Electric cars catch fire less often than gasoline vehicles: statistics from the USA and Europe.

According to Korrespondent.net: It is often heard in society that electric vehicles catch fire more often than traditional combustion engine cars. However, statistics collected in recent years from various countries convince otherwise.

Fire statistics on the roads

Data from the USA indicates that most road fires are caused by gasoline and diesel vehicles. According to transportation services and the National Fire Protection Association of the USA, car fires occur on average every minute, leading to hundreds of thousands of cases each year. Comparisons show that for every 100,000 electric vehicles sold, there are about 25 fires, while the figure for combustion engine vehicles exceeds 1500.

European statistics

In Sweden, where the electrification of transport is actively developing, only 23 fires were recorded among over 600,000 electric cars in 2022. During the same period, there were more than 3,400 fires involving gasoline and diesel vehicles. This indicates that traditional cars have twice the risk of catching fire.

The situation in Australia and Poland

Australia also confirms these findings. According to the EV FireSafe initiative, the risk of electric vehicle fires is only a fraction of a percent, while for combustion engine vehicles it is about 0.1%. This suggests that gasoline and diesel cars may ignite dozens of times more frequently. Even in Poland, where the share of electric vehicles in the fleet remains low, of more than 51,000 car fires over five years, only 87 concerned electric cars.

Myths and perception of electric vehicles

Myths about the danger of electric vehicles continue to exist, as the occurrence of traditional car fires is so common that they rarely make the news. In contrast, electric car fires are perceived as exceptional cases that are actively discussed in the media. Additional attention is drawn to the characteristics of lithium-ion batteries: fires due to their use can last longer, are harder to extinguish, and may sometimes reignite, creating dramatic situations and amplifying fears among people.

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Therefore, although myths about the danger of electric vehicles continue to exist, the facts suggest that traditional cars are indeed more prone to ignition. This may encourage a reassessment of attitudes towards electric cars and their safety. However, it is important for consumers to remain informed and rely on facts rather than stereotypes.