The global transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is reshaping the way we think about transportation. EVs promise sustainability and innovation, but they also come with unique challenges, especially when it comes to fire safety. For fire investigators, EV fires are still a growing field of study, with complexities far beyond those of traditional vehicle fires.
How many EV fires were reported in 2023 and 2024? What caused them, and what lessons can fire investigators learn from the data? In this guide, we’ll take a look at what the data says so you can get the insights you need to shape how you approach EV fire incidents.
EV Fires: Top Statistics
EV fire is still a new topic in fire investigation, and understanding what the numbers say is the first step. There’s no government agency in the U.S. that currently tracks EV fires. But, these key statistics shared by MSB, Sweden’s Authority for Social Protection and Preparedness, along with U.S. statistics shared by IEA, highlight the scope of the issue:
These statistics show that while EV fires are rarer than ICE fires, they involve greater complexity. This means that there’s a greater need for specialized training and tools to effectively investigate EV fires.
Global Growth of Electric Vehicles
The adoption of EVs has surged dramatically globally. Total number of electrical vehicles on the road have continued to grow over the last few years. Approximately 40 million electric cars were in use worldwide by the end of 2023.
Top Countries and Regions With EVs
While EV sales have surged up in the U.S., China still leads the global market, accounting for the highest number of sales globally.
- China: Leading the global market, China accounted for 60% of global electric car sales in 2022.
- United States: The U.S. has seen substantial growth in EV adoption, with electric car sales exceeding 800,000 units in 2022.
- Europe: Electric car sales in Europe reached over 2.7 million units in 2022, with countries like Norway achieving high market penetration.
Projected EV Market Growth
The EV market is expanding by 35% annually, with EVs expected to account for 30% of global vehicle sales by 2030. This rapid growth underscores the importance of proactive investigation and analysis in this growing sector.
How Many EV Fires Occurred in 2023-2024?
Finding comprehensive, up-to-date data for EV fires is challenging since there’s no government agency tracking the numbers. Electric vehicles accounted for 25 fires per 100,000 EVs sold. EV fires are relatively rare, even though they receive more news coverage.
Fires by Vehicle Type
Let’s take a closer look at the number of fire incidents reported by vehicle type:
- ICE Vehicles: 1,530 fires per 100,000 cars sold.
- EVs: 1,530 fires per 100,000 vehicles sold.
- Hybrid: 3,475 fires per 100,000 vehicles sold.
Hybrid vehicles accounted for more fires per 100,000 vehicles sold compared to EVs or ICE vehicles.
Breakdown of EV Fire Causes
While it’s difficult to find concrete data on the breakdown of EV fire causes, these are the most widely known causes of the fire incidents.
| Cause |
Description |
| Thermal Runaway |
Overheating in battery cells leads to a self-sustaining chain reaction. |
| Charging Issues |
Faulty charging equipment or user error causes overheating or electrical faults. |
| Collisions |
Physical damage compromises battery integrity, leading to internal short circuits. |
| Manufacturing Defects |
Faulty batteries or wiring flaws increase fire risks. |
| Environmental Factors |
Extreme temperatures or flooding disrupt battery stability. |
Based on data shared by AutoInsuranceEZ, recalls for electric and hybrid vehicles were all related to battery issues, which is one of the leading causes of fires. Here are some of the models recalled in the past and the reason for recall:
Chevrolet Bolt EV: 70,000 vehicles recalled due to battery issues
Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid: 27,600 vehicles recalled due to battery issues
Hyundai Kona EV: 82,000 vehicles recalled due to battery issues
BMW 530e, xDrive30e, Mini Cooper Countryman All4 SE, i8, 330e, 745Le xDrive, & X5 xDrive45e Hybrid: 4,500 vehicles recalled due to battery issues
Charging-Related Fire Incidents
One of the biggest concerns of EV owners is the probability of the car catching fire while in charging. Based on research by EVFireSafe.com, there were 252 traction battery fires as of December, 2022.
Here’s what we were able to find about these incidents:
- 35 were connected to energized charging
- 5 incidents occurred within one hour of charging
- 16 incidents were due to cell defects during manufacturing
- 16 incidents had unknown causes
- 1 due to building electrical fault
- 1 due to improper cable
- 1 due to the extension cord
Comparing EV Fires to Traditional Vehicle Fires
A considerable number of ICE fires are reported each year. While EV fires are reported at far lower numbers, these fires are different in nature, which is one reason why they get so much attention.
| Feature |
EV Fires |
ICE Fires |
| Fire Rate |
25 fires per 100,000 vehicles |
1,500 fires per 100,000 vehicles |
| Primary Causes |
Battery-related issues, charging faults |
Fuel leaks, engine malfunctions, and electrical shorts |
| Burn Duration |
Prolonged, with reignition risks |
Shorter, with lower risks of reignition |
| Toxicity of Emissions |
Hydrogen fluoride and other toxic gases |
Primarily carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons |
EV Fire Incident Trends by Industry
Fire incidents vary across different EV sectors, each presenting unique challenges for investigators:
- Public Transportation: Electric buses have battery packs that are up to 10 times larger than those in personal vehicles. Out of 250,000 vehicles as of January 2024, there have been at least 27 e-bus battery fires.
- Commercial Fleets: Delivery vehicles, which often rely on overnight charging, see higher risks of unattended fire incidents. Fire incidents may be attributed to improper charging setups in fleet depots.
Regional Trends in EV Fire Incidents
Fire incidents also reflect regional nuances in EV adoption and infrastructure:
- China: China has rapidly expanded its public charging network to support the growing number of EVs. However, this rapid expansion has led to challenges, including overutilization and maintenance issues, which can contribute to safety concerns. While specific statistics on charging-related fires are not publicly available, the high density of public charging stations requires rigorous safety protocols.
- United States: The U.S. has seen an increase in residential EV charging as more consumers adopt electric vehicles. This rise underscores the importance of proper installation and maintenance of home charging equipment to prevent potential fire hazards.
- Europe: The European Union enforces strict safety standards for EV charging equipment. Despite these regulations, the use of unauthorized third-party chargers can pose safety risks.
Advances in Battery Technology and Fire Prevention
Advances in Battery Technology and Fire Prevention
As technological advances are made in cooling systems, batteries, and other fire prevention technologies, the risk of EV fire incidents may become lower. Here are a few key advances you should know about.
- Solid-State Batteries: Solid-state batteries are considered safer than traditional lithium-ion batteries due to their use of solid electrolytes, which are generally nonflammable. This significantly reduces the risk of thermal runaway, which is a primary cause of battery fires.
- Battery Management Systems (BMS): Advanced BMS actively monitors and regulates cell temperature and voltage to improve battery safety. They may play a major role in preventing overcharging and overheating, and ensuring balanced cell operation is well-documented.
- Advanced Materials: Fire-resistant casings and cooling systems may also delay fire propagation and provide more time for intervention. Innovations such as BYD's Blade Battery use fire-resistant materials and designs to enhance safety.
Legal and Insurance Implications of EV Fires
Legal and Insurance Implications of EV Fires
EV fires also come with complex legal and insurance implications. Automakers have faced lawsuits related to EV fires. For instance, General Motors, in collaboration with LG Energy Solution and LG Electronics, agreed to establish a $150 million fund to compensate Chevrolet Bolt EV owners affected by defective batteries. This settlement highlights the legal challenges automakers can face concerning EV fire incidents.
Insurers have reported higher claim costs associated with EVs compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. In the U.S., the average claim cost for repairable EVs is 30% higher than for ICE vehicles, primarily due to the higher replacement costs of EV components.
What Insights EV Fire Statistics Provide for Fire Investigators
The rise of EVs is reshaping the automotive industry and, with it, the field of fire investigation. By understanding the statistics, causes, and trends in EV fires, you can approach these incidents with greater confidence and precision. As EV technology continues to evolve, you must stay informed and adaptable. As an investigator, you must employ tailored strategies to tackle the complexities of EV fires since these incidents are not the same as traditional vehicle fires.
