Car fires are as old as cars themselves
As a species, we both covet and simultaneously fear fire.
Its healthy to fear fire.
Chevy
The reality is that all vehicles have the potential to become a fireball.
Chevy
If you own a Bolt, do exactly as they say.
Protect the masses; a firestorm of Chevy Bolts is headed our way!
The reality is a lot less exciting.
Hyundai
Data is far less exciting than stories about electric vehicles catching fire while sitting in driveways…
Exactly seven Chevy Bolts have caught fire over the years.
At issue aretwo flaws introduced into the battery pack during manufacturingby LG Chem.
Chevy
Hyundai is dealing with essentially the same issue with its LG Chem battery packs.
That is until you realize gas vehicles catch fire too.
In 2020, Hondarecalled 241,339 Odyssey minivansbecause a short circuit could lead to a fire in the third row.
There are some fundamental differences between electric and gas-powered vehicle fires.
Those running on petrol typically catch fire while the engine is running.
You have heat, gasoline, and electrical systems all going, and if something goes wrong, fire.
Hyundai
Whereas for EVs, these vehicles are plugged in and stationary.
Hence the warnings from GM to not plug in the Bolt while it’s in a garage.
TheNHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)recall system is set up to protect us.
Spoiler alert, Mercedes-Benz and GM are tied for first with 36 recalls each for 2020.
Yet, its not that simple.
Statistically speaking, EVs are not catching fire more often than gas cars.
It turns out both types of vehicles are powered by something that burns.
The real difference between the two is that electrical fires can burn for hours.
Sometimes smoldering for days before theyre truly extinguished.
Even that shouldnt temper your desire to at least try out an electric vehicle.
Its a completely new driving experience and in many cases better than whats offered by a petrol-powered alternative.
For example, in March 2021, Genesis recalled roughly95,000 gar-powered vehicles for fire risk.
That same month, Hyundai (the parent company of Genesis) recalled4,700 Kona Electric EVsfor fire risk.
A quick Google search shows that the usual car publications covered the Genesis recall, but thats about it.
Its news because its new.
But lets amend that with our own simplistic but true take, “EVs good.”
Want to know more about EVs?
We have awhole section dedicated to electric vehicles!
