In 2024, there were 30 electric vehicle (EV) fires in Poland compared to nearly 9,500 fires involving combustion-engine cars, according to the EV Fire Safety Report released by the Polish Alternative Fuels Association (PSNM) in collaboration with the State Fire Service and F5A New Mobility Research and Consulting.
Statistically, EVs are less likely to catch fire than gasoline or diesel vehicles. The fire rate per 1,000 registered vehicles was 0.372 for EVs and 0.424 for combustion-engine vehicles—a 14% higher risk for the latter.
“There’s a myth circulating in the public domain that electric cars catch fire more often than traditional cars. It’s simply not true. Numerous studies, both global and domestic, have shown that EVs are far less prone to fires than gasoline cars. Some U.S. and Australian studies suggest the risk of an EV fire is up to 20 times lower,”
explains Rafał Czyżewski, CEO of GreenWay Polska.
Causes and Fire Response
Of the 30 EV fires reported in 2024:
- Only half were battery-related
- The rest were caused by arson or standard electrical faults—issues not unique to EVs
- 10% were triggered by accidents
- 20% by technical failures
Between 2020 and 2024, there were:
- 64 EV fires
- 46,197 combustion vehicle fires
The average fire brigade intervention time for an EV fire was 4 hours and 10 minutes, reflecting the more complex nature of extinguishing high-voltage batteries.
“EVs actually contain fewer flammable substances than combustion cars, which carry fuel and oil—common fire accelerants,” says Czyżewski.
“Modern EVs are equipped with advanced battery management systems that constantly monitor and prevent overheating. When battery fires do happen, they’re typically due to severe mechanical damage in accidents, not due to charging, which is a rare cause.”
Misconceptions and Underground Parking Bans
Despite the low fire risk, many housing cooperatives ban EVs from underground garages, fearing potential fires.
“These bans are not based on any laws or standards. They’re driven by myths,”
says Czyżewski.
“Our industry is working hard to educate and establish best practices. Together with the State Fire Service, we’ve developed guidelines for installing charging infrastructure in underground garages. The fire service already has well-defined procedures for EV fires. Yes, extinguishing them takes longer, but it’s completely manageable.”
A Call for Evidence-Based Policy
The industry is pushing for:
- Clear public education on EV fire safety
- Updated regulations based on data, not fear
- Cooperation with emergency services to standardize fire response and infrastructure planning
“We need rational, fact-based discussions—not fear-driven policies,” Czyżewski emphasizes.
Data Source: Polish EV Fire Safety Report, PSNM, State Fire Service, F5A New Mobility
