There has been a debate between gas and electric cars. It has continued for years, with each side emphasizing benefits and downplaying drawbacks. One of the biggest concerns is the potential for fires. Research has shown, however, that gas cars are more prone to catching fire.
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The Prevalence of Vehicle Fires
Vehicle fires are not as common as one might think. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), vehicle fires accounted for only 3% of all reported fires in the United States between 2014 and 2016. However, the risk is still present and should not be ignored.
What Causes Gasoline Car Fires?
Gasoline cars have been around for much longer than electric cars, so their fire risks are better understood. The primary cause of fires in gasoline cars is leaks in the fuel system, which can ignite if they come into contact with a hot surface or spark. This usually happens during a collision.
What Causes Electric Car Fires?
On the other hand, electric cars pose a different kind of fire risk. The main concern with electric cars is the lithium-ion batteries they use. These batteries can catch fire if damaged, overcharged, or exposed to extreme temperatures.
Comparing the Fire Risks
When comparing the fire risks of gas and electric cars, it’s important to consider the frequency of fires and the severity when they do occur. According to the NFPA, the frequency of fires in electric cars is less than that of gasoline cars. However, when fires do occur in electric cars, they can be more challenging to extinguish due to the nature of lithium-ion battery fires.
The Numbers
The NFPA determined that hybrid cars are the most dangerous cars in terms of fire risk. Hybrid cars average 3.4K car fires per 100K cars, followed by gas cars at 1.5K car fires per 100K cars, and electric vehicles at 25 car fires per 100K cars.
These fires mostly occurred during vehicle collisions and accidents as opposed to randomly while parked.
Safety Measures in Place
Both types of vehicles have safety measures in place to prevent fires. Gasoline cars have fuel system integrity standards to prevent leaks, while electric cars have battery management systems to prevent overcharging and overheating.
The Role of Insurance
Insurance plays a crucial role in mitigating the financial risks associated with car fires. Both gas and electric cars can be covered for fire damage under comprehensive insurance policies. However, the insurance rates may vary based on the perceived risk of fire.
The Future of Vehicle Fire Safety
As technology advances, the safety measures in place to prevent vehicle fires are also improving. For electric cars, advancements in battery technology and better battery management systems are expected to further reduce the risk of fires.
The Results
While both gas and electric cars have their fire risks, the data suggest that electric cars may be safer in this regard. However, it’s important to note that safety also depends on proper maintenance and following the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Source: AutoinsuranceEZ
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