Electric cars vs gasoline cars: the fire risk and battery safety

With the increase of electric cars on the roads, there is also growing attention to their safety. One of the most frequently asked questions among consumers concerns the fire risk of electric cars compared to traditional gasoline cars. 

In this article, we will explore whether electric cars are actually safer in the event of a fire and how advanced battery technology and safety systems contribute to reducing risks.

Electric cars and fire risk: how do they work?

Electric cars differ from gasoline cars in their engine and power source, which is a rechargeable battery. Despite some concerns about the "fire risk of electric cars", it is important to understand how they are designed to prevent fires, thanks to advanced technologies.

Safety of electric cars: protection systems

The batteries of electric cars, while sensitive to stress conditions, are equipped with a series of integrated safety systems. These include:

• Protection circuits against short circuits.

• Advanced thermal management to keep the battery temperature under control.

• Cells designed to prevent overheating and the risk of fires.

Moreover, the structures of electric cars are designed to reduce collision impacts and protect the battery in case of accidents.

Comparison between electric cars and gasoline cars: fire risk

The comparison between electric vehicles and internal combustion cars dispels many myths. According to an analysis by the National Fire Protection Association and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, there are approximately 1,500 fires for every 100,000 gasoline vehicles reported each year, compared to only 25 fires for every 100,000 electric cars. This represents a difference of over 60 times.

Similar data emerges from a Swedish study, which found that EVs are about 20 times less likely to catch fire compared to gasoline or diesel vehicles. Tesla has also published its own analysis based on mileage: there is one fire for every 130 million miles driven in a Tesla vehicle, compared to one every 18 million miles for combustion vehicles.

Statistical data and safety reports

In 2023, there were 638 vehicle fires in London, of which only 7 involved electric vehicles: less than 1%. The remaining incidents mainly involved gasoline or diesel vehicles, highlighting the lower incidence of fires among electric cars even in urban settings.

Causes of fire in gasoline cars

Gasoline cars are prone to fires primarily for two reasons:

• Fuel leaks: if fuel comes into contact with hot components or sparks, it can easily ignite a fire.

• Engine malfunctions: overheating of engine components can cause breakages and leaks that feed flames.

Possible causes of fire in electric cars

Electric cars, although equipped with more sophisticated systems, can present risks related to:

• Short circuits: damage to the battery or management system can generate excessive heat.

• Charging errors: rare, but still possible, if safety regulations are not followed or uncertified products are used.

However, according to EV FireSafe, the actual fire risk for an EV is about 0.0012%, while for combustion vehicles it hovers around 0.1%. In other words, electric cars are over 80 times less likely to catch fire.

Safety measures in electric cars: fire prevention

Manufacturers of electric cars and batteries are implementing various safety measures to prevent fires. The main innovations include:

1. Advanced thermal management systems: batteries are equipped with a cooling system to prevent overheating during charging and discharging.

2. Protection against short circuits: each battery cell is designed with protective circuits to prevent short circuits and rapid discharges that could ignite fires.

3. Protective casing: batteries are housed in protected compartments, reinforced to prevent damage in case of impacts.

4. Testing and certifications: car manufacturers and battery producers conduct rigorous tests to ensure that electric cars meet high safety standards.

   
   

The CEI EN 61851-1 regulation: an additional guarantee for safety

Another key element that helps reduce the fire risk in electric cars is the CEI EN 61851-1 regulation, which governs the safety and charging methods for electric vehicles. This standard establishes specific requirements to ensure that the charging process occurs safely, reducing fire risks and protecting electrical systems during vehicle charging. The regulation enforces safety measures for the proper operation of charging stations and for protection against electric shocks, providing further protection against fire risks.

Electric cars and fire safety

To address the initial question of this article, yes, electric cars have a lower fire risk compared to gasoline cars. Although the batteries of electric cars pose some risks, advanced safety systems significantly reduce the likelihood of fires. Gasoline cars, on the other hand, are more vulnerable to fires due to fuel leaks or engine failures. In general, the safety of electric cars makes them a smarter choice compared to traditional vehicles.