Electric car fires: how big is the risk, why are they different and what should you do?
According to official Scandinavian data, electric and hybrid cars catch fire less often than petrol and diesel cars: in Sweden in 2024, 0.45 versus 7.53 fires per 10,000 vehicles. But a battery fire is different: it lasts long, needs a lot of water and can reignite hours later. In a fire, move away from the car and call 112. In Türkiye, there is no fire rule specific to electric cars in enclosed car parks.
By: Şarj Rehberim · Updated: · 5 min read
Short answer
According to official statistics, electric cars are less likely to catch fire than petrol and diesel cars. In the 2024 data from Denmark, Sweden and Norway, the number of fires per 10,000 vehicles is lower for electric and hybrid cars than for other cars in all three countries; in Sweden, the difference is about 17-fold.
However, when a lithium-ion battery ignites, the fire behaves differently: the cells heat each other up in a chain reaction (thermal runaway), the fire lasts long, a lot of water is needed, and it can reignite hours or even days after being put out.
How often do electric cars catch fire?
The figures are annual fires per 10,000 vehicles and come from the 2025 report of the Danish Emergency Management Agency, prepared with official data from Sweden and Norway. According to the report, the fire frequency was higher for other vehicles in every year from 2018 to 2024. The figures include hybrids, and the countries' counting methods differ. We found no official source for claims that electric cars catch fire "60 times" more or less often than petrol cars.
| Country (2024) | Electric and hybrid | Other vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Sweden | 0.45 | 7.53 |
| Norway | 0.73 | 4.60 |
| Denmark | 1.2 | 3.8 |
Sources (as of 3 November 2026): Beredskabsstyrelsen (Denmark): Brand i el- og hybridbiler 2024 · MSB (Sweden): electric vehicle fires 2018–2024
Why is a battery fire different?
- Thermal runaway: a damaged cell heats up and ignites its neighbours; without intervention, this lasts about 30 minutes on average.
- Reignition: according to CTIF's firefighting guide, the battery reignites after being put out in about 13% of cases. The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) also states that energy left in the battery after a crash creates a risk of electric shock and reignition.
- Gases: hydrogen fluoride, carbon monoxide, hydrogen and methane are released during the fire and the flameless smoke phase; in enclosed car parks, this can create a risk of explosion.
- Extinguishing: the fire brigade has to cool the battery with water for a long time; according to the CTIF guide, about 15% of incidents start during charging.
Sources (as of 3 November 2026): CTIF: guide to emergency response to electric vehicle fires (Turkish) · NTSB: report on electric vehicle fires (2021)
What to do in a fire or after a flood
- If there is smoke, crackling or a burning smell, pull over somewhere safe, get everyone out, move away and call 112; tell the fire brigade that the car is electric.
- Do not try to put out a battery fire with a fire extinguisher; it will most likely not work, and the gases are toxic.
- Even after a minor accident, especially an impact to the underside of the car, have the battery checked at an authorised service centre.
- Do not put a flooded electric car in a garage or inside a building; the US road safety agency NHTSA recommends parking the car at least 15 metres away from buildings and other vehicles. Salt water increases the risk.
- Do not use a damaged cable, and do not charge with an extension cable.
Sources (as of 3 November 2026): Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue: electric vehicle safety · NHTSA: flood-damaged vehicles
Enclosed car park rules and kasko
In Türkiye, the Regulation on the Fire Protection of Buildings has no provision specific to electric cars or charging units; unlike LPG and CNG vehicles, electric cars are not banned from enclosed car parks. Under the general rule, automatic sprinklers are mandatory in enclosed car parks larger than 600 m². The Car Park Regulation, meanwhile, requires at least 5% of the spaces in new buildings with 20 or more parking spaces to be suitable for electric cars, with a charging unit.
Under the General Conditions of Land Vehicle Kasko Insurance (kasko is Türkiye's comprehensive car insurance), the car catching fire is part of the main cover; electrical failure itself is covered by an additional agreement, and flood and inundation damage by additional cover. Check the special conditions in your policy.
Sources (as of 3 November 2026): Regulation on the Fire Protection of Buildings · Car Park Regulation amendment (Official Gazette 25.03.2021) · General Conditions of Land Vehicle Kasko Insurance
Frequently asked questions
- Do electric cars catch fire more often?
- No. In the official 2024 data from Sweden, Norway and Denmark, the number of fires per 10,000 vehicles is lower for electric and hybrid cars than for other vehicles; in Sweden, 0.45 versus 7.53.
- How is an electric car fire put out?
- The driver should not try to put it out, but should move away from the car and call 112. The fire brigade cools the battery with water for a long time; because the battery can reignite hours later, the car is kept under observation for a while.
- Can an electric car enter an enclosed car park?
- Yes. In Türkiye, LPG and CNG vehicles are banned from enclosed car parks; there is no such ban for electric cars.
- Does kasko cover an electric car fire?
- Under the general conditions of kasko (comprehensive insurance), the car catching fire is part of the main cover. Electrical failure itself and flood damage are covered by additional cover; check the policy's special conditions.