Why do EVs catch fire and how to prevent them?
Electric vehicles are prone to catching fire and this is evident from the multiple incidents being reported across India. Recently, a father-daughter duo died of suffocation in Tamil Nadu after their scooter went up in flames inside their home. Mishaps involving Ola Electric and Okinawa scooters have also gone viral. But why do EVs catch fire? And, how to prevent them?
Why does this story matter?
The incidents of EVs going up in flames are proving to be a headache for the industry and may even send sales charts spiraling downward if no corrective step is taken. Companies need to look into battery designing and cooling solutions. A shift from cobalt to sodium and other technologies as well as the setup of battery swapping networks can bring down the risks.
What are the warning signs of an EV battery fire?
When a Lithium-ion battery pack in an electric vehicle is about to catch fire, it gives out certain warning signs. Firstly, the battery might swell up and become extremely hot. Secondly, it might get discolored. Blistering and damage are also quite possible. If smoke starts emanating from the setup, it is time to exercise caution and move away from the EV.
Do defects and short circuits cause fire?
Batteries might also catch fire due to a manufacturing defect/electrical short circuit. When there's a failure, the temperature and pressure of the battery cell are rapidly increased alongside the release of flammable gases. The gases ignite due to high temperatures, resulting in a fire. In case of a short circuit, the temperature within the battery reaches up to 500 degrees Celsius, causing an explosion.
What steps can be taken to minimize risks?
The risk of an EV catching fire is low but controlling a battery fire is very difficult. To avoid risks, do not charge a battery immediately after the vehicle stops running and let it cool first. Detachable batteries should be disconnected before charging. Keep the battery in cool, dry areas and only use genuine units. Also, inspect for damages and report to the manufacturer.
What impact can EV fires have?
If incidents of electric vehicles catching fire continue to rise, insurance companies may resort to increasing premiums on such models. Moreover, new buyers may not feel safe enough to switch from their conventional fuel-based vehicles to EVs.
