Karnataka has witnessed 83 incidents of electric vehicles (EVs) catching fire over the past four years, as disclosed by the state’s Commerce and Industries Minister, MB Patil. This information was shared in response to a query raised by BJP MLC C N Manjegowda during a Legislative Council session regarding the rise in EV fire incidents. The Karnataka State Fire and Emergency Services Department recorded these incidents across multiple districts between January 2020 and November 2024. The highest number of cases was reported in 2024, with 36 incidents, followed by 28 in 2023, nine in 2022, seven in 2020, and three in 2021. The data highlights a concerning upward trend in recent years.

Causes of EV fires identified

Out of the 83 incidents, 65 were attributed to power leakage, 13 resulted from battery explosions, and five were caused by accidental fires. Most of these cases involved electric two-wheelers, followed by electric cars, auto-rickshaws, and buses. Additionally, 11 fire incidents occurred in EV showrooms in cities like Bengaluru, Davanagere, Dakshina Kannada, Ballari, Chikkaballapur, and Kalaburagi.

Okinawa and Ola lead the incident count

While the government identified the manufacturers for only some cases, Okinawa Scooters reported the highest number of fire incidents, followed by Ola. Ather Energy, in comparison, registered the third-highest number of fire incidents. Notably, four electric two-wheelers in Raichur district caught fire during the peak summer of 2024, underscoring the impact of extreme weather conditions.

Addressing the safety challenge

The growing frequency of EV fires highlights the need for stringent safety measures and quality checks in the manufacturing and maintenance of electric vehicles. As the EV market expands, addressing these challenges becomes vital for building consumer trust and ensuring public safety.