Are Electric Cars Safe? EV Charging, Battery And Fire Safety Technology
Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular. Personal and company EVs are a part of many people’s lives in 2026. With better energy efficiency, lower greenhouse gas emissions and renewable electricity, EVs are generally a more sustainable option than petrol and diesel cars.
However, with the rise of EVs comes questions. If you’re thinking of investing in an EV, you may be wondering if they’re the best option for you and your family. Maybe you’re unsure about how safe they are to drive, the risks of a lithium-ion battery and charging safety.
Pro EV has gathered the research and evidence on electric cars’ safety statistics to determine if EV’s are safe and decide whether they are the best option for you.
Are EV Batteries Safe?
The data says yes. One of the main concerns surrounding EVs is the risk of an electrical fire, usually caused by the lithium-ion battery. Lithium-ion batteries are found in most EVs and can pose a risk of electrical fires.
Electrical fires are mainly caused by damage to the battery itself. This could be caused by extreme heat or something breaking the battery wall. Neither of which is a factor that the majority of EVs are exposed to every day.
It is important to note, though, that these fires are extremely rare. Many manufacturers have implemented safety precautions when producing EVs and their batteries, including Battery Management Systems (BMS) that monitor the battery’s overall health and shut it down if issues are detected.
The statistics suggest that Electric vehicles are less likely to catch fire than petrol and diesel cars. Here are some important stats:
- EV FireSafe found the fire risk for an electric vehicle was 0.0012%, compared to the petrol/diesel fire risk, which was 0.1%.
- Petrol vehicles are 20-80x more likely to catch fire because they rely on high-temperature engine systems and flammable liquid fuel, unlike EVs, which run on battery power.
- The London Fire Brigade dealt with 1,898 petrol/diesel car fires, compared to just 54 EV fires.
So, although you may see negative headlines for EVs, it’s good to remember that they don’t cause any higher risks for vehicle fires than regular petrol or diesel cars.
Charging Safety
An area that commonly raises concerns about EVs is charging. EVs are designed to be very safe, including while charging. EVs and charging stations use advanced safety technology to ensure safe operation.
Key systems include:
- Automatic shut-off systems – stop charging if a fault or abnormal condition is detected.
- Ground fault protection – cuts power if electrical leakage is detected.
- Thermal monitoring – prevents batteries from charging if temperatures are too high or too low.
These systems ensure the vehicle and charger communicate and manage charging safely, so this can put your mind at ease when you’re charging your EV at home.
How Do I Know My Charger Is Safe?
Another important safety feature when charging your electric vehicle is using approved and certified charging equipment. It’s essential to have your charger installed by a professional.
In the UK, home chargers should meet recognised standards such as:
- UK electrical safety regulations
- CE or UKCA certification
At Pro EV, we provide expert installation from our experienced electricians. We also provide a range of excellent EV chargers, ranging from home chargers to commercial chargers.
Your charger should also be weatherproof and durable, so it is suitable for indoor and outdoor usage. Our chargers include smart charging technology, integrated WiFi and connectivity, as well as tethered and untethered charging options. Get in touch with our team to get a quote today.
How Safe Are EVs In A Crash?
Similar to electric vehicle fires, there are many myths surrounding the safety of EVs in crashes. Although there is no definitive way to determine whether any car would be 100% safe in a crash, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that EVs are just as safe, if not more so, than ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) cars.
There are a few factors that contribute to EVs high safety rating:
|
Safety Feature |
Electric Car |
ICE Cars |
|
Crumple Zone |
Large crumple zone in the bonnet due to the absence of a large combustion engine. |
Small crumple zone with a large combustion engine, taking up room in the bonnet. |
|
Connected Safety Updates |
Receives software safety updates via WiFi, even after purchase or lease. |
No updates received through WiFi. |
|
Fuel Risk |
No liquid fuel used |
Flammable fuel which can catch fire quickly |
The table above shows that, in general, EVs contain many features that make them safe.
Euro NCAP announced its “Best-in-Class” cars tested in 2025, highlighting the safest vehicles evaluated during the year. The results show that many modern vehicles, particularly electric models, are achieving very high safety standards through improved crash protection and advanced driver-assistance systems.
What’s the Risk for Pedestrians?
There’s also the question of whether EV’s are safe for pedestrians. You may have discovered through your own experience that EVs are very quiet, so pedestrians may not hear them when crossing roads quickly. This could potentially cause a risk to their safety.
However, many EV manufacturers have noted this and added safety features such as Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS). In the UK, all new electric cars must have AVAS installed. This feature includes:
- Producing an artificial warning sound when travelling at speeds between 0mph and 30mph.
- This sound is emitted through the vehicle’s external speakers, making it easy for pedestrians to hear.
- The sound changes as the vehicle moves. This means that as the car accelerates, the noise may increase to make it easier for pedestrians to hear.
With AVAS and the new safety features of many electric vehicles, there isn’t much difference in pedestrian risk from ICE cars.
So, Are Electric Cars Safe?
After analysing the data, evidence and safety features of EVs, yes. Electric vehicles are safe, especially compared to ICE cars.
Start Your Electric Car Journey With Pro EV
If you’re taking the first step in your electric vehicle journey, then make sure to get in touch with us today. We specialise in car charger installation for both commercial and residential use.
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