According to a report from EV FireSafe, an EV passenger vehicle is about 100 times less likely to catch fire than a gas-powered vehicle. To be fair, the average EV is only about five years old, while the average gas-powered vehicle is around 12 to 15 years old, which might have some impact on the figures. EV FireSafe is a private Australian company focused on researching electric vehicle (EV) lithium-ion battery fires and supporting emergency response efforts. Interesting that hybrid vehicles seem to be just as fire prone as gas-powered vehicles. This is probably because hybrids combine both an internal combustion engine and a high-voltage battery. This dual system increases complexity and potential failure points like fuel leaks, hot engine components, and high-voltage electrical systems which all pose fire risks.
Here’s a recent post on Reddit by Ancient-Row-2144 regarding mainstream media coverage of EV fires versus the reality.
“EV fires are harder to put out when they do happen but they happen way less than gas cars.
Common wisdom in the "casual passing info without vetting" would make you think spontaneous EV car fires are incredibly frequent and a constant risk. It's just not true…
If you look into the details of the recent hysteria about EVs submerged in salt water from a hurricane, it's an incredibly low percentage that have caught fire from the salt water. It’s estimated that 5,000 EVs were compromised by water and 36 of them caught fire. That's less than .7% but news coverage would have you believe they are spontaneously combusting left and right all over the place.”
Unlike gasoline cars, electric vehicles carry a unique fire risk primarily due to overcharging and elevated temperatures. Although EV fires occur far less frequently than gas vehicle fires, they are not less dangerous. Lithium-ion battery fires are especially challenging to extinguish, often burning for hours and even reigniting after appearing to be out. Many firefighters lack experience with these types of fires due to the relatively new nature of the technology. However, in states with high EV adoption, emergency responders are becoming more trained in handling such incidents. Since EV batteries act as their own fuel source, they require specialized knowledge and techniques to control. Proper firefighter training is essential as electric and hybrid vehicle use continues to grow.
Be Vigilant About Your Plug-In Home Charging System
If you are charging your EV with a home charger that it is plugged into a 220-volt wall outlet, check what type of outlet you have. Is it a NEMA 6-X (i.e. NEMA 6-20, 6-30, etc.) or is it a NEMA 14-X (i.e. NEMA 14-30, 14-50, etc)? If it is a NEMA 6-20 or 6-30 outlet please consider changing it to a NEMA 14-50 immediately.
Most 220-volt appliances like your clothes dryer or oven, are used infrequently and draw relatively low current compared to your EV. Your EV is probably charged daily for about six hours and draws significantly more current. Most homes are equipped with 220-volt outlets that aren’t designed for frequent use at high amperage. Multiple high amperage charge cycles can cause the outlet to heat up. This temperature cycling can cause wire lug nets to become loose which can cause overheating, sparking, and even fires. This is why it’s a good idea to switch to a heavier duty 220-volt outlet like a NEMA 14-50.
A NEMA 14-50 outlet is safer for charging electric vehicles than a NEMA 6-50 because it’s a heavier-duty outlet with a dedicated ground and neutral wire, improving fault detection and safety. The 14-50’s robust design better withstands temperature cycling caused by repeated charging, reducing the risk of loosening connections or overheating. In contrast, the 6-50 lacks a neutral wire and is typically used for home clothes dryers or welding, not continuous high-current loads like EV charging, making it more prone to wear or electrical hazards over time.
Proper Installation and Long-Term Maintenance of EV Charging Systems
Safe EV charging starts with correct installation by a licensed professional, ideally someone experienced in EV systems. This includes obtaining permits, conducting load calculations, and installing a dedicated circuit for the charger. Hardwired chargers are often safer than plug-in types because they reduce the risk of loose connections. Installations should use copper wiring (typically #4 THHN for 48-amp chargers), and components must be torqued to manufacturer specifications. Avoid using undersized wires or aluminum alternatives. Quality materials matter: commercial-grade outlets, metal boxes, and GFCI or ground-fault breakers help prevent overheating, arcing, or fire hazards caused by poor connections or repeated thermal expansion and contraction.
EV chargers should be installed in dry, well-ventilated areas protected from the elements. Outdoor installations must use weatherproof enclosures and safety-certified EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment). Avoid using low-quality, uncertified charging equipment or parts from unknown sources, especially outdoors. For 120V level 1 charging (common with plug-in hybrids) a dedicated 20-amp circuit is essential. Shared circuits or extension cords increase fire risk and should be avoided. Newer building codes, like the 2020 NEC, require GFCI protection at EV outlets, which helps prevent shock hazards. Hardwired chargers often include automatic resets, avoiding nuisance tripping common with GFCI-protected outlets.
Routine maintenance is key for long-term EV charging safety. Every six months, inspect your setup. Check torque settings on breakers, test outlet integrity, and verify the charger is functioning properly. Watch for signs of overheating, wear, or corrosion, especially at plug-in connections. Keeping connections tight and components clean ensures stable current flow and reduces the risk of fire. As EV adoption grows, so does the importance of following manufacturer guidelines and local electrical codes. With correct installation, high-quality materials, proper environmental protection, and regular checks, home EV charging can remain both efficient and safe for years to come.
Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
If you charge at home, what type of charging system do you have for your EV?
Have you seen any creative solutions for residential on-street EV charging?
Chris Johnston is the author of SAE’s comprehensive book on electric vehicles, "The Arrival of The Electric Car." His coverage on Torque News focuses on electric vehicles. Chris has decades of product management experience in telematics, mobile computing, and wireless communications. Chris has a B.S. in electrical engineering from Purdue University and an MBA. He lives in Seattle. When not working, Chris enjoys restoring classic wooden boats, open water swimming, cycling and flying (as a private pilot). You can connect with Chris on LinkedIn and follow his work on X at ChrisJohnstonEV.
Image sources: AI.
