Polish Fire Data Shows Electric Vehicles Less Prone to Fires Than Gas Cars.

Vehicle Fire Statistics in Poland

According to Novyny.live: Data released by the Polish New Mobility Association (PSNM) reveals a significantly lower fire risk for electric vehicles compared to those with internal combustion engines. In 2022, Poland recorded 9,515 fires involving traditional engine vehicles, while only 44 fires occurred among electric cars. This data provides a factual counterpoint to common public concerns about EV battery safety.

The comparative statistics indicate a fire frequency of 0.415 per 1,000 registered gasoline and diesel cars. For electric models, this rate is lower at 0.362. Hybrid vehicles demonstrate an even lower risk level, with a frequency of 0.082 fires per 1,000 units. Crucially, electric vehicles account for a mere 0.49% of all road-related fire incidents.

Causes of Fires and Fleet Age

Regarding fire causes, projections for 2025 suggest that only 16% of electric vehicle ignitions will involve the traction battery burning. The majority of cases, 77%, will not damage the battery pack. It is important to note, however, that the average duration of a firefighting operation for an electric car is nearly three hours.

The age of the vehicle fleet is also a key factor. The average age of gasoline-powered cars exceeds 14 years, while among the 133,000 electric vehicles in Poland, 52,000 are virtually new. This highlights a difference in fire risks between older, traditional vehicles and newer electric cars, supporting a trend of reduced fire probability with newer automotive technologies.

These results underscore the growing safety profile of electric vehicles as their market share increases, which may influence consumer decisions about adopting new forms of transport. The reduced fire risk for EVs could further encourage their adoption and popularity, particularly within the context of global efforts to reduce emissions and transition to cleaner energy sources.