Electric Vehicle Fires

vehicle fires

Electric vehicles represent a new frontier in the automotive industry; however, fires in electric vehicles, such as Teslas, have proven particularly challenging to douse. It isn't hard to find stories of serious accidents involving Teslas and other electric cars. Like other vehicles, electric cars are regularly involved in auto accidents. 

What sets these crashes apart is the blaze that often ensues. The fires that ignite following accidents involving electric cars have proven challenging to put out, even for the most experienced professionals. The longer the fire takes to put out, the higher the risk of death to the people inside.

If you or a family member has been injured in an accident involving an electric car and needs legal guidance from an experienced injury attorney, please call us at (916) 921-6400 for a free consultation.

The Lithium Battery Inside of an Electric Car

Typical vehicles rely on gasoline for their power, whereas electric vehicles are powered using a lithium-ion battery. The electrical difference between the positive and negative ions inside the battery is used to power the car and its functions. Unfortunately, if a lithium battery ignites, the chemicals from a standard fire extinguisher cannot douse the flames.

When a lithium battery ignites, it causes an adverse chain reaction that keeps the fire burning. This could lead to serious burn injuries. There are stories of firefighters who have been stumped by the power of the flames. Furthermore, there are stories of lithium-ion batteries re-igniting even after the fire has been put out.  While the fire might appear to be put out using water, the battery still has power. If the battery is still active, the flames could return, placing both the passengers and the first responders at risk.

How Should Fires in Electric Vehicles be Handled?

If a vehicle bursts into flames, the first priority should be to move the people inside the car to safety and to put the fire out. Unfortunately, fires involving lithium batteries have proven to be a challenge. After the issues putting out the first blazes, scientists and experts have come together to find a better way to handle these fires. There have only been two options so far. These include:

  • Simply let the fire burn until the battery runs out of power, and the fire will put itself out.
  • Douse the fire with thousands of gallons of water, which is far more than what it takes to extinguish any fire from a gasoline engine.

Neither of these options is particularly attractive. More research is being done on how to douse the fires that spew from electric vehicles. In the meantime, stopgap measures are being implemented to keep the passengers and first responders safe.

Safety Measures Involving Electrical Vehicles

Because vehicles such as Teslas are powered using electricity only, first responders risk being electrocuted when trying to rescue someone. Electric vehicles often have wires running throughout the entirety of the car. Therefore, when first responders try to cut through the car to save someone, they could cut a high-voltage wire. This can electrocute them, leading to traumatic injuries or even wrongful death. An electric car could operate a battery that possesses up to 400 volts, which is deadly. First responders need to be trained in how to deal with this significant hazard.

Many electric vehicles have been donated to training centers so that first responders can practice how to extract someone safely. For decades, first responders have been working with gasoline-powered cars. Now, with electric vehicles on the road, a new strategy is needed. As research into douse electrical fires continues, first responders will practice safely extracting people from electric cars.

The YouTube video below provides an overview of electric car fires and what you need to know to stay safe.

Contacting a Car Accident Lawyer

The accidents involving electric vehicles pose a unique set of challenges. Families that have been involved in severe car accidents should know that help is available. Meeting with a car accident lawyer in Sacramento can help families find the help that they deserve. Speak with a Sacramento car accident attorney today.

Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer

The fires in electric vehicles have the potential to lead to serious burn injuries or even death. If you have been involved in an accident involving an electric car and need legal guidance from an experienced injury attorney, please call our experienced Sacramento Car Accident Lawyers at (800) 404-5400 or (916) 921-6400 for free, friendly advice.

We are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.

See our case history of verdicts and settlements and our client reviews on GoogleYelp, and Avvo.

Editor’s Note: This page has been updated for accuracy and relevancy [cha 8.31.21]

Photo by Pixabay

:dr 0p cha [cs 811]

Client Reviews
★★★★★
"Me and my wife; had a car accident. We were amazed how easy, professional, friendly attorney Ed Smith is along with his staff. Everybody is amazing. Thank you so much, we are very impressed!" Alex & Dinah M.
★★★★★
"Ed Smith and his office team took on a difficult personal injury case on my behalf and for the passenger in my car. Ed is a top- notch attorney. His staff couldn't have been more helpful and kind. No need to look elsewhere. I give Ed Smith my highest recommendation." Beverly
★★★★★
"Ed and Robert have been taking great care of my husband and I for the past 5+ years. They are always there when you have a problem and a quick resolution! Even when the issues have nothing to do with them. They are willing to help ease the pain off your shoulders. They are as good as it gets! Thank you again for everything." Annie T.
★★★★★
"Very professional. Great team, staff and service all around. Mr Smith was very honest, straight forward with his advice. He gives the word "attorney" an honest reputation. I will seek his council anytime, and would recommend him at the drop of a dime." Jeremy M.
★★★★★
"I would highly recommend Ed Smith to any friends or family in need of a personal injury attorney. Ed, and his staff, are very caring on top of being very experienced in this field. The staff always keeps you informed of the status of your case and they are always easy to reach by phone." Shannon D.
★★★★★
"Edward Smith law offices provide competent, thorough, and personable help for victims of personal injury. When you first meet the staff you know you contacted the right office. This law office treats clients like people. I recommend this office to anyone seeking representation regarding personal injury." David M.