The thesis addresses the fire safety of passenger electric vehicles (EV), with a special focus on battery electric vehicles (BEV) in comparison to internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEV). The introductory section outlines the fundamental differences between the two propulsion types, along with a brief overview of their respective subcategories. Special attention is given to lithium-ion batteries, which constitute the core component of BEV and represent the primary source of fire-related risks. The study analyzes the causes of fires, emissions, released heat, and differences in firefighting approaches. Despite differing ignition mechanisms, the amount of heat released is comparable between both vehicle types, and the composition of gases and particles is largely similar—with notable exceptions being significantly higher concentrations of hydrogen fluoride and specific metallic particles associated with BEV battery design. Due to structural differences, the causes of fires in ICEV are more diverse, while BEV fires are predominantly associated with battery system failures. Extinguishing BEV fires is more complex, time-consuming, and requires larger volumes of water, making this a growing area of research, along with the suitability of personal protective equipment, which is currently still the same for both types of powertrains. However, available statistical data consistently confirm a significantly lower incidence of fires in BEV compared to ICEV.
Additionally, the thesis presents some modern technological solutions, such as the development of advanced battery thermal management systems and the use of new, safer materials. In parallel, safety standards are being updated and new regulations introduced to improve battery traceability and transparency. While fire safety improvements for ICEV have been implemented over several decades, a comprehensive overview of their progress remains poorly documented. Based on the reviewed literature, it can be concluded that EV do not pose an unacceptable fire risk, but rather contribute to a broader understanding of vehicle fire safety and the development of safer transport in the future.
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