what happens when an electric car catches fire Page 7

When an electric car catches fire, it’s usually a lithium‑ion battery thermal runaway—cells overheat, vent flammable gases, and the pack burns fiercely.

It produces thick smoke and nasty vapours (including hydrogen fluoride), and can re‑ignite hours later, which is why firefighters drown the pack with lots of water or even immerse the vehicle.

Statistically, EV fires are rarer than petrol car fires, but when they do burn, they’re stubborn and time‑consuming.

If it happens: get everyone well clear, call 000, stay upwind, and don’t play hero with a garden hose; leave it to the pros and your insurer.

After it’s out, towing and quarantine are common because of reignition risk—glamorous, no, but sensible, yes.