In what situations can EVs catch fire?

The global transition toward electric vehicles (EVs) is accelerating, driven by the need for sustainable transportation. However, alongside the undisputed benefits of EVs comes public concern regarding battery safety, particularly the risk of fire.

Unlike fires in traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, which typically involve flammable liquids like gasoline, EV fires are primarily rooted in the complex chemistry of the Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery pack.

The central mechanism for an EV fire is thermal runaway, a chain reaction where excessive heat in one cell leads to the rapid, uncontrollable overheating and combustion of adjacent cells. Understanding the specific situations that compromise the battery’s safety systems and initiate this process is crucial for both manufacturers and consumers.