As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly prevalent on UK roads, concerns about their safety, particularly the risk of fires, have come to the forefront. While traditional petrol and diesel vehicles have long been associated with fire hazards, the newness of EV technology often magnifies any incidents involving them. Although data indicates that electric vehicle fires are relatively rare, their complexity and the challenges they present to emergency services make them a topic of heightened interest.
Understanding the Frequency of Electric Vehicle Fires
Contrary to popular belief, electric vehicle fires are not as common as those involving internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. According to the Authority for Social Protection and Preparedness in Sweden, electric cars account for only 0.4% of the average 3,400 vehicle fires annually. In the UK, the London Assembly reported that in 2023, only 7 electric cars caught fire compared to 493 petrol and 138 diesel vehicles. Despite an 83% year-on-year increase in EV-related fires, this rise correlates with the growing number of EVs on the road.
Further studies by the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency reveal that EVs are 20 times less likely to catch fire than ICE vehicles. Another study indicates that only 25 out of 100,000 EVs suffer fire damage, compared to 1,530 per 100,000 ICE cars. These statistics underscore that while EV fires make headlines, they are not as frequent as some may perceive.
Why Electric Vehicle Fires Attract Attention
The attention given to electric vehicle fires stems from their complex nature rather than their frequency. EV fires are notoriously hard to extinguish due to the lithium-ion batteries they use. When a battery cell short circuits, it can trigger a thermal runaway, where the cell heats up and ignites adjacent cells. This process releases over 100 toxic chemicals, including hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide.
The heat generated by an EV fire is intense, often requiring over 10,000 litres of water to cool the battery. Accessing the battery to tackle the fire is challenging, and even when it seems extinguished, the fire can reignite days later. This complexity, coupled with the potential for toxic gas release, makes EV fires a significant concern for fire services and the public.
How Fire Services Are Adapting to Electric Vehicle Fires
To address the challenges posed by EV fires, fire services are developing specialised strategies. For instance, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service follows recovery vehicles to storage yards post-incident to manage potential flare-ups. They also utilise systems to identify the specific EV model involved in a fire, allowing them to locate the battery and isolation switches more efficiently.
Experts remain divided on the best approach to manage EV fires. Common methods include using large volumes of water to cool the battery, employing fire blankets to suppress flames, and equipping firefighters with breathing apparatus to protect against toxic gases. Some suggest letting the fire burn out naturally, while others propose immersing the vehicle in water, though not seawater, to avoid chlorine gas release.
Are Electric Vehicles Unsafe Due to Fire Risks?
Despite the alarming nature of EV fires, experts like Professor Paul Christensen of Newcastle University argue that the benefits of electric vehicles outweigh the risks. Christensen, who advises the National Fire Chiefs Council, emphasises the need for awareness rather than fear. He notes that while lithium-ion batteries store significant energy, which can lead to thermal runaway, understanding and mitigating these risks is crucial.
Christensen’s efforts to educate first responders include explaining the structure and function of lithium-ion battery cells, highlighting the energy they retain even when “empty.” He stresses the importance of considering EV safety in various settings, such as underground car parks and bus depots, where multiple vehicles are in close proximity.
Innovative Solutions for Managing Electric Vehicle Fires
In Denmark, the Copenhagen fire service has developed an innovative solution for handling EV fires. They use a truck-mounted vehicle containment system where the burning vehicle is placed in a container equipped with nozzles for water injection. This setup allows the vehicle to be safely transported and stored until the fire risk is eliminated.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Electric Vehicle Safety
As the adoption of electric vehicles continues to rise, understanding the risks and improving response strategies for potential fires is vital. While EV fires are rare, their complexity requires ongoing education and adaptation by fire services worldwide. By enhancing awareness and developing effective containment methods, the transition to electric vehicles can proceed with confidence in their safety and sustainability.