Half of 2025 EV fires in Singapore linked to high-voltage batteries

The remaining two incidents were caused by other electrical faults, including a dashboard component failure and the rear compactor of an electric waste collection truck, the Singapore Civil Defence Force told The Straits Times.

The total represents an increase from 2024, when only one EV fire was reported.

The high-voltage battery is the main rechargeable unit that powers an electric vehicle. Although EV fires are relatively rare compared with vehicles powered by internal combustion engines (ICE), experts say they can be harder to extinguish.

Such fires may burn more intensely and for longer periods than ICE vehicle fires and can reignite after being put out. The electrical system may also pose an electrocution risk if water is present during firefighting.

Vehicles on a street in Singapore. Photo by Pexels

The rise in incidents comes as EV adoption in Singapore reaches record levels.

According to The Business Times, citing figures from the Land Transport Authority, EVs accounted for 45% of Singapore’s 52,678 new car registrations in 2025, or 23,684 vehicles. It marked the first time fully electric models became the most registered new passenger cars in the city-state.

By the end of 2025, EVs represented 7.4% of Singapore’s total car population, reaching 49,262 units, nearly double the 4% share recorded in 2024.

Registrations of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) also reached a record 918 units in 2025, accounting for 1.7% of total car registrations.

Authorities are studying whether EVs and PHEVs should carry distinct license plates to help first responders identify vehicles that may require specialized procedures during emergencies.