Yes, much better to be in the car when it bursts into flames.
So far the people burned in EVs were most likely dead or unconscious before the car caught fire. Gasoline can literally explode. Gasoline fires don't take a large accident to spill the fuel and spread very quickly after an accident. They are immensely gruesome, a horrible way to die. There are so many ICE vehicle fires every year that we mostly have grown inured. People seem to dwell on the so many fewer EV fires. I guess they are "new" and get a lot of press.
“From 2012 – 2020, there has been approximately one Tesla vehicle fire for every 205 million miles traveled. By comparison, data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and U.S. Department of Transportation shows that in the United States there is a vehicle fire for every 19 million miles traveled.”
"5 Most Flammable Cars
Some recent recalls and news reports include the following vehicles that are most likely to catch fire:
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport:
45,000 units were recalled with a potential transmission fluid leak. The 2015 Outlander Sport Crossover SUV was the most affected model.
Mercedes sedans and SUVs made from 2015-2017
1 million cars were recalled globally after 51 reported fires. C-Class, E-Class, CLA cars, GLA and GLC SUVs were affected. The problem included an overheating starter port. If the car fails to start, repeated attempts can overheat the limiter and start a fire.
Nissan 2016 and 2017 Murano and Maxima, 2017 Infiniti QX60, and 2017-2018 Pathfinder
215,000 vehicles were involved in a combination of two recalls. The reported cause is the anti-lock brake system leakage resulting in brake fluid dripping onto a circuit board causing a short and leading to fire.
Kia Sorento and Optima, and Hyundai Santa Fe and Sonata manufactured from 2011-2014, and Kia Soul manufactured from 2010-2015
Kia and parent company Hyundai has recently been urged to recall nearly 3 million cars and SUVs with complaints of vehicles catching fire while driving. Drivers have filed 220 complaints of fires and 200 complaints of smoldering wires. These fires happen during normal driving.
BMW 1,3, and 5 series. Z4, X3, and X5
1 million cars manufactured from 2006-2011 were recalled near the end of 2017. The problem was reported to be a rusty crankcase ventilation valve. The 3 series had additional wiring issues where the heating and air conditioner wiring could overheat and start a fire.'
I don't see a single EV in the list.
"An estimated 212,500 vehicle fires caused 560 civilian deaths 1,500 civilian injuries; and $1.9 billion in direct property damage in the US during 2018."
It will be a long time before EVs kill 560 people a year in fires, maybe never.
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Rick C.
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