Crikey, That’s a Hot Take: Aussies Misfire on EV Fire Risk
Turns out nearly half of Aussie drivers think electric vehicles are more flammable than a snag on a barbie — but science says they’ve been fed a burnt banger of a myth.
In a four-country survey led by the University of Queensland (UQ) and three German institutions, 47% of Australians said they believe EVs are more likely to catch fire than petrol or diesel cars. And let’s be real: that’s like thinking a solar panel causes sunburn.
Dr Chris Bretter, an environmental psychologist from UQ, reckons it’s time to plug those misinformation leaks before they short-circuit Australia’s clean energy future.
Misinformation Dashboard: EV Myths by the Numbers
| Misinformation Belief | % of Australians Who Believe It |
|---|---|
| EVs are more likely to catch fire than petrol/diesel cars | 47% |
| EV batteries are deliberately non-upgradeable | 44% |
| EV manufacturing cancels out any emissions savings | 35% |
| EV accident data is being covered up (underreported crashes) | 26% |
| EVs emit harmful electromagnetic fields that damage human health | Not disclosed, but included in tests |
| EVs don’t actually help reduce emissions | Tested, found to be widely believed |
| EVs are part of a ‘green agenda’ conspiracy (yes, seriously) | Highest among conspiracy-minded |
Why Are We Buying This Rubbish?
Researchers found that belief in these EV tall tales was strongest among those with a “conspiracy mentality” — you know, the same crew that thinks 5G makes lettuce wilt. But the misinfo also got traction with:
- Women
- Older adults
- People less engaged with environmental issues
Dr Bretter told The Guardian that misinformation is “circulating widely” and warned it poses a major barrier to the shift toward clean transport.
“These are demonstrably false claims, yet they’re spreading faster than a Holden on the Hume.” – Dr Chris Bretter
Fighting Fire With Facts (and ChatGPT)
To put out the flames of disinfo, researchers tested two interventions:
- Reading a U.S. Dept of Energy Fact Sheet
- Three back-and-forth chats with ChatGPT
Both helped, with modest increases in pro-EV sentiment. But when it comes to deeply-held beliefs — especially conspiracy ones — not even AI can fully change minds.
So yes, ChatGPT can help bust EV myths… but it won’t stop Uncle Kev from posting Facebook rants about EVs melting driveways.
Are EV Fires Even a Thing?
Short answer: not really.
According to EV Firesafe Australia:
- Only 8 EV fires were reported nationwide as of November 2024
- That’s out of more than 180,000 EVs on Aussie roads
- Most were caused by crashes or improper charging — not spontaneous combustion
Compare that with petrol vehicles, which average 2–3 fire incidents per 10,000 vehicles annually in Australia. That’s way more flammable than your neighbour’s Nissan Leaf.
What’s Next: Turning the Wheel Toward Truth
Experts say debunking EV myths is crucial if Australia wants to stay on the road to net zero:
- National Campaigns – Fact sheets and community education
- AI Integration – Using tools like ChatGPT in schools and public forums
- EV Regulation and Infrastructure – Improving access, charging, and awareness
“If people fear EVs because of TikTok conspiracies and pub gossip, we’re stalling the climate race before we even get out the driveway.” – Every EV scientist, probably
