Recent data from the UK Department for Transport highlights a troubling trend: hybrid car drivers are three times more likely to be involved in fatal accidents compared to traditional petrol car drivers.
According to a report, hybrid vehicles, which integrate both a petrol engine and an electric motor, have been linked to a significant number of road fatalities. Official statistics indicate that there were 122 deaths in incidents involving hybrids over the past year, in contrast to 777 deaths associated with petrol-only cars. Notably, petrol vehicles far outnumber hybrids on UK roads—nearly 20 to 1—implying that hybrids are implicated in roughly three times as many fatal crashes per capita.
Many consumers opt for hybrid cars over traditional gasoline, diesel, or full electric vehicles, often citing advantages like extended range and the practicality of home charging. However, the latest figures have prompted road safety experts to express concern, advocating for a detailed investigation into the reasons behind this alarming death rate.
The data reveals that for every 8,000 hybrid cars on the road, one person died last year, compared to one death for every 20,000 diesel cars and one for every 25,000 petrol cars.
Experts speculate that the increased death rate associated with hybrids may stem from their intricate mix of gasoline engines, batteries, and electric motors, which could complicate control and raise the risk of fires in accidents. Nicholas Rise from the road safety charity IAM Roadsmart noted that hybrid systems, with their dual power sources and complex electronics, can lead to complicated fire scenarios that are challenging for firefighters to manage.
It’s worth noting that fire risks for hybrids aren’t confined to crashes. The widely-used Ford Kuga plug-in hybrid has faced several recalls related to battery fire hazards. In March 2025, Ford recalled thousands of Kuga vehicles because of a defect that could cause high-voltage battery short circuits, resulting in power loss and potential thermal venting, which increases fire risk. Owners have been advised to refrain from charging their vehicles and to use them in petrol-only mode until a software fix is implemented.
The RAC Foundation has requested a “dedicated investigation” to explore the elevated mortality rate of hybrid vehicles. Steve Gooding, from the charity, mentioned, “It’s time to allocate specific resources to tackle the risks associated with road safety.”
