EV Fire Myths: Why the Hype Doesn’t Match the Data
EV Fire Myths: Why the Hype Doesn’t Match the Data
This week, a headline from The Telegraph reignited the ongoing debate around electric vehicles (EVs) and fire risk. With the attention-grabbing title “Electric car fires nearly double in two years,” the article suggested a dramatic surge in EV-related incidents. But beneath the surface of this fiery headline, the reality tells a far more measured—and less alarming—story.
According to the report, EV fires rose to 232 in 2024, up from 131 just a few years earlier. That’s a 77% increase, not quite the “doubling” claimed in the headline. But more crucially, the article failed to include meaningful context that’s essential for any balanced reporting.
Perspective Matters
There are now approximately 1.4 million EVs on UK roads. Out of that figure, 232 fires represents a tiny 0.0165% of the total fleet—less than 0.02%. In other words, fewer than 2 in every 10,000 electric vehicles have caught fire.
For broader context, government data shows that in 2024 there were 18,423 vehicle fires in total across all vehicle types. The 232 EV-related incidents account for just 1.25% of that figure.
These are hardly the makings of an EV fire crisis.
More EVs, Not More Risk
So, what’s actually happening? The answer is simple: more EVs on the road means more chances, however small, of EV-related incidents. EV adoption has been growing rapidly—registrations were up by 30% in April alone. Naturally, as the number of electric vehicles increases, so too does the absolute number of any associated incidents. But that doesn’t make EVs inherently more dangerous.
What we’re seeing isn’t a disproportionate fire risk—just proportionate growth in line with market expansion.
Yes, EV Fires Are Different—But Not More Common
It’s important to acknowledge that lithium-ion battery fires behave differently from traditional petrol or diesel fires. They can burn hotter and for longer, and they present unique challenges for emergency services. That’s why there’s a real need for investment in battery safety research, fire containment strategies, and accelerating the shift toward less flammable technologies like sodium-ion or solid-state batteries.
But let’s be clear: there is no evidence of a global epidemic of EV fires. And responsible journalism should reflect the facts, not fan the flames of anxiety.
The Bottom Line
EVs are not catching fire at alarming rates. The numbers simply do not support the fear-mongering. As consumers continue to make the switch to cleaner, electric mobility, it’s vital to separate data from drama.
Let’s keep the conversation grounded in evidence—and leave the sensationalism behind