This has to do with the battery, which we’ll talk about more in a moment.Īs you’ll see below, when hybrid and EVs are recalled for fire risks, battery issues are almost always the cause. Why do defective batteries cause car fires?Įlectric vehicles use lithium-ion batteries as their fuel source.īMW 530e, xDrive30e, Mini Cooper Countryman All4 SE, i8, 330e, 745Le xDrive, & X5 xDrive45eįire risk recalls for gas vehicles, on the other hand, cited issues like electrical shorts, fuel leaks, or braking systems – but not batteries.Ten different hybrid and electric vehicles recalled that year all suffered from defective battery issues, including the: Using data from 2020, researchers compared fire risk recalls for all three types of vehicles (gas, hybrid, and electric). Axel Hernborg, CEO of Tripplo, told AutoInsuranceEZ: This means, unlike gas, once an EV catches fire, it can continue burning for hours. “Electric automobiles catch fire less frequently than gasoline-powered cars, but the duration and intensity of the fires can make them considerably more difficult to put out due to the use of lithium-ion battery packs. Lithium-ion batteries are notoriously difficult to keep cool. Even after appearing to be turned off for 24 hours, the batteries can generate enough heat to re-ignite.”īatteries can ignite from high temperatures or overcharging – but they’re not supposed to. ![]() Even when an EV fire appears extinguished, because the battery provides a prolonged source of energy and fuel, it can reignite hours later.Ĭomplicating this problem is the fact that because EVs are still relatively new, some fire departments aren’t familiar with how to put out these types of fires. One expert advises vehicle owners in the report, “Ensure you have all recalls taken care of. You want to ensure the vehicle has no damage, especially near the lithium battery. Watch for red flags with charging issues, such as your battery not holding a charge or draining faster than normal.” What should I do if my vehicle catches fire?īe alert for early warning signs that your vehicle may be in trouble. ![]() Remember, where there’s smoke, there’s fire. Signs that something is wrong include a sudden drop in oil or fuel levels, extreme engine temperature changes, burning smells or smoke coming from the vents or engine, popping fuses, or other warning signs. Red flags for EVs include your battery failing to hold a charge or draining faster than usual. If your vehicle does catch fire, whether while parked or as the result of a car crash, your first priority is to get away from the vehicle as soon as possible. Attempting to extinguish it on your own could result in severe burns or other serious injuries. ![]() Can I take legal action if my car catches on fire? Call the fire department, especially in the case of an EV fire, to ensure the fire is completely extinguished. If your vehicle caught fire because of a defective part, like a faulty battery, you are likely eligible to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer under product liability law.
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