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Are electric cars more likely to catch fire?
With batteries that are potentially explosive, are electric cars more likely to catch fire than a combustion-engine vehicle?
Jason Crosby · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
No,
electric cars
aren’t as likely to catch fire as internal combustion engine (ICE) cars are. The reason that they aren’t as likely to catch fire is that they aren’t carrying a fuel source that’s flammable. ICE cars are about as flammable as it gets for that reason. However, you are correct in pointing out that the batteries of electric cars are potentially explosive. Thankfully, the risk is low as long as the battery isn’t directly hit in traffic. Still, carmakers place these batteries, which can weigh half a ton or more, strategically near the center of the vehicle, so they aren’t likely to be ruptured in the case of a collision. The other way to avoid creating a dangerous situation with your electric vehicle’s battery is to make sure that, at the end of its life cycle, you properly
recycle your battery
with a participating organization that can take it off your hands. The other fire hazard created by an electric car’s lithium ion battery is the heat it generates. If something were to somehow happen, it
could create a fire
that’s more difficult to extinguish. That’s often the case with chemical-based fires, which require special treatment and additional precautions. The roadways can be dangerous, no matter how careful of a driver you are. Make sure you have great insurance by downloading
Jerry
. We take on the hassle out of finding the perfect coverage options so you can have the policy you want at the best price. View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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