According to data from the United States, cars with combustion engines are more likely to catch fire than electric cars. In recent years, the media has focused on electric car fires, but combustion and hybrid cars also experience fires that result in high damages, injuries, and fatalities. AutoInsuranceEZ, an insurance service provider, analyzed data from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to determine which type of propulsion technology is more prone to car fires. The study considered data from 2021 and found that electric cars are less likely to catch fire than combustion or hybrid cars. For every 100,000 hybrid cars sold in the US, 3,475 were involved in fires. For every 100,000 combustion engine cars sold, there were 1,530 fires, and for every 100,000 electric cars sold, there were 25 fires.
The study did not analyze the severity of the fires for each car type. Burning electric cars are difficult to extinguish primarily due to their large lithium-ion batteries. According to a recommendation from the German Fire Brigade Association (DFV) and the Association of Professional Fire Brigade Leaders in Germany (AGBF), fires in lithium-ion batteries can only be controlled, and it can take days to weeks for the fire to be completely extinguished. The total number of fires is not relevant due to the unequal distribution of propulsion types. In the US, there were 199,533 fires in combustion engines, 16,051 fires in hybrids, and 52 fires in electric cars.
AutoInsuranceEZ also examined vehicle recalls in 2020. Combustion engines were recalled in the US due to problems with electrical shorts and the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and fuel leaks. In contrast, electric and hybrid cars were primarily recalled due to battery problems. The study’s findings suggest that electric cars are safer than combustion and hybrid cars in terms of fire risk. However, it is essential to note that electric cars have their own unique safety concerns, such as battery fires, that require specialized training and equipment for first responders.
