Many people fears electric cars because of the possibility of them catching fire, here are the full statistics for Tesla
I would like to buy an electric car, I like it, but I am too afraid that it will catch fire. This is the summary of what millions of people in the world think about electric cars and why they do not want to buy one.
In this article we will analyse the statistics for the Tesla brand, to date the leader for this type of vehicle in western markets, focusing on scenarios such as accidents, charging, and parked conditions.
Tesla, as a pioneer in electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing, has often been under scrutiny for various aspects of its vehicles, including fire safety.
Tesla fires post-accident
Tesla vehicles are statistically safer regarding fire incidents post-accident. According to Tesla’s own safety reports, there’s one fire per 210 million miles traveled from 2012 to 2021, contrasting with one fire per 19 million miles for traditional vehicles based on NFPA data.
Specific incidents include a 2022 Model 3 fire after an accident with road debris, indicating that severe damage to the battery can lead to ignition.
Media coverage often amplifies Tesla fire incidents due to their novelty. Despite this, posts on X suggest that the public still perceives Tesla fires as more frequent than they actually are.
Tesla fires during charging
Charging incidents are rare but notable. For instance, since several months ago there have been seven reported cases of Tesla vehicles catching fire during charging. Although this number may have increased, we are talking about a very small number of cases compared to the number of vehicles on the road.
The design of Tesla’s batteries includes safety features to prevent such incidents, but failures or external issues can still cause fires.
Tesla has responded to charging-related fires with OTA software updates aimed at enhancing thermal management, notably after a Model S fire in a garage in California.
Parked vehicle fires
Fires in parked Tesla vehicles are rare, with one example being a spontaneous combustion in a Model S in Belgium while connected to a Supercharger.
Such incidents often lead to media buzz, yet they’re far less common than gasoline car fires, which are rarely reported unless catastrophic.
Media amplification vs. reality:
Media reports on parked Tesla fires can skew public perception. For instance, a fire in a parked Tesla in an Australian incident was widely covered, although it was due to a coolant leak causing thermal runaway.
General Fire Risk Comparison
Electric vehicles, including Tesla models, are generally less likely to catch fire than gasoline cars. Tesla claims their vehicles are 11 times less likely to catch fire than the average car in the US.
Tesla’s structural design, like the low center of gravity and fortified battery pack, contributes to this lower risk.
The nature of lithium-ion battery fires in EVs presents unique challenges, often requiring significantly more water or specialized methods. A notable example includes a Tesla fire in Texas that required over 30,000 gallons of water to extinguish.
Statistical recap
- One Tesla fire per 130 million miles traveled (2012-2022) compared to one fire per 18 million miles for average US vehicles.
- Seven reported incidents of fires while charging (historical data). No specific 2024 data due to the rarity of incidents.
- Spontaneous fires in parked cars: extremely rare, with no specific count for 2024. Historical context: 198 fires reported by June 2023.
- Total fires in 2024 (Estimated): 29 fire fatalities in the US by December 2024. Total fire incidents not explicitly stated for 2024.
- Tesla vehicles are 11 times less likely to catch fire than gas vehicles (based on Tesla statements).
Note: The data for 2024 is based on avail able reports and might not be comprehensive due to the ongoing nature of data collection and reporting. The statistics from previous years provide a broader context for understanding the trends in Tesla fire incidents.
As electric vehicles become more common, understanding these statistics will be crucial for public safety, insurance rates, and consumer confidence. Tesla’s ongoing commitment to safety through technological updates and rigorous battery management underscores their response to these challenges.
