QBE issues plea as fires linked to lithium-ion batteries rise

QBE has called for stronger safety requirements over lithium-ion batteries as fires linked to such power sources grow.

According to the insurer’s research, blazes linked to these batteries increased from 630 in 2022 to 921 in 2023.

The data also showed that almost a third (29%) of lithium-ion fires involved e-bikes, with these accounting for 270 of the incidents in 2023.

Fires involving e-scooters, meanwhile, rose by 7%, while those involving electric cars increased by 33%.

QBE is now calling for improvements in lithium-ion battery safety.

Adrian Simmonds, practice leader for property risk solutions at QBE, said: “We see more fires linked to lithium-ion batteries, which is concerning. They burn differently from normal fires, so people attempting to put them out run more risks of injury.

”The UK government needs to impose more stringent safety requirements to reduce fire frequency. Increasing awareness of proper maintenance, storage and disposal of lithium-ion batteries is paramount to protecting people and property.”

Fire crews

QBE collected the data through Freedom of Information requests to all UK fire services.

The London Fire Brigade recorded the highest number of lithium-ion fires last year (378), followed by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (70) and Avon Fire and Rescue Service, which covers Bath and Bristol (57).

It comes as more consumers opt for more eco-friendly transportation alternatives.

For example, figures released in insurer Allianz’s States of Mind New Mobility report – published on 20 June 2023 – showed that 60% of road users wanted to make the switch to driving EVs.

“We welcome the adoption of electric vehicles,” Simmonds said.

”To help with a safer rollout, we are calling for more support for fire services to help improve education in dealing with the new risk profile.”