The increasing prevalence of electric vehicles (EVs) has sparked much debate, not only regarding their environmental benefits but also concerning their safety, a debate that continued at the EV maritime safety conference. A statistical analysis published by ARUP in July 2023, provides a comprehensive overview of vehicle fires, with a particular focus on the differences between electric and non-electric vehicles. This review highlights the key findings, examining the variance in fire incidents between the two categories and discussing the distinct impacts and likelihood of fires in each case.

“At the end of March 2024, there were 41.4 million licensed vehicles in the UK”.

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Variance in fire incidents: Electric vs non-electric vehicles

ARUP’s data reveals a notable difference in the frequency of fires between electric vehicles and their non-electric counterparts. According to the report, the incidence of fire in non-electric vehicles is significantly higher than in electric vehicles. This variance can be attributed to the complexities of internal combustion engines (ICEs), which involve multiple flammable liquids, such as petrol, diesel, and oil, that can easily ignite under certain conditions.

In contrast, electric vehicles, which are powered by lithium-ion batteries, are designed with fewer combustible materials, reducing the overall risk of fire. The statistics show that while fires in EVs are less common, they tend to attract more public attention due to their perceived novelty and the different nature of the fires that do occur. However, the suggestion that there are more incidents reported relating to non-electric vehicles may also be attributed to the fact that the numbers of non-electric vehicles on the roads in the UK still significantly outweigh the numbers of electric vehicles.

“Electric cars accounted for 15.2% of new car registrations in March 2024.”

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Overall, it is reported that “around 7% of cars in the UK are electric or hybrid. This percentage is likely to increase as EV’s become more popular and the UK gets closer to the 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel car sales.”

Impact of electric vehicle fires vs non-electric vehicle fires

While the frequency of fires in electric vehicles is lower, the impact of these fires can be more severe and challenging to manage compared to those in non-electric vehicles. The key difference lies in the behaviour of lithium-ion batteries when they catch fire. Unlike traditional fuels, which can be extinguished with conventional methods, a battery fire can reignite multiple times and burn at extremely high temperatures.

This phenomenon, known as “thermal runaway”, can make extinguishing an EV fire more complex, requiring specialised firefighting techniques and extended periods to ensure the fire is fully contained. The environmental impact of an EV fire can also be more significant due to the potential release of toxic gases from the burning batteries.

On the other hand, fires in non-electric vehicles, while more frequent, tend to be easier to control using established firefighting methods. However, the presence of flammable liquids still poses a significant risk, especially in high-impact crashes where fuel lines may be compromised. When considering the likelihood of a fire breaking out, ARUP’s analysis suggests that electric vehicles are statistically less likely to catch fire than non-electric vehicles. The data indicates that the simplicity of electric drivetrains, with fewer moving parts and the absence of volatile fuels, contributes to a lower fire risk. Additionally, advancements in battery technology and vehicle design have further mitigated the risk of fire in EVs.

Non-electric vehicles, however, present a higher risk due to the combination of mechanical parts, flammable fluids, and the higher temperatures generated by internal combustion engines. This risk is particularly pronounced in older vehicles or those with poor maintenance records.

“Thatcham Research, the UK motor insurers’ research centre, conducted research from 2018 to 2020. They found that 0.001% of plug-in hybrids and 0.003% of range extended electric vehicles were the subject of fire claims. That was lower than the 0.007% of petrol vehicles and 0.011% of diesel vehicles.”

infra.global/arup-produces-ev-fire-safety-guidelines

Thatcham statistics provide a clear indication that while electric vehicles are less prone to fires compared to non-electric vehicles, the nature of the fires they do experience can be more severe and challenging to manage. As the adoption of electric vehicles continues to grow, it is crucial for ports to understand and risk assess these differences. The findings underscore the importance of ongoing research and development in battery safety, as well as the need for specialised training for those responding to EV fires.

“The early research and available data suggest that EVs are less likely to catch fire than Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles (ICEV). It is acknowledged that as cars age, they are more likely to have a fire. This may be a factor in why EVs present a lower fire risk than ICEVs; the oldest EVs are only 12 years old compared to ICEVs which can be significantly over 12 years old.”

Publishing.service.gov.uk – ARUP report, page 26.

As part of our research for this campaign, PSS consulted with ARUP, who developed guidance on behalf of the Department for Transport. This guidance focuses on evidence-based fire safety considerations for the parking and charging of electric vehicles in covered car parks. Watch the video below to learn more about their insights and findings.