Battery Fires vs. Gas Car Fires: Which Is Actually Riskier?
As electric vehicles (EVs) gain popularity, concerns about battery fires often make headlines. Meanwhile, gasoline-powered cars have been catching fire for over a century—yet few people question their safety in the same way. So, which is truly riskier: EV battery fires or traditional gas car fires? Let’s examine the data, the dangers, and the myths.
1. How Often Do Gas Cars Catch Fire?
Gasoline is highly flammable, and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles carry a tank full of it. According to U.S. government data:
- Gas car fires occur in ~1,530 out of every 100,000 vehicles (based on NHTSA and NFPA reports).
- Most fires result from crashes, fuel leaks, or electrical faults.
- Gas fires ignite quickly, often leading to rapid, intense blazes.
2. How Often Do EV Batteries Catch Fire?
EV battery fires are far less common, but they make headlines because they are a newer phenomenon. Key statistics:
- EVs experience fires in ~25 out of every 100,000 vehicles (Tesla’s 2023 data shows ~5 fires per billion miles driven).
- Most EV fires happen due to severe crashes, battery defects, or improper charging.
- Lithium-ion battery fires burn hotter and longer than gasoline fires, making them harder to extinguish.
3. Comparing the Risks
|
Factor |
Gasoline Cars |
EVs |
|---|---|---|
|
Fire likelihood |
More common (~1,530 per 100K) |
Rare (~25 per 100K) |
|
Speed of ignition |
Fast (gasoline is volatile) |
Slower (thermal runaway takes time) |
|
Fire intensity |
High, but usually shorter |
Extremely hot, can reignite |
|
Extinguishing difficulty |
Standard firefighting methods |
Requires large amounts of water/cooling |
|
Common causes |
Crashes, fuel leaks, electrical faults |
Severe crashes, battery defects |
Key Takeaways:
✔ Gas cars catch fire more often, but EV fires are harder to put out.
✔ EV fires are less frequent, partly because they have fewer flammable components.
✔ Both types are rare in normal conditions—most fires result from extreme crashes or malfunctions.
4. Why Do EV Fires Get More Attention?
- Novelty factor – Battery fires are a new concern, while gas fires are "normalized."
- Viral videos – EV fires often burn dramatically, making them more shareable online.
- Misinformation – Some critics exaggerate EV fire risks to slow adoption.
5. Which Is Safer Overall?
Statistically, EVs are less likely to catch fire than gas cars. However, when they do, the fires can be more challenging to control. That said:
- Newer EVs have better safety systems (like battery cooling and crash protection).
- Fire departments are adapting with new training and suppression techniques.
The Bottom Line
While EV battery fires are harder to extinguish, they happen far less often than gasoline car fires. As battery technology improves, the risks will likely decrease further. For now, the data suggests that EVs are statistically safer, despite the alarming headlines.
Last Updated on May 9, 2025 by tayniu
