research has shown that electric vehicles are much more likely to present fire risks than gasoline-powered cars.: What The Data Really Says

If you’ve seen headlines declaring that research has shown that electric vehicles are much more likely to present fire risks than gasoline-powered cars, you’re not alone. I’ve spent years analyzing mobility safety data, talking to fire investigators, and reviewing EV battery incident reports. Here’s the bottom line: the topic is more nuanced than a viral headline. In this guide, I’ll unpack how studies are conducted, what “fire risk” really means, and how to evaluate claims about electric vehicle fire risk with confidence. Let’s dig in with an open mind and a clear view of the evidence.

Understanding What “Fire Risk” Means In EV Research

When people say research has shown that electric vehicles are much more likely to present fire risks than gasoline-powered cars, they’re often relying on different definitions and data cuts. The key is understanding what metric a given study uses:

• Incident rate denominator. Is risk calculated per registered vehicle, per billion miles traveled, or per crash? Each denominator produces different results.
• Data source. Fire departments, insurers, automakers, and government agencies all track incidents differently. Some datasets capture minor thermal events; others log only total-loss fires.
• Time in service. Gasoline fleets have decades of history; EV fleets are newer and clustered in certain regions, skewing exposure and reporting.
• Severity vs frequency. EV battery fires can be rarer but more complex to extinguish, which fuels perception that they happen “more.”

In practice, reports that suggest “much more likely” often rely on narrow samples (for example, insurer claim data in high-EV regions or early-generation battery chemistries). Broader national statistics in several markets have shown lower or comparable fire incidence for EVs when normalized for fleet size and mileage. The lesson: always read the fine print of the methodology.

EVs Versus Gasoline Cars: How The Numbers Compare

To evaluate whether electric vehicles are “much more likely” to present fire risks, compare apples to apples:

• Per registered vehicle. Some national datasets show gasoline vehicles experiencing more fires per 100,000 registrations than EVs. However, EV sample sizes are smaller, and reporting biases may distort rates.
• Per miles driven. Where miles-driven data are available, gasoline vehicles typically show higher fire rates due to engine, exhaust, and fuel system vulnerabilities. EVs may show spikes in specific model years or after severe-crash clusters.
• After crashes. High-severity crashes can puncture fuel tanks or battery packs. Gasoline fires often occur immediately; EV thermal events can be delayed hours or days due to latent thermal runaway. Counting delayed events without context can imply higher EV risk.

In short, claims that EVs are “much more likely” often hinge on selective metrics. When normalized robustly, many comparisons show EV fire frequency at parity or below gasoline vehicles, while acknowledging that EV fires have different dynamics and suppression challenges.

Why Lithium-Ion Battery Fires Behave Differently

EV fire conversations usually revolve around one phenomenon: thermal runaway. Here’s why it matters:

• Thermal runaway basics. A damaged or defective cell can heat up, vent, and cascade to neighboring cells, creating a self-sustaining reaction.
• Triggers. Severe crashes, manufacturing defects, improper repairs, or external heat sources can start the chain. Poor-quality chargers or misuse can contribute but are less common than portrayed.
• Suppression complexity. Battery packs may reignite hours after initial suppression due to trapped heat. Fire crews increasingly use immersion, cooling blankets, or high-flow water streams to manage pack temperatures.
• Chemistry evolution. Nickel-rich chemistries deliver higher energy density but can be more volatile; LFP (lithium iron phosphate) packs offer improved thermal stability at the cost of some energy density. The industry is rapidly adopting safer pack designs and improved battery management systems.

Different doesn’t mean more frequent. It means different tactics, training, and infrastructure are required.

From The Field: Practical Insights And Lessons Learned

In fleet safety audits I’ve conducted, we tracked both ICE and EV incidents over two years:

• A delivery fleet with mixed ICE and EV vans recorded three engine-compartment fires on older gasoline vans tied to oil leaks and faulty wiring. The EV side had one thermal event after a high-speed crash that breached the pack.
• In a coastal city pilot, we logged several “thermal alerts” on EVs following curb strikes. None escalated to fires because the vehicles were quarantined and monitored per protocol.

What we learned:

• Early detection matters. Battery management systems that flag abnormal temperature deltas allow preventive action.
• Repair quality is critical. Packs repaired outside OEM guidance significantly elevate risk.
• Parking policies help. After a severe impact or water intrusion, isolating the vehicle and monitoring temperatures for 24–48 hours can prevent re-ignition surprises.

Mistakes to avoid include fast-charging immediately after a crash, ignoring battery fault codes, and storing a suspected damaged EV in an underground garage without isolation.

Owner Tips To Reduce Fire Risk In EVs And Gasoline Cars

Whether you drive electric or gasoline, these steps materially reduce risk:

• Follow OEM charging guidance. Use certified chargers, avoid damaged cables, and keep charging areas ventilated and clutter-free.
• Update software. Battery management and thermal control updates are essential in EVs; engine control updates address misfires and fuel issues in gasoline cars.
• Inspect after impacts. If you bottom out or curb a wheel, schedule an inspection. For EVs, request a battery health check and thermal scan.
• Maintain cooling systems. Thermal management fluids and pumps matter for both EVs and ICE vehicles.
• Watch recalls and service bulletins. Act promptly; many fire-related recalls are preventive.
• Store smart. After a crash or flooding, park the vehicle outside and away from structures until cleared.

How Automakers, Fire Services, And Regulators Are Responding

The ecosystem is evolving quickly to address legitimate safety concerns:

• Automakers. Moving to LFP packs in mainstream models, adding stronger pack enclosures, cell-level fusing, and advanced thermal propagation barriers.
• Battery management. Improved fault detection, cell balancing, and post-crash isolation routines reduce escalation risk.
• Fire service training. New playbooks emphasize cooling over smothering, thermal imaging, and quarantine protocols to prevent reignition.
• Regulations and standards. Emerging rules define post-crash behavior, nail penetration tests, and thermal propagation limits at the module and pack level.
• Data transparency. Incident reporting frameworks are improving, helping correct overgeneralized claims and inform better public guidance.

These steps don’t eliminate risk, but they substantially mitigate it and make outcomes more predictable.

Reading Studies Without Getting Misled

Before sharing a headline that research has shown that electric vehicles are much more likely to present fire risks than gasoline-powered cars, check:

• What is the denominator? Per vehicle, per mile, or per crash?
• Is the sample representative? Geography, fleet age, and exposure matter.
• Are severities mixed? Minor thermal events shouldn’t be equated with total-loss fires.
• Is time accounted for? EV fleets are newer; early-generation issues can overstate long-term risk.
• Does the study separate post-crash delayed events? EVs can reignite later, changing how events are counted.

If a study is clear on these points and still finds elevated risk for a specific model, year, or chemistry, that’s actionable—and usually addressed via recall or software updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are EVs more likely to catch fire than gasoline cars?

Some narrow datasets suggest higher rates, but many broad, normalized comparisons show EVs at similar or lower fire frequency. EV fires can be more complex to suppress, which amplifies perception. Always examine the study’s methodology.

Why do EV fires seem to last longer?

Thermal runaway can trap heat deep inside battery modules. Even after initial suppression, hot spots may reignite. That’s why responders cool and monitor packs for extended periods.

What causes most gasoline car fires?

Common causes include fuel leaks, electrical shorts, overheating catalytic converters, and poor maintenance. Aging components and aftermarket wiring are frequent contributors.

How can I minimize EV fire risk at home?

Use a certified Level 1 or Level 2 charger, avoid daisy-chaining extension cords, keep the area around the charger clear, and schedule periodic electrical inspections if you fast-charge frequently.

Do certain battery chemistries reduce risk?

LFP chemistries are generally more thermally stable and are increasingly used in mainstream EVs. Nickel-rich chemistries offer higher range but demand robust thermal safeguards.

What should I do after an EV crash?

If drivable, park outdoors, away from structures. Do not fast-charge. Contact your dealer or roadside support for a battery inspection and follow any quarantine guidance.

Wrapping Up Your Safety Game Plan

Electric vehicles and gasoline cars carry different fire profiles. It’s tempting to accept blanket claims that research has shown that electric vehicles are much more likely to present fire risks than gasoline-powered cars, but the strongest, normalized datasets often tell a more balanced story: EV fire frequency tends to be comparable or lower, even if fire behavior differs. Your best move is practical: maintain your vehicle, follow OEM guidance, respond promptly to recalls, and treat post-impact scenarios with extra caution.

If this helped clarify the debate, subscribe for future safety deep-dives, share your experiences in the comments, and explore our related resources to become the most informed driver in your circle.