Electric vehicle safety
Electric vehicles (EVs) are usually powered by lithium ion batteries and an electric motor and can include electric cars and some e-bikes. (It can also include electric scooters, but be aware it is illegal to ride a privately-owned e-scooter in public unless it is rented.) Further information can be found below.
It is important to remember that the failure of electric cars per 1000 vehicles is very low compared to traditionally fuelled vehicles and it is uncommon for them to catch fire. However, it is important to understand what can happen and what to do if they do go wrong.
Learn more below ...
Electric car safety
Electric and hybrid vehicles
Electric vehicles are powered by an electric battery pack and motor. To provide power the battery must be charged when you are not using it. Hybrid vehicles use both a battery and an internal combustion engine. The batteries in hybrid vehicles may or may not need to be charged, depending on whether you have a self-charging hybrid or a plug-in hybrid.
Both use lithium ion batteries (LIBs) because they provide high energy and power, have a low rate of discharge and a long life. (Some older hybrids may use nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries).
Why vehicle LIBs can catch fire
The simple explanation is that the battery heats up faster than it can get rid of the heat – a chain reaction process known as ‘thermal runaway’. As a result, a white vapour cloud is given off which is both toxic and flammable and if confined, can also be explosive.
Thermal runaway may be triggered by a variety of things including mechanical abuse such as dropping or an impact, electrical abuse including overcharging or internal short circuit, or overheating abuse such as incineration. Other causes may include being left uncharged or unmanaged for long periods. Thermal runaway can include the rapid development of fire, the generation of jet-like directional flames at high temperatures, the ejection of parts of the battery causing a projectile hazard, and re-ignition without warning
What to do if you see smoke or steam
If you see smoke and/or flames coming from your EV
Contact the fire service immediately by calling 999. Do not attempt to put out the fire yourself.
If you see steam coming from your EV
When charging in cold weather at a supercharging station, steam may be omitted. This is not the same as thermal runaway. For more information see Tesla's Supercharging information
Safety advice
Help to keep your EV safe by following some simple safety advice.
Electric bikes and scooters
E-bikes
If you own or use an e-bike, there are some important things you need to do and remember when charging it to stay safe and avoid endangering yourself, others, and your home.
E-bikes are mostly powered by lithium-ion batteries and can be charged at home. If they are not charged correctly and safely, these batteries can catch fire, or fail and ‘explode’ , or lead to a fire. However, by following some simple guidelines which you will find on our dedicated E-bikes and scooters section, you can help to reduce the risk of fire.
E-scooters
If you own an e-scooter, it is important to be aware that:
- 'It is illegal to ride a privately owned electric scooter (also known as an ‘e-scooter’) in public, for example on pavements, on roads or in parks.
- You could be fined and get penalty points on your driving licence. The scooter could also be seized by the police.
- You can only ride a privately owned electric scooter on private land with the permission of the landowner.'
If you rent an electric scooter be aware that electric scooters must be rented through official schemes which are only available in some areas. You can ride them on public roads and cycle lanes, but not on a pavement or motorway.
To learn more and understand the rules for e-scooters please see the government guidance
Further information
Lithium-ion batteries are also used in many personal electronic products such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops, electric toothbrushes, tools, hoverboards, scooters and vaping devices. Our Lithium ion batteries page offers simple and useful advice on what to be aware of when purchasing, using and storing an electrical product that one.
The following also provide useful information:
Cars
The Fire Protection Association publish a helpful article 'Electric vehicle safety' by Barbour, the health and safety and environment information service
The Fire Protection Association and the RISC Authority publish: 'RC59: Recommendations for fire safety when charging electric vehicles'
Tesla provide information on 'Cold weather best practices'
E bikes and e-scooters
Fire England provide a helpful article on: 'How to keep your home safe when charging your e-bike or e-scooter'
The government rules on Riding an electric bike