The recent decision of a well-known circuit from Queensland (Australia) completely ban the participation of 100% electric cars at its events, because it involves “too high” safety risks, has revived the debate about whether electric cars are more dangerous in the event of an accident than gasoline or diesel cars.
The organization of circuito ‘Willowbank Raceway’noted that, “after a thorough review of the regulations and procedures to be taken into account in an emergency environment” with this type of vehicle, he prefers to avoid risks. The position of the Australian circuit thus adds to the growing list of facilities that express their concern about safety in the event of an accident involving electric cars of battery.
“The risks associated with racing and testing electric vehicles are too high”
The Australian circuit Willowbank Raceway, well known for Drag Races and other events that take place on the track, justified its decision at the beginning of the year, “after careful consideration of the regulations established by Motorsport Australia and North East Drag Racing Association (NEDRA)”, as well as the emergency procedures to be taken into account in the event of an accident involving 100% battery electric vehicles.
So, they decided to prohibit electric vehicles from competing or testing on tracks. “The risks associated with racing and testing electric vehicles are too high,” those responsible for the circuit highlighted. The ban applies to all 100% electric vehicles, although the participation of hybrids is allowed.
Among the concerns that Willowbank Raceway has cited in making this decision is “the possibility of the release of toxic and flammable gases following a collision”, a risk they consider significant in high-performance events. It was also mentioned that “in the event of an accident, the doors of these vehicles may not unlock externally, which would make it difficult to extract the occupants in critical situations.”
Fuente: Willowbank Raceway
Another aspect that generated concern is that “the chassis of an electric car could remain electrified after a strong collision,” since it carries high-voltage elements, which implies a risk of electrocution for both rescue teams and event attendees. . This is compounded by the absence of an externally accessible isolation switch, allowing the vehicle’s power to be quickly deactivated.
Another of the biggest concerns that motivated the ban is the difficulty in extinguishing fires in electric vehicles. According to data from ‘EV FireSafealthough fires in electric cars “are statistically less frequent than in internal combustion vehicles” (with a probability of 0.0012% compared to 0.1%), Vehicle fires with lithium batteries are notoriously difficult to extinguish.
Electric car fires: a challenge for emergency teams
These fires do not respond to traditional methods based on CO₂ or foam, since lithium salts are self-oxidizing and continue to burn even without oxygen. Firefighters must use large amounts of water to cool the affected cells until their temperature drops below 500 degrees Celsius.
One issue raised by Willowbank Raceway was “the inability of an electric car to roll when the vehicle is switched off”. Since electric cars do not have a gearbox, but direct transmission to the wheelswhen they are turned off they cannot run like a car with an internal combustion engine in neutral. This increases the risk for rescue services, having to come into contact with a vehicle that is under tension.
Willowbank Raceway is not alone in this stance. Summit Point Racewayin West Virginia, and the circuit of Angleseyin Wales, had already implemented similar restrictions in 2023 and 2024, respectively. “It’s not that we are anti-electric or against new technologies, but we have to be prepared for it,” declared a spokesperson for the Aglesey circuit at Autosport.
He also recognized that “as a circuit, at this time We do not have the equipment or training necessary to deal with that situation. “I don’t want to put participants, marshals and doctors in a situation where they can’t respond to an incident.”
With more and more circuits adopting similar restrictions, the need for more specific preparation to manage the risks associated with electric vehicles is evident. While technological innovation is transforming the automotive industry, it is crucial that infrastructure and protocols evolve at the same pace to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Source: www.motorpasion.com
