Most EV batteries are considered a low fire risk and rigorous standards apply, however a perception persists among media and the public that EVs are a high fire risk, some insurance stakeholders say.
That’s according to Insurance Business Australia which quotes an International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI) source after the Fremantle Highway car carrier fire as saying EV fires are not more dangerous than internal combustion engine (ICE) fires and just need to be addressed differently.
IUMI has published a best practice guide for transporting EVs on ships with research about EV fires.
An accompanying release suggests shipping community concerns are growing about fires on car carriers but says research shows fires in battery EVs are not more frequent or more dangerous than ICE fires.
For instance, while media speculation initially pointed to an EV contributing to the Fremantle Highway fire, Insurance Business Australia says more recent news reports say the fire cause is still unknown.
From March 2024, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) will consider ways to reduce fire risks involving shipping.
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has previously said any fire risks around EVs usually concern their charging stations or areas where batteries are stored, adding insurers have seen a rise in claims related to such incidents.
Insurance Business Australia is seeking feedback on the fire issue.
