EV Drivers Face Fire Risks as New Research Highlights Hazards

A recent report from Allianz Commercial has raised significant concerns for electric vehicle (EV) owners regarding the risks associated with car fires and potential explosions. The research, titled “Global Risk Dialogue,” predicts that by the end of the decade, the number of electric vehicles on roads worldwide could exceed 200 million.

While the report indicates that electric vehicles are not statistically more likely to catch fire than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, it highlights serious safety concerns. According to Allianz, issues such as “thermal runaway,” explosions, and the release of heavy metals and toxic chemicals pose considerable risks.

Charging Risks and Safety Concerns

Rafael Rioboo, Regional Head of Risk Consulting for Allianz Commercial’s Iberia region, emphasized that the most hazardous situation for an electric vehicle occurs during charging, not while driving. He noted that electric vehicle chargers might overheat or short-circuit, leading to potential damage to the vehicle’s battery system.

Rioboo warned that “thermal runaway doesn’t wait for you to act – it ignites, escalates, and overwhelms.” This phenomenon can result in fires, explosions, and the release of harmful substances like carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide, posing serious threats to individuals, property, and emergency responders.

Police forces are actively responding to these risks by isolating vehicles and managing “post-crash battery hazards.” This multi-faceted approach aims to mitigate the dangers associated with EV incidents, particularly those resulting from battery failures.

Expert Opinions on EV Fire Safety

Colin Walker, head of transport at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, provided insight into the comparative fire risks of electric vehicles. He stated, “All the data shows that EVs are just much, much less likely to set on fire than their petrol equivalent.” Walker pointed out that the numerous fires involving petrol or diesel cars often go unreported, skewing public perception of safety risks.

Adding another layer of concern, Paul Christensen, a professor of pure and applied electrochemistry at Newcastle University, highlighted the potential for “vapour cloud explosions and rocket flames” when gases escape from battery cells. His research focuses on battery safety and training fire brigades to handle emergencies effectively.

As the market for electric vehicles continues to grow, the insights from Allianz Commercial’s report underscore the importance of understanding and addressing the unique risks associated with these increasingly popular vehicles. The combination of expert analysis and statistical data aims to prepare both drivers and emergency responders for the challenges ahead as the landscape of transportation evolves.

With safety measures and regulations adapting to the rise of electric vehicles, it remains vital for owners to stay informed about their vehicles’ specific risks and safety protocols.