less frequent, why do they command so much attention? Several factors contribute to this. Firstly, the technology is relatively new and therefore newsworthy. However, the primary reason for the increased focus on electric car fires is their unique nature and the challenges they present in extinguishing them.

When an electric car fire occurs, it often involves a process called thermal runaway within the lithium-ion battery. This chain reaction can cause the battery to burn at extremely high temperatures and potentially reignite multiple times. As Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service notes, an electric car fire can generate over 100 organic chemicals, some of which are seriously toxic. Extinguishing an electric car fire can require immense quantities of water to cool the battery pack and may take significantly longer than putting out a conventional vehicle fire. The difficulty in accessing the battery and ensuring all cells are cooled down contributes to this challenge.

Does the Fire Risk mean Electric Cars are Unsafe?

It all sounds quite alarming and a good reason not to buy an electric car, but Paul Christensen, professor of pure and applied electrochemistry at Newcastle University and senior advisor to the National Fire Chiefs Council, is keen to quell fears about EV fire safety, especially given the benefits the technology offers.

“As someone who assisted Nissan during the creation of its battery plant, I would, if I could afford one, have a Nissan Leaf tomorrow” he says. “We don’t need to be worried about the small incidence of fires involving electric vehicles, but we do need to be aware.”

“A lithium-ion battery stores a huge amount of energy in a very small space. Since 2008, the adoption of such batteries has outstripped our appreciation of their risks. We’re running to catch up, but we will do.”

As part of his campaign to improve EV fire risk awareness among first responders, Christensen has so far presented to 30 of the UK’s 50 fire services, as well as to fire services in Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

Electric Car Fire Risk in Perspective

While the challenges associated with extinguishing an electric car fire are real and require specific protocols, the overwhelming statistical evidence from the UK and EU indicates that electric car fires are significantly less common than fires in petrol or diesel vehicles.

It’s worth noting that at present, we haven’t found sufficient specific data available regarding the incidence of electric car fires, if any, here in Gibraltar. However, the trends observed in the broader UK and European data provide a valuable insight into the relative safety of EVs.

It’s also important to consider the potential for bias: some fossil fuel-related companies might have an interest in promoting the idea that EVs are dangerous, given the threat that EVs pose to their business model. However, the data strongly suggests that such claims are not supported by the evidence.

As Paul Christensen emphasises, the low incidence of electric car fires should help to contextualise any concerns about EV safety in Gibraltar.

At Prime Auto in Gibraltar, we are committed to providing you with safe and reliable electric vehicles. By understanding the technology, adhering to safety guidelines, and acknowledging the statistical reality of electric car fire incidents based on available data, we can embrace the electric revolution with confidence.