Neither more flammable nor less safe: this is how experts debunk myths about electric cars.

Electric cars are still largely unknown in Spain. The numbers speak for themselves. With 1.4% of the country's total vehicle fleet, according to data from the manufacturers' association Anfac, ignorance and the persistence of false myths remain a significant barrier to their adoption among drivers. So much so that the majority of Spaniards still have doubts about key aspects such as the range, safety, and charging of these vehicles.

To combat this misinformation, AEDIVE (Business Association for the Development and Promotion of Electric Mobility) and the dealer association Faconauto have developed the Electric Vehicle Safety Decalogue . This initiative seeks to provide dealers with clear and rigorous tools to answer customers' most frequently asked questions and debunk the myths surrounding electric mobility .

Below, we review the points in this decalogue that help clarify the most common doubts and dispel false myths about electric vehicles.

Electric vehicles comply with even stricter safety regulations than conventional vehicles. Their batteries are designed and manufactured with continuous monitoring systems capable of detecting and correcting any anomalies during operation to minimize and control the risk of fire.

The data confirms it: electric vehicles suffer fewer fires than combustion vehicles , thus dispelling one of the most common fears. Objective statistics show that the risk of fire is lower than that of gasoline or diesel cars.

Electric vehicle batteries are protected and monitored 24/7. Many brands already use advanced technologies and chemistries such as lithium iron phosphate (LFP), which further reduce the risk of fire. In addition, electronic management systems constantly monitor battery status.

A charging station installed by qualified professionals and in compliance with regulations guarantees a safe experience. If any anomaly occurs, the system automatically cuts off the power supply. A poorly executed installation can cause a fire, so always rely on experts.

Using Schuko plugs for hours on end is dangerous, as they're not designed to withstand long charging sessions and can overheat. That's why it's essential to install a dedicated charger : it's faster and, above all, much safer.

Although electric vehicles require fewer inspections than combustion engines , it's essential to follow the manufacturer's plan, especially regarding the battery. Do not manipulate cables or electrical components yourself. All work should always be performed in qualified workshops.

If the vehicle's underbody (where the battery is located) has been hit, it's a good idea to have it checked by a garage before parking it in a closed garage. This will rule out possible hidden damage and ensure safety.

Far from myth, water is effective against electrical fires . Firefighters are trained and equipped to respond to these types of fires, applying the best knowledge and resources. Furthermore, battery waste after a fire is managed in accordance with hazardous waste regulations, also protecting the environment.

Reporting the presence of electric vehicles in a community garage allows for preventive measures , including properly marking the spaces on the parking map. This makes it easier for firefighters in an emergency and improves everyone's safety.

The installation of charging stations and any inspections or repairs must be carried out by qualified experts familiar with the regulations and appropriate protocols. This is the only way to ensure the safety and proper functioning of the electric vehicle.

The joint initiative between AEDIVE and Faconauto comes at a time when social concern about the safety of electric vehicles has been amplified by several recent reports of fires. Cases such as the fire of a municipal vehicle in Calpe (Alicante) or several cars in parking lots in Madrid have contributed to generating some alarm and reinforcing myths about the fire risk of these vehicles.

All of this has fueled unfounded doubts that these two associations now seek to dispel with rigorous information and technical arguments. "This decalogue provides technically based clarity and accurately addresses the most frequent concerns of users, buyers, and managers in shared spaces," summarizes Arturo Pérez de Lucía, general director of AEDIVE.