Know the Risks Before You Plug In

Curated news and scientific studies on EV-related fatalities, lithium-ion fire behavior and toxic gases, in-cabin electromagnetic fields (EMF), and design choices that can complicate escape and rescue.

WANT TO LIVE LONGER — THINK!

Motto reflects editorial opinion. Below content links directly to primary sources so you can judge the evidence yourself.

Recent Fatalities & Safety Investigations

Hand‑picked, mainstream reports (2024–2025). Links open original articles.

Jul 28, 2025

Driver killed; Tesla hits tree and burns (Monterey County, CA)

CBS News Bay Area

Read CBS report ↗
Oct 17, 2024

Teen killed; Cadillac Lyriq battery ruptured after crash (Minnetonka, MN)

CBS News Minnesota

Read CBS report ↗
Sep 10, 2025

"Tesla’s Dangerous Doors": power loss can trap occupants

Bloomberg feature

Read investigation ↗
Apr 15, 2025

China tightens EV battery safety rules (thermal‑runaway tests)

Reuters

Read Reuters ↗
Note: EVs are not the most common fire source compared to ICE vehicles; however, lithium-ion battery fires can be harder to extinguish and can complicate rescue/entrapment. See toxicology & rescue sections below.

In‑Cabin Electromagnetic Fields (EMF)

What peer‑reviewed studies and health agencies say about magnetic and electric fields inside EVs.

Guidelines

ICNIRP exposure limits for low‑frequency magnetic fields

International Commission on Non‑Ionizing Radiation Protection

Low‑frequency (2010) ↗ RF (2020) ↗
Systematic/Reviews

WHO & IARC: ELF fields and possible childhood leukemia link ≥0.3–0.4 μT

WHO / IARC monographs & pooled analyses

WHO summary ↗ NCI fact sheet ↗
Measurements

JRC/ENEA: EVs show higher floor‑level transients; layout matters

EU Joint Research Centre policy report

Open PDF ↗
Measurements

Tell & Kavet 2013/2016: Typical in‑cabin B fields ≈0.1–3.5 μT

Bioelectromagnetics / Radiation Prot. Dosimetry

2013 study ↗ 2016 study ↗
2025

Electronics (MDPI): Literature review of vehicle magnetic fields

Fukui et al., 2025

Read paper ↗
Medical Devices

ICD charging test: No EMI seen while charging Tesla

Wase et al., 2023 (Open Access)

Read study ↗
Takeaway: Many peer-reviewed measurements place typical in-cabin magnetic fields well below international limits, but peaks/transients near floor and battery/motor cabling can be higher and depend strongly on design (routing, shielding) and driving (hard acceleration, regen). People who are risk-averse can choose seating/brand layouts with lower floor fields and avoid habitually resting feet over battery tunnels.

Lithium‑Ion Fire Behavior & Toxic Gases

Battery thermal runaway can emit intense heat plus toxic gases (HF, VOCs, particulates). Know the risks in confined spaces.

Toxic HF

"Toxic fluoride gas emissions from Li‑ion battery fires"

Larsson et al., 2017 (Scientific Reports)

Open paper ↗
Review

Review of gas emissions from LIB thermal runaway (2024)

Bugryniec et al., 2024

Open abstract ↗
Parking Garages

Risk Assessment of Toxic Gas Dispersion in EV fires (2025)

Jang et al., 2025

Open paper ↗
Responders

FSRI & WSP: contaminants & responder health risks

UL FSRI (2024) • Washington State Patrol (2025)

FSRI update ↗ WSP study (PDF) ↗
Key hazards in confined spaces: HF and other acid gases; flammable gases with explosion ranges; heavy metal particulates. Risk is highest during/after thermal runaway, especially in enclosed garages, tunnels, or cabins post-crash.

Entrapment & Rescue Complications

Power‑dependent doors, inaccessible manual releases, and battery fires can delay rescue.

Investigation

NHTSA probes Model Y door handles; kids trapped

FT / Business Insider, Sep 2025

Read FT ↗ Read BI ↗
Feature

"Tesla’s Dangerous Doors" — power loss & entrapment

Bloomberg, Sep 2025

Read feature ↗
Fatal Crash

Battery fire blocked rescue attempt; driver died

LA Times, Jan 2025

Read report ↗
Practical tips for EV occupants:
  • Learn and practice manual door release locations for every seat.
  • Carry a glass-breaker/seatbelt-cutter within reach; ensure all passengers know how to use it.
  • Avoid resting feet over floor areas above battery/motor cabling on long trips if you’re EMF-cautious.
  • Do not re-enter a smoking EV; evacuate and stay upwind. In garages/tunnels, pull to a safe area if possible and evacuate immediately.

FAQs

Are EVs more likely to catch fire than gasoline cars?

Large population data often show lower fire incidence per vehicle for EVs than ICE, but EV battery fires can be harder to extinguish and may reignite hours later. Firefighters use different tactics (cooling/monitoring rather than quick knockdown). Check your automaker’s emergency response guide.

Do EMFs inside EVs exceed health limits?

Most studies measure in-cabin fields below international public limits. Design choices and driving conditions can create localized peaks. See the JRC report and measurement studies linked above and decide your personal risk tolerance.

What’s the biggest hazard to occupants?

Post-crash entrapment combined with a battery fire presents the most acute risk. Know manual releases, plan self-rescue, and exit fast if you smell smoke or see thermal runaway indicators.