If you’ve been scrolling through social media or catching the headlines lately, you’ve probably seen some pretty dramatic photos of cars on fire. There’s a lot of chatter out there suggesting that electric vehicles (EVs) are ticking time bombs for UK fleets. But is the “EV fire” actually a common occurrence, or just a bit of a tall tale?

As we move toward a greener future on our roads, it’s time to look at the real data. Let’s separate the myths from the reality and see how EV safety actually stacks up against traditional petrol, diesel, and hybrid models.

The Big Question: Are EVs More Likely to Catch Fire?

The short answer? No. In fact, the data suggests quite the opposite.

Whilst a fire involving a lithium-ion battery is certainly more difficult for fire services to put out (requiring much more water and time), the likelihood of it happening in the first place is much lower than in the cars we’ve been driving for decades.

What the Data Tells Us

Because the UK Home Office doesn’t always split vehicle fires into specific sub-categories, we often look to our neighbours for the clearest picture. Data from the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB), which tracks a car market very similar to the UK, provides some eye-opening stats:

• Fully Electric Cars: Account for only about 0.4% of annual vehicle fires.
  
• Hybrid Cars: Account for 1.5% of annual vehicle fires.
  
• The Big Picture: When you look at all fuel types, there are roughly 68 fires per 100,000 cars. For EVs and hybrids combined, that number drops to just 3.8 per 100,000.

The “Hidden” Risk: Why Hybrids are Leading the Pack

Interestingly, if you are worried about fire risk, the “clean” EV isn’t the one to watch, it’s the hybrid.

In the US, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) found that hybrids were involved in about 3,475 fires per 100,000 vehicles. Why the jump? It’s simple engineering. A hybrid has:

• An internal combustion engine (with all the heat and fuel lines that entails).
  
• A high-voltage battery system.
  
• Complicated wiring connecting the two.

By having “two of everything,” there are more potential points of failure. While the risk is higher in hybrids than pure EVs, the overall chance of a fire on the M1 remains incredibly low for any modern vehicle.

Managing Your Fleet Safety

For fleet managers, the concern isn’t just about the “if”, it’s about the “what now?” Transitioning to an electric fleet requires new risk assessments and driver training.

Actionable steps for UK Fleets:

• Driver Education: Ensure drivers know the signs of a damaged battery (like physical dents to the underside of the car).
  
• Charging Infrastructure: Only use high-quality, professionally installed charging points.
  
• Maintenance: Regular check-ups are vital. Our Fleet Management services can help you keep track of every vehicle’s health.
  
• Driver Behaviour: Use telematics to monitor for aggressive driving that could lead to underside damage. Check out our Driver Management page to see how we help keep your team safe.

FAQs About EV Fire Risk

Are EV fires more common than petrol fires?

No. Statistics from Sweden and the US show that petrol and diesel vehicles are significantly more likely to catch fire than fully electric vehicles.

Why do people think EVs are dangerous?

EV fires are “newsworthy” because they are rare and difficult to extinguish. A petrol car fire happens so often it rarely makes the news, whereas an EV fire is a novelty that gets shared widely on social media.

Do EVs spontaneously combust whilst charging?

It is extremely rare. Most EV fires occur after a significant high-speed collision that physically compromises the battery pack.

Conclusion

Whilst the fires themselves are more intense, they are statistically much rarer than the fires we see in petrol, diesel, or hybrid vehicles. For UK fleet managers, the focus shouldn’t be on fear, but on proper management and driver awareness.

Ready to make your fleet safer and more efficient? Whether you’re sticking with ICE or going full electric, we’ve got your back.

Learn more about our Fleet Management solutions or explore how we protect your team on our Driver Management page.