Hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming an increasing challenge for the Fire and Rescue services.  To provide the energy needed to drive a car, the battery in an EV is generally large, and the greater the amount of energy the electric vehicle may contain, the greater the fire risk of an electric vehicle fire. 

During an electric vehicle fire, over 100 organic chemicals are generated, including some very toxic gases such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide – both of which are fatal to humans. 

For the fire brigade, the real problem when it comes to an EV fire is in trying to put it out.  Electric vehicle fires are known to reignite hours, days or even weeks after the initial event, and they can do so many times.