How Safe Are Electric Cars in a Crash? What the Data Shows

EV crash safety has become a major talking point for consumers, automakers and regulators alike. As more battery-electric vehicles (EVs) flood the market, many prospective buyers ask: Are electric cars as safe as gasoline vehicles in a crash? And what about the fire risk associated with their batteries?

In this article we’ll dive into crash-test data from the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), examine fire-risk statistics, and explore what the evidence really says about electric vehicle safety.

What the Crash-Test Data Says

Ratings from Euro NCAP

On the European front, electric cars regularly score very highly in the Euro NCAP safety tests. For example, the listings for “Electric Vehicles (EV)” on Euro NCAP’s own site show many full-electric models rated 5 stars.

This suggests that structural crashworthiness, occupant protection and safety-assist systems for EVs are currently at least on par with, if not better than, many internal-combustion-engine vehicles.

NHTSA and U.S. Crash Data

In the U.S., NHTSA maintains databases of crash test results and investigation of alternative-fuel vehicles including EVs.

For example, EVs are required to meet the same Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) as other vehicles. That includes FMVSS No. 305a for EV propulsion batteries, per NHTSA.

While publicly released datasets comparing crash-severity for EVs vs. gasoline cars are still limited, independent reviews and crash-test-based articles show EVs are increasingly among the safest vehicles on the road.

Real-World Accident Data

Some interesting findings come from academic studies. One 2024 study found that EV drivers were more exposed to at-fault claims than ICE (internal-combustion engine) drivers, despite lower average mileage.

Another insurer’s dataset in Switzerland suggested EVs crashed 50 % more often than conventional cars—but that data set was limited and should be taken with caution.

So: the crash-test and certification data indicate EVs perform very well. But real-world exposure, driver behaviour, and new EV-specific risks (battery, fire, high-voltage systems) still need careful monitoring.

Battery & Fire Risk: Myths vs Reality

The Fire Myth

EVs often make headlines when a battery-fire event occurs after a crash or during charging. But what do the statistics say?

In Sweden, out of about 3,400 vehicle fires per year, EVs accounted for only 0.4% of fires, while hybrids accounted for 1.5%.

A UK survey concluded that “battery fires occur in fewer than 1 per 100,000 vehicles” for EVs in the 2024-25 period.

Safety Standards & Post-Crash Management

Regulators have also responded. NHTSA’s EV Battery Safety Initiative tracks incidents involving EV batteries, charging failures and post-crash risk.

Manufacturers design EVs with heavy battery packs low in the chassis, which lowers centre of gravity and tends to reduce rollover risk compared with similar ICE vehicles.

In crash tests of earlier electric vehicles (e.g., the Mitsubishi i-MiEV), no battery-fire or electrical-system failures were reported in Euro NCAP/ANCAP evaluations.

Key Takeaway

So while EV fires attract sensational headlines, the actual risk appears low and may in many cases be less than or comparable to ICE vehicles when viewed in context of miles driven, crash exposure, and model years.

Specific Safety Advantages of EVs

Lower Centre of Gravity & Rollover Protection

EV batteries are heavy but located low and central, which improves stability. Many newer EVs therefore show lower rollover propensity compared with conventional cars.

Larger Crumple Zones & Simplified Front Structure

Without a large combustion engine, EVs often allocate more volume for crumple zones in the front, which helps absorb impact.

Advanced Safety Systems Become Standard

Many EVs incorporate Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) as standard—automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian detection—which further boost crash avoidance potential.

Areas of Concern & What to Monitor

Ageing Battery Packs & Post-Crash Fire Risk

Batteries degrade, and in rare cases damage sustained in a crash can cause latent thermal events. It’s essential for first responders to have clear guidance. Reviews have found that in some older models, post-crash fire procedures were inconsistent.

Real-World Exposure Data Still Sparse

While crash-test results are strong, real-world aggregate data comparing EV vs ICE crash rates remains limited. Some studies suggest higher exposure of EVs in at-fault claims.

High Voltage System Risks & Emergency Response

EVs involve high-voltage battery systems which carry specific risks (electrocution, thermal runaway) in severe crashes or inappropriate rescues. NHTSA provides emergency response guides for alternative fuel vehicles.

Bottom Line: What the Data Shows

• On balance, EV crash safety performance is very strong—crash-test ratings, structural design and safety systems place many EV models among the safest vehicles on the market.
• The fire risk associated with EVs is lower than many myths suggest—and statistically appears very low when viewed per vehicle or per mile.
• Some caution remains warranted: real-world comparative crash data is still evolving; drivers’ behaviour and exposure differences matter; battery-specific risk and first-responder readiness are unique to EVs.
• For most drivers, choosing a well-rated EV from a reputable manufacturer is unlikely to raise safety concerns compared with a comparable ICE vehicle—and may in fact offer better crash-protection features.

Read More: 9 Essential Steps: How to Safely Jump-Start a Dead 12-Volt Battery in an EV (2025 Guide)

FAQs: EV Crash Safety & Fire Risk

1. Are electric cars more likely to crash than gasoline cars?
Not conclusively. Crash-test ratings show EVs perform very well. Some real-world studies suggest higher at-fault claim exposure for EVs, but factors like mileage, driver demographics and model type play big roles.

2. Are EVs more likely to catch fire after a crash?
No. Data from countries like Sweden show EV fires are extremely rare (0.4% of vehicle fires). Context matters—most vehicle fires are from ICE vehicles.

3. What should I look for when buying an EV for safety?
Check for high crash-test ratings (Euro NCAP, NHTSA), standard ADAS features, battery safety standards compliance (look for FMVSS No. 305a in U.S.), and proven models by reliable manufacturers.

4. If an EV crashes, is the battery a bigger risk?
Battery damage can pose a fire or thermal-event risk, but modern EV designs include built-in protections, battery isolation systems, fire suppression measures and rigorous crash-test validation.

5. Does the heavier weight of EVs make them more dangerous in a crash?
While EVs are often heavier due to their batteries, the low-mounted battery helps stability and rollover risk is often reduced. Crash-protection systems are designed with the higher weight in mind.

6. Are emergency responders ready for EV crashes?
Yes, more so than a few years ago. Agencies like NHTSA provide emergency response guides, and many manufacturers offer rescue sheets. But local first-responders should always check for high-voltage systems, battery cut-offs and thermal risks.

When you ask, “How safe are electric cars in a crash?”, the data sends a clear message: they’re not only competitive with conventional vehicles—they often lead in safety ratings. Crash-test performance, advanced safety features, and improved design reinforce the case.

At the same time, unique risks such as battery thermal events and real-world exposure differences should not be ignored—but neither should they be over-blown. For the informed buyer, a well-rated EV is a safe choice.

By focusing on certified ratings, responsible manufacturers and proven models, you can decide with confidence. The transition to electric doesn’t mean sacrificing safety—it may mean upgrading it.