Electric vehicle fire safety and technical risks

Discussions regarding electric vehicle (EV) safety have focused on specific incident causes and broader technical risks. Following a fire involving a BYD Dolphin in Brazil, preliminary reports suggested the blaze may have resulted from improper charging practices, such as using extension cords and portable chargers that could lead to overheating.

Clemente Gauer of the Brazilian Electric Vehicle Association (ABVE) clarified that visible explosions in footage were likely related to airbag detonators rather than the battery system. Experts have since advised against using extension cords and suggested prioritizing professional, certified wallbox chargers.

Broader safety assessments, including data from the UK’s Department for Transport, indicate that EVs are not more likely to catch fire than petrol or diesel vehicles. However, experts emphasize that lithium-ion battery fires present unique challenges, specifically the risk of thermal runaway. This uncontrolled chemical reaction can lead to temperatures exceeding 1,000°C and the release of flammable gases. In maritime sectors, such as passenger ferries, these incidents are classified as high-consequence events due to the potential for vapor cloud explosions in enclosed spaces.