The Truth About Electric Vehicle Fires

There’s so much information that you’re guaranteed to find online when you type in “electric vehicles.” You may read about the amount of money that you’ll save from not spending so much on gas. You may read several complaints about having to find a charging station.

But one thing you’re sure to find is some news concerning an electric vehicle fire following a car accident. You would think that with the amount of media coverage that they get that electric vehicle fires are common. But is that the truth? How often do electric vehicle fires really happen?

Frequency of electric vehicle fires

In reality, less than 2% of electric vehicles (EVs) have caught on fire. According to carsmetric.com, battery-electric vehicles are only .03% likely to ignite. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) states that electric vehicles have the lowest risk of catching on fire.

Statistics show that the likelihood of electric vehicles catching on fire is pretty low – but the percentage isn’t “zero,” and EVs can’t quite shake their reputation for going up in flames.

Part of this is because electric vehicles are still new to the transportation industry. There is still new information that car manufacturers and drivers are figuring out. People in general feel safe with things that are familiar to them. Instead of taking a chance with an electric vehicle, drivers would rather stick with traditional vehicles.

As it turns out, though, gas-powered and hybrid vehicles are more likely to catch on fire. MotorBiscuit reported the number of car fires by type of vehicle as:

• Electric vehicles: 25 fires per 100,000 sold
• Gas-powered cars: 1,530 fires per 100,000 sold
• Hybrid cars: 3,475 fires per 100,000 sold

It is worth noting, however, that this data pre-dates the recall of the Chevy Bolt.

What causes electric vehicle fires?

Batteries. In virtually every report, it’s the batteries which cause the car fire when the EV is the source of the fire. (It is entirely possible for an EV to catch fire because of an outside element or source, but their batteries are the typical culprit.) One incident that causes an electric vehicle fire is a chain reaction inside the batteries. Lithium-ion batteries can burn out quickly due to thermal runaway. This happens when the battery generates more heat than it can stand. As the Boston Globe explains, “When a battery fire starts, it can quickly spread between battery cells, keeping the fire ablaze. So, when EV fires do occur, they burn hotter than gas fires and are more prone to re-igniting. And unlike gas fires, lithium-ion battery fires don’t require outside oxygen to burn, making them harder to extinguish.”

Lithium-ion batteries can catch on fire either after a collision or due to a battery defect. Many car manufacturers have been forced to recall several electric vehicle models after discovering a battery defect. Some electric vehicle fires can even occur while the car is charging. These fires can happen when there is a defect with the battery’s cells.

Why EV fires may be more dangerous than traditional vehicle fires

Manufacturers and law enforcement organizations are still figuring out the best emergency response standards for electric vehicle fires. One area of concern is the amount of effort that it will take to extinguish the fire.

If the fire is caused by a lithium-ion battery defect, it may require tens of thousands of gallons of water. In addition to the amount of water, firefighters will need to be properly trained on how to respond to the fire. Per the Boston Globe:

Rich MacKinnon, president of the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts, which represents some 12,000 firefighters and EMTs, said workers statewide are currently ill-prepared to manage EV fires. The MBTA provides workers with training to extinguish electric bus and train fires, but he said he hasn’t seen Tesla or other electric car manufacturers provide anything comparable through the state’s Department of Fire Services, though some makers offer guides and private classes.

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Also missing from most fire departments: EV-specific fire suppressants. Powders made of graphite or sodium chloride can more effectively quell lithium-ion battery fires than water, said Abraham, but right now, firehouses generally don’t have those materials on hand.

In the absence of appropriate training and materials, fighting EV fires is a highly resource- and labor-intensive process.

As of now, manufacturers and other organizations are still developing and updating the best safety standards for these fires. These standards will become more advanced as electric vehicles are introduced to the marketplace.

Who can be held responsible for injuries from an EV fire?

As in almost any case, there may be multiple liable parties. If there has been a defect in the battery or other part of the EV, the manufacturer may be held liable. If the fire was caused immediately after a collision, the other driver may be held liable. In some cases, both parties (and others) may be responsible. It depends on the case.

Car manufacturers may offer some form of compensation for the battery defect. They may offer to replace the battery or the entire vehicle free of charge.

But what if you suffered serious damages or catastrophic injuries like burns because of an electric vehicle fire? What if your loved one was involved in an electric vehicle fire and lost their life? If you want to pursue legal action for your electric vehicle fire, you may want to speak with a Maryland car accident lawyer.

Being involved in an electric vehicle fire can affect you mentally and physically. Your injuries can be so severe that you are unable to work. When you have been involved in a serious car accident, speak with an injury attorney from Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A. You should not have to worry about seeking the right Maryland car accident lawyer for your case. We represent injured parties throughout all of Maryland at our multiple offices. Call our office or submit our contact form to schedule a free initial consultation.