Is it Necessary to Transport Electric Vehicles and Batteries Separately to Avoid Fires?

Let's explore the safety concerns surrounding the transportation of electric vehicles (EVs) and their batteries, and whether separating them is necessary to avoid fires. The debate often circulates around the likelihood of fires in different types of vehicles, yet a closer look reveals that EVs are generally the safer option.

Understanding the Risk of Fires in Different Types of Vehicles

According to insurance studies, gas cars are significantly more likely to catch fire compared to electric vehicles. In fact, a study found that gas cars were 60 to 100 times more likely to experience a fire incident. This statistic highlights the relative safety of electric vehicles in terms of fire risks.

The Myth of Safety Concerns with ICE Vehicles

Some argue that for the least likely type of car to catch fire, separating the internal combustion engine (ICE) car from its fuel can further increase safety. However, this suggestion is usually based on the assumption that the fuel tank is a significant fire hazard, a claim that may not be entirely accurate. It is important to note that it is not practical to separate the ICE vehicle from its fuel for transport. In the case of Tesla, the battery packs are often an integral part of the car's structure.

Practical Solutions for Safe Transportation of EVs

A more feasible approach to enhancing safety during transportation is to ship the cars at a relatively low state of charge. By doing so, the batteries contain less energy and are in a condition that is nearly impossible to spontaneously combust. This method provides a significant improvement in safety without the impracticality of fully separating the battery from the car.

It is also important to recognize that EVs rarely catch fire unless in a severe accident. Stories about rare fires can sometimes create a false impression that such incidents are more common than they actually are. The occasional fire incident in EVs often pales in comparison to the much higher frequency of fire incidents in gas cars.

In summary, while the transportation of electric vehicles and batteries can present certain logistical challenges, the risk of fires in EVs is much lower than in gas cars. Overemphasizing the need for separate transportation could lead to unnecessary inconvenience and increased costs without a significant safety improvement.

Conclusion: EVs are inherently safer in terms of fire risks, and separating the battery can be a tactical approach to further reducing risks. However, practical solutions like maintaining a low state of charge during transport can offer significant safety benefits without the impracticality of complete separation.

Keywords: electric vehicles, battery fires, vehicle transportation