Hot Weather and EV Fires: Separating Fact from Fiction

Last year, Ts. Dr. Mohd Zaid from the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) warned EV owners not to charge in the rain. Now, another fire official claims hot weather directly causes EV fires.

Clearly, these statements ignore key facts about EV technology and fire risks.

Most recently statement by Perak Fire and Rescue Director Sayani Saidon urged all drivers to keep a fire extinguisher in their vehicles - a great idea that should be mandatory. Fire extinguishers help control small fires before firefighters arrive.

However what is concerning is Sayani linking rising vehicle fires, including EVs, to battery overheating in hot weather. While carrying an extinguisher is smart, the public must know that EV battery fires release toxic fumes and should be handled by trained professionals with proper gear.

Blaming hot weather for EV fires is misleading. Modern EVs have Battery Thermal Management Systems (BTMS) that regulate heat. Manufacturers test EVs in extreme conditions to ensure safety, making overheating unlikely.

The real cause of EV battery fires is thermal runaway due to internal short circuits, manufacturing defects, or physical damage - not just hot weather. Overcharging, faulty chargers, or damaged battery cells are bigger risks than ambient heat.

ICE vehicles actually have a higher fire risk due to fuel leaks, overheated engines, and electrical failures. Petrol is highly flammable, and engine bay temperatures in ICE cars are often higher than in EVs. That said, ICE vehicle fires often can be put out if the driver or people around have access to a fire extinguisher.

A well-maintained EV with a working cooling system won’t spontaneously combust. Most EV fires result from battery defects, improper charging, or damage.

Carrying a fire extinguisher is smart, but misinformation about EV fire risks is harmful, especially in a hot tropical country like Malaysia. If sunlight were truly a major issue, promoting EV adoption here would make no sense in the first place.

The real focus should be on proper maintenance, responsible charging, and ensuring firefighters have the right tools—but have we even addressed these properly yet?

Original Article: Sinar Harian