EV Fire Risk vs Petrol Cars: The Real Statistics

EV fire risk is a topic that generates more alarm than the evidence generally supports, but it is also genuinely more complex than a simple comparison allows. The data that exists, from bodies including the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) in the UK and researchers in Europe, consistently suggests that EVs catch fire less often per vehicle than petrol cars. However, when an EV battery does catch fire, it burns very differently, for longer and at higher temperatures, which creates real challenges for fire services. Understanding both sides of that picture matters far more than a headline number. You can find more practical EV ownership guidance in our Guides section.

What do the data actually show about EV fire frequency?

Multiple organisations have attempted to compare EV and petrol car fire rates, including the NFCC, the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, and insurers such as Ageas. The picture they paint is broadly consistent: when measured per registered vehicle, EVs appear to catch fire less often than petrol cars. That is a notable finding given the level of public concern. However, the comparison changes when you look at fire rate per mile driven, per charge cycle, or among vehicles with battery damage, which is why analysts urge caution about quoting any single figure as definitive. For current data, the NFCC publishes guidance and research that is worth reading directly.

Why is thermal runaway so difficult to deal with?

Thermal runaway is the process by which heat in one battery cell triggers a chain reaction in neighbouring cells, generating more heat and releasing flammable gases. Once it begins, it is very hard to stop from the outside. EV manufacturers build in cooling systems, fire-resistant cell separators, and Battery Management System (BMS) safeguards specifically to prevent runaway from starting. Fire services, however, find that once an EV battery is fully involved, suppression is slow and water use is very high. The battery can also reignite hours or even days after it appears extinguished, which is why some fire services store stricken EVs in water tanks or on sand. This is a genuine operational challenge, even if overall fire frequency is lower.

What causes EV battery fires?

The most common causes identified in investigations are collision damage to the battery pack, manufacturing defects in individual cells, and charging faults such as using damaged cables, non-approved chargers, or extreme overcharging. Spontaneous fire in a healthy, undamaged battery parked or driving normally is very rare. This matters because most of the causes are either beyond the driver's control (a crash, a cell defect) or within it (charging habits and equipment). Using a quality, correctly rated portable EV charger or wallbox, keeping to manufacturer-recommended charge limits, and not charging a battery that has recently been in a significant collision all reduce risk meaningfully.

What are manufacturers doing to reduce battery fire risk?

Battery technology and vehicle safety design are both moving in the right direction. Cell-to-pack and cell-to-body designs reduce the number of components that can fail. Thermal management systems keep cells within a safe operating temperature range during charging and driving. Some manufacturers use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry, which is more thermally stable than nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) cells, though it has other trade-offs. Over-the-air software updates can also adjust charging behaviour to reduce stress on the pack. Regulatory pressure, particularly from Euro NCAP and UN safety standards for batteries, continues to push improvements across the industry.

How can you reduce fire risk as an EV owner?

Most of the practical risk reduction for EV owners comes down to charging discipline. Avoid charging to full capacity every day if your manufacturer recommends keeping the battery between a moderate lower and upper limit for daily use. Do not leave a car on charge unattended for very long periods using non-approved equipment. If you notice an unusual smell, the battery getting hot to the touch, swelling of any visible components, or error messages relating to the battery, stop using the car and contact the manufacturer. After a significant collision, even one that seems minor, have the battery inspected before continuing to charge or drive the car.

What should you do if you suspect a battery problem?

If you notice warning signs of a battery problem, do not charge the car. Park it away from other vehicles and structures if possible, outdoors rather than in a garage. Contact your manufacturer's emergency line and your breakdown cover provider. In the event of visible smoke or flames, get out of the car, move well clear, and call 999 immediately. Do not attempt to put out an EV battery fire yourself. Fire services have specific protocols for EV fires, and the NFCC publishes guidance on how they approach them, which is worth familiarising yourself with as a responsible owner.

Frequently asked questions

Are EV fires more common than petrol car fires?

Available data from the NFCC and European researchers generally suggests EV fires are less frequent per registered vehicle than petrol car fires. However, the comparison is context-dependent, changing when measured per mile or per charge cycle, so no single figure tells the whole story. Check the NFCC for current UK-specific data.

Can an EV catch fire while parked and not charging?

It is rare but has occurred, usually linked to an existing manufacturing defect or prior undetected physical damage to the battery. A healthy, undamaged battery that has not been involved in a collision is at very low risk. Following manufacturer guidance on storage and avoiding damage to the underside of the car reduces this risk further.

Is it safe to park an EV in a car park or underground garage?

Yes, in general. Some older underground car parks have imposed restrictions due to concerns about firefighting access if an EV fire occurred, but modern guidance from fire services does not advise against it as a blanket rule. Check the car park's specific policy, and park away from exits if you are concerned.

Does the type of charger affect fire risk?

Yes. Using damaged, counterfeit, or incorrectly rated charging equipment is one of the identified causes of charging-related faults. Always use cables and chargers that meet UK and EU safety standards and are approved for your vehicle. Avoid leaving a damaged cable in use and inspect your charging equipment regularly.

Why do EV fires take so long to extinguish?

Once thermal runaway is underway in a lithium-ion battery, the cells generate their own oxygen as they break down, which means the fire cannot be smothered in the usual way. Water must be applied continuously and in very large quantities to cool the pack. The risk of reignition can persist for an extended period after the visible fire appears out.

Will my insurance cover an EV battery fire?

Standard comprehensive car insurance policies generally cover fire damage, including EV battery fires. However, coverage can be affected by how the fire started, particularly if non-approved charging equipment was used or if manufacturer guidance was not followed. Check the specific terms of your policy and speak to your insurer for clarity.

The fire risk picture for EVs is more nuanced than the headlines often suggest: less frequent overall, but genuinely more challenging for emergency services when a fire does occur. The practical takeaway for owners is straightforward: use approved charging equipment, follow manufacturer guidance on battery care, and know what warning signs to watch for. Explore more EV guidance in our Guides section, or use our portable charger range to find safe, quality charging kit for your car.