Fire and ICE: Gas and Hybrids Burn More Than Teslas

Tesla: The Safety Curse in the Headlines

At a recent discussion on ESG investments, one member in the group mentioned, “I saw a news story making Tesla sound like a burning hazard, with trapped passengers and all. So, I’m sticking with Volvo—the safest car out there.” Interestingly, he also holds Tesla stock, showing just how persuasive media narratives can make Tesla seem riskier than it really is.

Figure 1: One Tesla Fire, Global Headlines by Dawn (Yet Again)

Hybrid and Gas Cars Actually Catch Fire More Often

Here’s the reality: electric vehicles (EVs) rarely catch fire. In the U.S., only 0.5% of 100,000 vehicle fires involve EVs. On the other hand, hybrid cars—those with both gasoline engines and electric motors—carry more fire risk. This partly comes down to design choices: hybrids are about 90% gasoline-powered but still carry all the added weight of an electric motor and batteries, making them heavier and more complex. As a result, recent studies show that 70% of car fires involve hybrids, and nearly all remaining fires involve standard gasoline cars. Together, hybrids and gasoline cars make up all vehicle fire incidents.

Figure 2: Hybrid and Gasoline Cars Burn Quietly: No Headlines Needed

Source: https://www.motorbiscuit.com/electric-vehicles-catch-fire-considerably-less-gas-cars/

Figure 3: Engines at Fault: Almost Every Car Fire Starts Here

Tesla Leads in Crash Safety

What about crash safety? Are Teslas safe in accidents? According to Euro NCAP, the leading safety authority in Europe, Tesla’s Model S and Model Y were rated the top two safest cars of 2022 among 75 models. Tesla consistently ranks highly in safety tests, while Volvo, long known for its safety focus, came in at 28th. Additionally, for fans of European brands, it’s worth noting that Volvo is now owned by a Chinese company, with some models manufactured outside of Europe.

Figure 4: Euro NCAP’s Verdict: Tesla Tops the Safety Charts

In Summary

Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y have set new standards in safety, efficiency, and innovation since they hit the market. With features like Autopilot, Full Self-Driving (FSD), and frequent updates through Over-The-Air (OTA) software, Tesla cars are among the safest choices available today. Despite this, some Tesla stockholders still get caught up in outdated stories from traditional automakers. Simply put, Tesla’s electric cars are some of the safest on the road and continue to lead in sales.