If an electric car catches fire who is responsible?
I understand that the batteries on EVs are not as susceptible to fire as news reports might suggest. However in the event of the drive battery catching fire and destroying the car is that covered by the car warranty or by the driver's insurance? And if other cars or property are damaged as a result of the EV fire who is liable for that. The driver or EV manufacturer?
Asked on 28 June 2024 by grand voyager
Answered by
David Ross
It is correct that the risk of fire from EVs is considerably less than that for ICE vehicles - one study suggests that EVs were involved in 61 times fewer fires per 100,000 vehicles sold compared to ICE vehicles. In the event of an EV fire, in the first instance the insurance policy covering the vehicle would be liable for the damage to the vehicle and any surrounding vehicles or property. For the vehicle warranty to be liable for this damaged it would need to be proven that the damage was caused by a fault, which would require an investigation either by the fire service or insurance investigator.
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