EV Fire Myths Debunked by New US Safety Study
New research suggests that electric vehicle fires are no more dangerous or difficult to extinguish than those in traditional combustion cars, challenging widespread fears.
A new study from the United States has challenged the prevailing narrative that electric vehicle fires are significantly more intense, larger, or harder to extinguish than fires in gasoline-powered cars. The research, conducted by the Fire Safety Research Institute, indicates that the fundamental behavior of these blazes is comparable to internal combustion engine vehicles, offering relief to first responders and the public alike.
The findings, highlighted by GN auto tech/ev: electric vehicle, suggest that standard firefighting tactics remain effective. This is a significant shift from the anxiety often associated with lithium-ion battery fires, providing a clearer, evidence-based understanding of how to manage these incidents without specialized equipment for initial response.
Testing Reveals Similar Fire Behaviors
Researchers at the Fire Safety Research Institute, part of UL Research Institutes, conducted rigorous tests on six electric vehicles and three internal combustion cars. In each scenario, the vehicles were ignited with fully charged batteries to simulate worst-case conditions. The team measured fire growth, heat release, and burn duration, finding that both vehicle types burned out within approximately 90 minutes.
The data showed that the rate of fire growth, peak size, and overall duration were statistically similar regardless of the powertrain. This means that the dramatic, explosive nature often attributed to EV fires in popular media is not supported by controlled testing. The physical reality of the fire is much more predictable than the myths suggest.
Standard Water Remains Effective Tool
Based on these results, experts recommend that firefighters continue using water as their primary suppression method. There is no need for specialized agents or unique equipment for the initial response. However, the study notes a practical challenge: the physical construction of modern EVs can make it difficult for water to reach the battery cells undergoing thermal runaway.
This creates a trade-off. While the tools are familiar, the access to the fire source is more restricted. Firefighters must account for the vehicle's structure when applying water, ensuring that the suppression effort is directed effectively despite the barriers posed by the car's design.
Hidden Risks and Safety Protocols
Despite the similarities in fire behavior, the study identified specific hazards unique to electric vehicles. Elevated levels of toxic substances, including nickel, manganese, cobalt, and copper, were detected. Consequently, researchers advise firefighters to approach from upwind, maintain distance, and wear full protective gear with breathing apparatus to avoid exposure.
Furthermore, the research raised concerns about the use of specialized EV fire blankets. Testing revealed a potential explosion hazard when these blankets are deployed on vehicles with active battery fires, particularly in confined spaces. Additionally, extinguishing visible flames does not guarantee safety. A minimum five-meter quarantine distance is recommended once the vehicle is moved, as re-ignition remains a risk until the battery has clearly burned out.
