UK lithium-ion battery fires rise 93% in two years
Iain Hoey
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Surge in lithium-ion battery fires linked to e-bikes and EVs
UK fire brigades are now responding to more than three lithium-ion battery fires each day, according to QBE.
QBE reported a 93% increase in lithium-ion battery fires between 2022 and 2024 based on Freedom of Information data collected in March 2025.
The insurance company recorded 1,330 lithium-ion battery fires in 2024, up from 690 in 2022.
London accounts for highest number of battery fires
London Fire Brigade responded to 407 lithium-ion battery fires in 2024, which QBE stated was more than four times the next highest region.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service reported 100 battery fires in the same year, while West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service recorded 94.
According to QBE, London also accounted for 49% of all e-bike fires nationally.
E-bike fires double over two-year period
QBE reported that electric bikes were linked to 362 fire incidents in 2024, doubling from 181 in 2022.
The insurer said e-bikes accounted for 27% of all lithium-ion battery fires in 2024.
Adrian Simmonds, practice leader for property risk solutions at QBE Insurance, said:
“Lithium-ion battery fires continue increasing at a worrying pace.
“These fires burn differently, they take longer to tackle, typically need ten times more water to put out and are often more harmful to the surrounding environment.
“People need to understand the risks and how to deal with them.”
Regulation and public awareness called for by QBE
QBE said more education is needed to ensure the public understands safe charging, use and disposal practices.
Simmonds added:
“While QBE supports the adoption of e-transport, we also call for stricter regulation.
“For instance, the UK should stop the sale of rogue e-bikes and other unregulated devices. This could be done in the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill, which is going through Parliament.
“In the meantime, consumers should purchase e-bikes and e-scooters from reputable companies, so retailers that show they take quality and compliance seriously with a genuine CE mark.
“Raising awareness around safe charging, use and disposal of lithium-ion batteries is critical to keeping people and property safe.”
Residential buildings most affected by battery fires
QBE stated that residential properties were the most common locations for lithium-ion battery fires.
Other frequently recorded settings were outdoor spaces and commercial buildings.
The insurer said fires involving electric scooters rose by 32% between 2022 and 2024, while electric mobility scooter fires rose by 20% during the same period.
Fires involving electric vehicles rose by 77%, reaching 232 incidents in 2024.
According to QBE, although the number of EVs has more than doubled since 2022, the fire risk remains high due to thermal runaway effects.
UK lithium-ion battery fires rise 93% in two years: Summary
UK fire brigades attended 1,330 lithium-ion battery fires in 2024.
This represents a 93% increase from 2022, according to QBE.
The findings are based on data gathered from Freedom of Information requests to UK fire services.
E-bikes were linked to 362 fires in 2024, double the 2022 figure.
London accounted for 31% of total lithium-ion battery fires.
London also accounted for 49% of all e-bike fires.
Electric vehicle fires increased by 77% between 2022 and 2024.
The most common fire locations were residential properties.
QBE urged stronger regulation and public education on battery safety.
It cited thermal runaway as the key fire risk mechanism.
The Product Regulation and Metrology Bill is under parliamentary review.
The Department for Business and Trade launched the Buy Safe, Be Safe campaign in 2024.
QBE recommended specific safety steps for homes and businesses using lithium-ion batteries.