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EV Fires vs. ICE Fires: Safety Comparison and Analysis

EV Fires vs. ICE Fires: Safety Comparison and Analysis

In recent years, media reports of electric car fires have stoked concerns about the safety of electric vehicles (EVs). These highly publicized incidents often overshadow a more pressing reality: internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles are far more likely to catch fire. While both EVs and ICE cars pose fire risks, the data shows that EV fires occur significantly less often.

✅ Quick Fact: According to data summarized in Google’s AI Overview, gas cars are 20 to 80 times more likely to catch fire than EVs, despite EV fire stories receiving disproportionate media coverage.

Understanding the Fire Triangle in Vehicles

All vehicles, whether powered by gas, diesel, or electricity, carry energy that can ignite under certain conditions. Fires require three elements to occur: fuel, an oxidant (typically air), and a source of ignition.

In ICE vehicles, hot surfaces, leaking fuel lines, and sparking electrical systems are common ignition sources. For electric cars, battery fires—often caused by thermal runaway or electrical failures—are the main concern.

EVs use lithium-ion batteries with an energy density of around 0.3 kWh/kg. Gasoline, by comparison, has an energy density of roughly 13 kWh/kg. That means ICE vehicles, including diesel cars, store nearly nine times more potential energy than EVs. When ICE cars catch fire, the results can be catastrophic, especially given the volatility of gasoline.

Frequency: Are EV Fires More Likely?

One of the most widespread myths is that electric vehicle fires happen more often than ICE vehicle fires. According to the National Transportation Safety Board and recent AI Overview findings, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Cost Factor

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Vehicles

Purchase Price

Typically higher upfront cost

Lower initial cost

Fuel/Energy Costs

Lower per mile (electricity cheaper than gas)

Higher due to gasoline/diesel prices

Maintenance Costs

Lower, due to fewer moving parts and no oil changes

Higher, with regular oil changes and repairs

Data from the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency further supports this: only 23 fires occurred among 611,000 electric cars—an incident rate of just 0.004%, compared to 0.08% for ICE vehicles.

So why the panic? EV fires are newer, more dramatic, and harder to extinguish, making them headline-worthy even though they are much rarer.

A Cybertruck caught fire in Las Vegas last January. Image courtesy of Alcides Antunes/Reuters

All vehicles, whether powered by gas, diesel, or electricity, carry energy that can ignite under certain conditions. Fires require three elements to occur: fuel, an oxidant (typically air), and a source of ignition.

In ICE vehicles, hot surfaces, leaking fuel lines, and sparking electrical systems are common ignition sources. For electric cars, battery fires—often caused by thermal runaway or electrical failures—are the main concern.

EVs use lithium-ion batteries with an energy density of around 0.3 kWh/kg. Gasoline, by comparison, has an energy density of roughly 13 kWh/kg. That means ICE vehicles, including diesel cars, store nearly nine times more potential energy than EVs. When ICE cars catch fire, the results can be catastrophic, especially given the volatility of gasoline.

Frequency: Are EV Fires More Likely?

One of the most widespread myths is that electric vehicle fires happen more often than ICE vehicle fires. According to the National Transportation Safety Board and recent AI Overview findings, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Vehicle Type

Fires per 100,000 Vehicles

Relative Likelihood

Electric Vehicles

25

1x

ICE Vehicles

1,530

61x

Hybrid Vehicles

3,475

139x

Data from the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency further supports this: only 23 fires occurred among 611,000 electric cars—an incident rate of just 0.004%, compared to 0.08% for ICE vehicles.

So why the panic? EV fires are newer, more dramatic, and harder to extinguish, making them headline-worthy even though they are much rarer.

A Cybertruck caught fire in Las Vegas last January. Image courtesy of Alcides Antunes/Reuters

Despite this data, EV fires receive more public and media attention because they are new, less understood, and often more dramatic due to battery chemistry. The visual intensity and the challenge of extinguishing an EV fire, especially when reignition occurs, can contribute to a heightened perception of risk. However, the reality is that most fires occur in older, poorly maintained ICE vehicles, and the actual frequency of electric vehicle fires remains very low compared to other vehicle types.

How EV Fires Differ from ICE Vehicle Fires

While EVs are less likely to catch fire, when electric vehicle fires do happen, they behave differently:

Factor

EV Fires

ICE Vehicle Fires

Temperature

Up to 1,000°F hotter

Standard combustion temperatures

Reignition Risk

High (can reignite after hours/days)

Low

Water Needed

Up to 150,000 liters

1,000–2,000 liters

Toxic Emissions

Possible (battery chemicals)

Typically carbon monoxide and fuel vapors

Cause

Thermal runaway, battery damage

Fuel leaks, exhaust heat, electrical faults

EV battery fires burn hotter and longer, with a risk of reignition due to thermal runaway. This demands specialized training, equipment, and protocols for first responders.

In addition to airborne toxins, hazardous runoff can occur from burning battery packs—adding water containment challenges to the equation.

Why Do EV Fires Happen?

Most electric vehicle fires are linked to three factors:

  1. Charging incidents: Over a third of all EV fires happen while the vehicle is charging or within one hour of being plugged in.

  2. Battery damage: Impacts from crashes can trigger internal short circuits in the battery pack.

  3. Thermal runaway: When an EV catches fire, a chemical reaction inside a damaged cell can spread heat to adjacent cells, creating a chain reaction of fire.

These risks are manageable with proper battery management systems and regular maintenance. However, they do require different training and protocols for emergency responders.

Safe Charging Starts with Safe Equipment

Using certified, well-designed EV charging equipment dramatically reduces the risk of fire.

Products that are UL-listed, weather-resistant, and include overcurrent protection, like Lectron’s, provide peace of mind during overnight or unattended charging.

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The Risks of ICE Car Fires

ICE vehicles are still the most frequent source of vehicle fires, due to:

  • Fuel system leaks: Gasoline is volatile and ignites easily.

  • Exhaust heat: High temperatures can ignite nearby materials.

  • Aging parts: 77% of fires occur in vehicles made before 2007.

  • Electrical faults: Just like EVs, ICE vehicles are vulnerable to shorts and arcing.

Routine wear and lack of maintenance are the biggest contributors to ICE vehicle fires.

Mitigating Fire Risks in EVs and ICE Vehicles

Risk Area

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Vehicles

Battery/Fuel Design

Solid-state batteries in development

Fuel system designs improving but still high-risk

Maintenance

Battery management, charging infrastructure checks

Regular inspection of fuel lines, exhaust systems

Emergency Response

New training, thermal blankets, EV-safe extinguishers

Standard firefighting equipment and methods

Charging Infrastructure

Installation standards, smart chargers, circuit protection

Not applicable

EVs benefit from advancing battery technology and specialized maintenance and emergency response protocols, including smart charging and new firefighter training. In contrast, ICE vehicles focus on improving fuel system safety and rely on traditional maintenance and firefighting methods. Notably, charging infrastructure fire risks apply only to EVs.

The Role of Smart Charging Technology in Fire Prevention

One of the most effective ways to reduce fire risks during EV charging is through smart charging technology. Unlike basic chargers, smart chargers are equipped with safety and diagnostic features designed to detect and respond to dangerous conditions before they escalate into fire hazards. Lectron’s smart charging solutions are engineered with multiple layers of protection to ensure safe, reliable charging every time.

Key Safety Features in Smart Chargers:

  • Overcurrent Protection: Prevents excessive electrical flow that can cause overheating or damage to the charger and battery.

  • Temperature Monitoring: Sensors constantly check for abnormal heat levels in both the charger and the vehicle connector, reducing the risk of thermal runaway.

  • Automatic Shutoff: If the charger detects a fault—such as a short circuit, overheating, or grounding issue—it immediately stops power delivery to prevent potential ignition.

  • LED Fault Indicators: Visual cues alert users to errors like grounding faults, overheating, or poor connections, helping them take quick corrective action.

By choosing smart charging equipment with built-in diagnostics and automated safety responses, EV owners can reduce the chance of charging-related fires, especially during overnight charging or in unattended environments.

🔗 Featured Safety-First Products by Lectron:

  • Lectron V-Box 40A Level 2 Charger: Offers up to 48A fast, customizable charging with a 20-foot cable. Durable and weatherproof (IP55), certified for safety, and eligible for rebates. Includes cable hook and 1-year warranty.

  • Lectron Tesla to J1772 Adapter (80A): Lets J1772 EVs use Tesla Destination Chargers (not Superchargers) with up to 80A support. Compact, durable, and portable for reliable charging anywhere.

  • Lectron Portable Level 1 Charger: Charges any EV from a standard 110V outlet at 15A. Available with smart WiFi controls or basic LED indicators. Weather-resistant, ETL-certified, and designed for safe, travel-friendly use.

Best Practices for Safer EV Charging at Home

Charging your EV at home is convenient but requires safety precautions to reduce fire risk and protect your equipment.

  1. Install a Dedicated Circuit: Have a certified electrician set up a dedicated circuit for your charger to prevent overheating and fire risks.

  2. Use Certified Charging Equipment: Always use UL-listed or equivalent chargers and adapters with built-in safety protections.

  3. Avoid Extension Cords: Never use standard extension cords with your EV charger to avoid overheating hazards.

  4. Install a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI): Protect your charging area from electrical leaks, especially in damp or outdoor locations.

  5. Inspect Equipment Regularly: Check cables and plugs for damage and stop using them if any wear or faults appear.

  6. Charge in a Well-Ventilated Area: Ensure good airflow to prevent heat buildup during charging.

  7. Don’t Override Safety Features: Never disable built-in temperature limits or shutoff mechanisms.

  8. Avoid Charging Damaged Batteries: Have your EV battery inspected if damaged before charging again.

Conclusion: Different Fires, Different Risks

While electric car fires can burn hotter and be harder to extinguish, they are much less likely to occur than fires in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. ICE cars remain the leading cause of vehicle fires, largely due to their higher energy density, flammable fuel, and the prevalence of older vehicles on the road.

Although the perceived risk of EVs catching fire may be exaggerated, the risk profile is indeed different. As battery technology advances—especially with the development and future adoption of solid-state batteries—EV fire frequency is expected to decrease significantly. With ongoing improvements and proper precautions, electric vehicles continue to offer a safer, cleaner, and more efficient alternative to traditional gas-powered cars.

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