Electrically powered vehicles do not pose a greater risk of fire than conventionally fuelled cars, a US government agency has said.

In concluding its investigation into the potential fire risk of Chevy Volts after a side-impact crash, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that “no discernable defect trend exists”, and that modifications recently developed by manufacturer General Motors “reduce the potential for battery intrusion resulting from side impacts”.

In a statement released following the conclusion of its investigation, the agency said:

“NHTSA remains unaware of any real-world crashes that have resulted in a battery-related fire involving the Chevy Volt or any other electric vehicle. NHTSA continues to believe that electric vehicles show great promise as a safe and fuel-efficient option for American drivers.

“Based on the available data, NHTSA does not believe that Chevy Volts or other electric vehicles pose a greater risk of fire than gasoline-powered vehicles.”

Generally, all vehicles have some risk of fire in the event of a serious crash, added the agency. But electric vehicles do have specific attributes that should be made clear to consumers, emergency response community, and tow truck operators and storage facilities, it said.