Electric Vehicles Face Fire Risks Amid Surge in Ownership

A recent report from Allianz Commercial has raised alarms regarding the potential risks linked to electric vehicle (EV) ownership, particularly concerning car fires. As the number of electric vehicles on roads is projected to exceed 200 million by the end of the decade, the report emphasizes that while EVs are not statistically more prone to fires than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, serious hazards remain.

The “Global Risk Dialogue” report identifies significant risks, including concerns about “thermal runaway,” which can lead to explosions and the release of toxic chemicals. According to the report, the most critical moment in an EV’s lifecycle concerning battery risk is during charging, rather than while driving. Rafael Rioboo, Regional Head of Risk Consulting for Allianz Commercial’s Iberia region, stated, “Electric vehicle chargers can overheat or short-circuit, which can cause damage to the vehicle’s battery system.”

Fire Risks and Emergency Response

The report highlights that police forces are proactively managing risks associated with EVs by isolating vehicles and addressing “post-crash battery hazards.” Rioboo further noted, “Thermal runaway doesn’t wait for you to act – it ignites, escalates, and overwhelms.” This phenomenon can lead to fires, explosions, and the release of dangerous heavy metals and chemicals such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide, posing severe threats to people, property, and emergency responders.

Despite these risks, some experts emphasize that electric vehicles are statistically less likely to catch fire than their petrol or diesel counterparts. Colin Walker, head of transport at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, remarked, “All the data shows that EVs are just much, much less likely to set on fire than their petrol equivalent.” He pointed out that many incidents involving fires in petrol or diesel vehicles go unreported.

Expert Insights on Battery Hazards

Research from Paul Christensen, a professor of pure and applied electrochemistry at Newcastle University, underscores the potential dangers associated with battery technology. He warns of the risks of “vapour cloud explosions and rocket flames” that can occur when gases escape from battery cells during a thermal event.

As electric vehicle adoption continues to accelerate, understanding these risks becomes increasingly important. The Allianz report serves as a critical reminder for both manufacturers and consumers to prioritize safety measures, particularly in charging infrastructure and emergency response training. With millions of electric vehicles expected to populate global roads, addressing these challenges will be vital to ensuring the safety and confidence of EV drivers.