Electric Vehicle Fires: Tips on What to Do if Your Vehicle Catches Fire

The Truth About EV Fires

Let’s have a little chat about the electrifying topic of electric vehicle fires, and in particular, our good friends over at Tesla. Now, I know what you’re thinking—electric cars, aren’t they supposed to be the future? Clean, green, and oh-so pristine? Well, hold on to your hats, because it turns out that when it comes to fires, things can get a little… heated.

You see, as of November 2022, 49 Teslas have burst into flames like a Fourth of July fireworks show. And, if you can believe it, 5 of those infernos happened while the cars were just sittin’ there, minding their own business, parked like good little electric chariots. But wait, it gets better. How about the folks who were just tryin’ to juice up their Teslas with some good ol’ electricity? Yep, you guessed it—7 times, those Teslas turned into a bonfire during charging.

Now, don’t get me wrong, Teslas have a fire rate of one for every 175 million miles traveled, which is actually better than the U.S. average of a vehicle fire for every 19 million miles. But, folks, when you’re cruisin’ down the highway, and your car decides to throw a spontaneous barbecue, well, that’s not exactly the kind of adventure most of us are lookin’ for.

So, buckle up and join me as we a little dive into the fiery world of electric vehicles, where the road ahead is as unpredictable as a one-legged man in a three-legged race. And remember, safety first—because when it comes to EV fires, you never know when you might have to make a quick exit. While EV fires are relatively rare compared to gasoline-powered car fires, they can be a bit trickier to deal with. Now, let’s dive into the electrifying world of EV fires and what you should do if your EV ever starts smokin’.

The Power and Peril of Lithium-ion Batteries

Let’s have ourselves a little heart-to-heart about those ubiquitous lithium-ion batteries that bring your electric vehicle (EV) to life. Like the rhythmic beating of a heart, these batteries power your EV’s every move, from coasting down the freeway to zipping through city streets. But much like the heart, they can be a touch temperamental—capable of both love and fury.

You see, a typical lithium-ion battery is made up of two electrodes—one positive and one negative—surrounded by an organic liquid known as an electrolyte. This electrolyte acts as a dance floor where electrically charged particles (or ions) of lithium shuffle back and forth, like a do-si-do at a country barn dance, as the battery charges and discharges. But every so often, the dance gets a bit too wild. At certain voltages and temperatures, that liquid electrolyte can become volatile and decide to do the tango with a blowtorch, catching fire and giving a whole new meaning to “hot rod”.

Now, it ain’t all doom and gloom. Researchers are toiling away, looking to solve this conundrum and make lithium-ion batteries safer and more reliable for use in vehicles. One of the shiny new prospects is the “solid-state” battery. These clever engineers are replacing that pesky liquid electrolyte with a thin, solid version that keeps its cool under pressure, no matter the voltage or temperature. Add in a high-capacity positive electrode and a slimmed-down, lithium metal negative electrode, and you’ve got a battery that’s not only safer but also boasts a higher energy density—meaning more energy stored in less space. It’s like a Thanksgiving feast in a bite-sized snack.

Now, I’d be remiss if I didn’t tell you that this solid-state battery business is still in the “hopeful” stage. All these fantastic features are still being perfected in labs, and they’re not quite ready for prime time on the open road. But researchers are working tirelessly to make this dream a reality and bring us a future where batteries are as reliable as a trusty old pickup truck.

And hey, there’s even more good news on the horizon. Some automakers, like Ford, are starting to use lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries, known for their safety and long life—kind of like your favorite pair of blue jeans that never wear out. So keep your eyes peeled and your seatbelts fastened, because the road ahead is paved with innovation, and we’re just getting started on this electrifying journey.

What Should You Do If Your EV Starts to Catch Fire?

Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. What should you do if your EV starts to catch fire?

Avoid touching high voltage components or battery housing: But, as always, safety first. When dealing with an EV fire, you want to avoid touching any high-voltage components or opening up the battery housing. These areas can heat up quickly and pose a real risk to your well-being. So, it’s best to steer clear and let the professionals handle the heavy lifting.
Signal and safely stop the car on the side of the road or median: So, let’s say you’re cruising down the highway, and suddenly, you notice smoke or flames coming from your EV. What’s the game plan? Well, first things first, you need to signal and get yourself to the closest safe place to stop, whether that’s the side of the road or a median.
Turn off the car and evacuate all passengers quickly: Turn off the car and get everyone out of the car as quickly as possible.
Do not go back for personal items: And don’t go back for your phone, purse, or that half-eaten sandwich you left on the seat. Safety first, folks.
Maintain at least 100 feet distance from the burning vehicle: Once you’re a safe distance from the burning vehicle—let’s say at least 100 feet—you’ll want to call 911 and let them know the situation.
Call 911 and inform them of the electric vehicle fire: Be sure to mention that it’s an electric vehicle fire
Alert oncoming traffic and keep bystanders at a safe distance: While you’re waiting for the fire department to arrive, do your best to alert oncoming traffic and keep bystanders at a safe distance.
Allow firefighters to handle the situation, especially if unsure about using specialized fire extinguishers for EVs: Remember, the battery can be hard for firefighters to access since it’s usually installed beneath the passenger cell, so they may need a good amount of water and time to extinguish the fire.

Now, you may have heard of some fancy-schmancy fire extinguishers designed specifically for EVs. While specialist manufacturers are introducing new fire-extinguishing equipment for electric vehicles, some of these products are still controversial in the firefighting world. So, unless you’ve got one of these extinguishers handy and you know how to use it, your best bet is to let the pros handle the situation.

Escaping a Tesla if the Electrical System Fails

Now, let’s say you’re driving a Tesla and you find yourself in a fiery situation. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the location and operation of door levers, as doors in Tesla vehicles are electrically opened from the inside with a push of a button. If a fire breaks out, it may bring down the whole electrical system, making the doors inoperable. Luckily, Tesla vehicles also have conventional door levers that occupants can use in an emergency to safely exit the vehicle. And, remember, turn off your vehicle, safely move away from the car, and dial 911 in case of a fire.

And finally, Tesla owners should be aware of the manual internal door release levers in the trunk and a button in the front, both of which glow in the dark. These features are essential to know in case of an accident, fire, or other emergencies.

Conclusion

Electric vehicles are a remarkable feat of engineering and a crucial part of the transition to a more sustainable future. While the risk of fire is present in any vehicle, EV or not, knowing what to do in the event of a fire can make all the difference in keeping you and your loved ones safe. So stay informed, stay alert, and above all, stay safe out there on the road.

And that, my friends, is a wrap. Thanks for joining me on this electrifying journey through the world of EV fires. Remember, knowledge is power, so arm yourself with the right information and you’ll be well-equipped to handle any fiery situation that comes your way. Stay safe, and happy driving!

References and Resources: