Electric car fires: should we be worried?

Recently, an incident involving a 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric raised concerns: the vehicle caught fire while parked in its owner’s yard. Needless to say, this type of news quickly attracts attention, especially when it comes to electric vehicles. The image of a vehicle in flames can strike the imagination… but what is the reality?

Should we be afraid of electric cars? Are they more likely to catch fire than gasoline-powered models? Let’s examine the facts, without minimizing the risks, but without giving in to panic.

ALL VEHICLES CAN CATCH FIRE

The first thing to remember is that fire is not a problem exclusive to electric vehicles. Gasoline and diesel cars have always posed a fire risk. Fuel tanks, engine oil, hot exhaust systems, electrical short circuits—all of these factors can lead to a fire.

Data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in the United States shows that more than 150,000 motor vehicle fires occur each year… and the vast majority involve gasoline-powered vehicles.

In comparison, incidents involving EVs are much less frequent, even though each one often receives much more media coverage.

WHY DO ELECTRIC VEHICLE FIRES MAKE MORE NOISE?

Electric vehicle fires make headlines, partly because they are still perceived as new or “technological,” which naturally attracts curiosity. The public is asking questions, and rightly so: Are lithium-ion batteries safe? Can they explode? Are there any warning signs?

It is true that when a fire occurs in an electric vehicle, the response can be more complex for emergency services. This is due to the nature of lithium-ion batteries, which can undergo thermal runaway. This rare and spectacular phenomenon causes a chain reaction that generates intense heat that is difficult to control. This can happen in the event of a violent impact, overheating, or a manufacturing defect. However, these cases are extremely rare compared to the total number of vehicles on the road.

In the event of a fire, the battery can continue to burn from the inside even after being sprayed with water, sometimes requiring hours of cooling or even complete immersion of the vehicle in a pool of water. Although these situations are rare, they explain why EV fires, although less frequent, can be longer and more complex to control.

In addition, safety standards are rigorous. Manufacturers invest heavily in research, stress testing, and automatic shut-off devices to prevent problems from becoming dangerous.

WHAT HAPPENED WITH THE KONA ELECTRIC?

The case of the 2023 Kona Electric in Sherbrooke that caught fire while stationary remains under investigation, but it should be noted that Hyundai had already issued a recall in the past for certain earlier models due to a fire risk related to the battery.

That said, newer models, such as the 2023, use next-generation batteries and are supposed to be safer. An incident like this deserves attention, but it does not mean that all Konas—or all EVs—pose an increased risk of fire.

STATISTICALLY, ARE EVs MORE AT RISK?

The short answer: no.

A study by AutoinsuranceEZ, based on fire data in the United States, found that:

• Hybrid vehicles had the highest fire rate (nearly 3,500 fires per 100,000 vehicles sold).
• Gasoline/diesel vehicles followed (approximately 1,500 fires per 100,000).
• EVs came in last with only 25 fires per 100,000 vehicles.

This suggests that, statistically, EVs are actually the least likely to catch fire, even though they are the ones that make the most headlines. Their simpler components (no combustion engine, no fuel tank) reduce certain types of risks.

HOW TO PREVENT FIRES, REGARDLESS OF THE TYPE OF CAR?

Here are some general tips for all drivers:

• Have your vehicle inspected regularly, whether for engine maintenance, the charging system, or the battery.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for home charging. Use a certified charging station and check the condition of your electrical installation. At BEQ Technology, we can help you with this!
• In the event of an impact or accident, have the battery inspected by a professional, even if it appears intact.
• Never leave flammable materials (aerosols, gas cans, etc.) in your car.
• Avoid ignoring warning lights on the dashboard, especially those related to the battery, engine, or temperature.

ALWAYS REMAIN VIGILANT, WITHOUT GIVING IN TO FEAR

A car fire is always spectacular and disturbing. However, the mere fact that a vehicle has caught fire does not mean that all similar models are at risk. EVs, although technologically different, are subject to very strict safety protocols. Fires are rare, and most incidents can be prevented with proper maintenance and responsible use. Rather than fueling fear, these events should encourage us to be vigilant and informed. Above all, we should keep in mind that gasoline-powered vehicles can also catch fire and, statistically, do so much more often.

So, if you are the owner or future buyer of an electric vehicle, rest assured: you are making a modern, efficient, and safe choice.