The UK's fire services have seen a significant spike in the number of electric car fires they attend to, with a 133% increase over the past three years. According to data obtained by UKPulse Media, fire brigades in England attended to 1,111 electric car fires in 2022, up from just 476 in 2019. The number of fires attended to by Scottish fire services has also seen a notable rise, with 141 incidents in 2022 compared to just 31 in 2019.
Experts warn that when electric cars do catch alight, putting out the fire can be a far more complex and time-consuming process than extinguishing one in a combustion engine car. This is because the high-voltage batteries in electric vehicles can continue to generate heat and electricity for a longer period after the fire has started, making it harder for firefighters to access the source of the blaze.
The Fire Brigades Union has expressed concerns about the lack of training and equipment available to deal with electric car fires. A spokesperson for the union said: 'We need to see a significant investment in training and equipment to ensure that our firefighters are equipped to deal with these unique fires. It's not just about the number of fires we're attending to, but also the complexity and danger posed by these incidents.'
According to the fire services, the majority of electric car fires are caused by electrical faults or overheating batteries. However, the exact cause of many fires remains unknown.
The rise in electric car fires has raised concerns about the safety of these vehicles and the need for greater regulation and oversight of the industry. As the UK continues to transition towards a low-carbon economy, it's essential that we address these safety concerns to ensure that electric cars are safe for drivers and passengers.