⚠️ The Hidden Dangers of Electric Vehicles: Real Fires, Water Risks, and Weight-Related Wear

As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly popular, many people overlook the hidden dangers they pose, especially in extreme weather environments like Finland. While praised for being "green" alternatives, EVs come with critical safety, durability, and practicality concerns that are often ignored.

🔥 Real-Life EV Fire Incidents During Charging

One of the most alarming risks with electric vehicles is the possibility of sudden fire or explosion during charging—even when the car appears to be functioning normally. Unlike combustion engines, lithium-ion batteries can experience "thermal runaway", where internal heat builds rapidly, triggering a fire or explosion.

Documented Examples:

• United Kingdom (2024): A Mercedes EQA exploded while charging overnight in a residential driveway. The vehicle ignited within seconds, destroying the garage and nearly killing the family inside.

• South Korea (2024): A parked EV caught fire while charging in an underground garage. The fire burned for 8 hours and destroyed over 100 nearby vehicles.

• Florida, USA (2023): After Hurricane Ian, dozens of EVs caught fire after saltwater flooded their battery packs. These fires were nearly impossible to extinguish and reignited even after being put out.

  

🌊 Water Exposure: An Overlooked but Deadly Threat

EV manufacturers often claim water resistance, but real-world flooding or ice water immersion can be catastrophic. Lithium-ion batteries:

• React violently with saltwater, releasing toxic and flammable gases.

• Are vulnerable to corrosion and short circuits if water enters the battery housing.

• Can explode hours after exposure, especially if water reaches damaged battery cells.

In cold, wet climates like Finland, road salt and freezing conditions worsen the risk by allowing water to enter battery enclosures through small cracks or seals.

⚖️ The Problem of Weight: A Silent Destroyer

EVs carry heavy battery packs, often weighing 400 to 800 kg or more, which leads to excessive wear on key components:

Component	Effect of Extra Weight
Tires	Wear out 30–50% faster
Brakes	Overloaded, especially in emergencies
Suspension	Shocks and springs fail prematurely
Chassis	Experiences constant stress and fatigue

The added weight reduces energy efficiency and places more mechanical strain on the vehicle’s entire structure, leading to higher maintenance costs over time.

🧯 Why EV Fires Are More Dangerous Than Diesel Fires

Feature	Electric Vehicle Fire	Diesel Vehicle Fire
Likelihood	High under thermal stress or faults	Very low under normal conditions
Fire Speed	Sudden and explosive	Slow and controllable
Toxic Fumes	Yes – extremely harmful gases	Minimal
Re-ignition Risk	High – can reignite after hours	Rare
Extinguishing Effort	Requires 10,000+ liters of water	Standard extinguishers are sufficient

🚫 Final Thoughts

Electric vehicles may look appealing on the surface, but the safety risks, performance limitations, and repair challenges make them a questionable choice—especially in harsh climates. Real-world events prove that EVs can be dangerous to charge, vulnerable to water, and structurally overburdened by their own batteries.

Until battery safety, weight, and fire control technologies evolve significantly, traditional diesel vehicles remain the more reliable and safer option for long-distance driving, harsh terrain, and extreme weather conditions.