Electric cars 'less likely' to catch fire than petrol or diesel vehicles amid Luton Airport blaze fears
Experts said it was a 'myth' that EVs are more likely to set fire
PA
Experts have highlighted how electric cars are more fire-safe than other types of vehicles just days after a devastating fire.
The airport has now stated that it is unlikely that any of the vehicles in the parking structure would be salvageable, with insurers seeing if personal items can be saved.
Andrew Hopkinson, chief fire officer for Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said the blaze started after a diesel-powered Range Rover burst into flames.
WATCH NOW: Footage shows blaze at Luton Airport car park
Many on social media had speculated that the cause of the Luton Airport fire was down to it being an electric car, although this was quickly disproven by the fire service.
The experts at DriveElectric said it was a myth that electric cars are more at risk of catching fire compared to other vehicle types.
It points to data from the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency which shows there have been just 23 EV fire incidents, representing just 0.004 per cent of Sweden’s total fleet of 611,000 electric cars.
In comparison, there have been 34,000 fires from the 4.4 million petrol and diesel cars – or 0.08 per cent.
According to the data, it shows how electric cars are 20 times less likely to result in fines.
Car manufacturers are constantly looking to add more anti-fire functions to newer car models, with the likelihood of fires in electric cars expected to drop.
The experts continued, saying: “Electric cars are all batteries, no tank, and so don’t rely on anything other than green, reusable energy to power up.
“Hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), on the other hand, still require fossil fuels to top up their tanks.
“It’s when people blur the line between these two huge differences that leads to the myth that electric cars are not pure electric.”
Since the incident, the parking operator APCOA reported that it had received almost 16,500 customer queries.
In response to the fire, LV= General Insurance has guaranteed that all customers affected by the blaze will get home safely and equipped with courtesy cars.
The insurer said it would also waive excesses and promised that any no claims discounts would be affected.
It has been suggested that around 200 of the estimated 1,500 cars affected will be covered by the guarantees from the insurance provider.
Martin Milliner, claims director at LV= General Insurance, said: “As a major insurer we’re here to support customers when the worst happens and we want them to feel supported and protected.
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The fire service estimated that almost 1,500 cars were affected
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“That’s why we’re making our promises to ensure any affected customers get home safely and easily when returning to the UK.”