How Dangerous Are EV Fires?
Electric vehicle (EV) fires are a serious issue that requires our attention. The major problem with EV fires is they burn very hot and they’re difficult to put out. It takes a tremendous amount of water to extinguish an EV fire and they can still reignite hours or even days later.
This new technology is still developing, and we need to have a sensible discussion about the risk of EV fires and the best way to respond to them.
What Causes EV Fires?
Most electric vehicles rely on lithium ion batteries, and the organic liquid electrolytes in these batteries are highly flammable. When a fire occurs, the organic liquid electrolytes become fuel. Even when doused with water, the flames may continue to get hotter, creating a phenomenon known as thermal runaway.
When an EV fire occurs, cars with lithium ion batteries burn faster, and it requires excessive amounts of water to fight them. A report by the National Transportation Safety Board concluded that half of all fire departments are not prepared for an EV fire. And even after they have been smothered with thousands of gallons of water, EV fires can reignite days later at wrecking yards and auto repair shops.
Just like cars powered by gas combustion engines, a car crash may trigger an EV fire. This happens when chemical leakage causes the battery to ignite. EV fires cause serious damage because they are extremely hot. In 2021 a Tesla Model S in Pennsylvania melted the asphalt road beneath it.
The three major causes of EV fires are:
- Battery damage caused by impact
- Improperly manufactured batteries
- Flawed car and battery design
Fire Risks with EVs
EV technology is designed to prevent thermal runaway. Batteries are surrounded by coolant to protect from overheating and they’re also equipped with shutdown switches that activate when they get too hot. But these failsafe measures won’t prevent EV fires that are caused by automobile collisions.
There have been a number of fires caused by poorly designed lithium ion EV batteries. This includes batteries supplied by LG for the GM Bolt EV and Bolt EUV. Companies that have been forced to recall or reengineer EV cars due to the risk of fire include:
- Lucid
- Rivian
- Chevrolet
- Volkswagen
- Hyundai
- BMW
- Tesla
Were You Harmed by an EV Fire?
If you were harmed by an EV fire, your personal injury attorney will conduct a complete investigation to determine liability for your injuries. Then your attorney will file a claim against anyone whose negligence has harmed you. This may include a careless driver who caused your accident as well as the manufacturers of a defective or dangerous vehicle.
Vehicle fires may cause catastrophic injuries. If the insurance company doesn’t make a reasonable offer that reflects the true cost of your injuries, Mark and Alexis Breyer of The Husband & Wife Law Team are always prepared to take them to court.
Settlements in vehicle fire accidents may include compensation for the following:
- Disfigurement
- Severe burns
- Respiratory issues
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages
- Reduced earning potential
- Assisted home care
- Wrongful death
The Husband & Wife Law Team have recovered millions of dollars in settlements for our clients. Call (602) 457-6222 to schedule a FREE consultation today. Remember: You won’t owe us anything unless we win your case.
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During a free consultation, we will look at the important aspects of your case, answer your questions, and explain your legal rights and options clearly. All submissions are confidentially reviewed by Mark Breyer.
Confidentially reviewed by Attorney Mark Breyer