In Bengaluru’s JP Nagar, it was claimed that an electric vehicle caught fire in the middle of the street. The event was one of many cases of electric vehicles catching fire that have recently been made public. The car was entirely demolished, and social media has already seen video of the incident. These occurrences involving electric vehicles, especially scooters, have sparked severe concerns about their dependability and safety and have prompted condemnation of the firms involved for ostensibly ignoring the possible risks to human life that these incidents may represent. The incident has further highlighted the need for a closer examination of electric car safety because the fire’s source is still unknown and no casualties have been reported.
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Electric vehicle dangers and power source
Lithium-ion batteries, which have revolutionized energy storage and enabled the mass adoption of electric cars, power electric vehicles (EVs). Compared to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles, this design delivers higher energy density and longer driving distances. However, the flammable electrolytes and highly reactive elements used in these batteries can result in thermal runaway, a self-sustaining chain reaction that generates heat and gas.
Numerous reasons, such as overcharging, production flaws, physical damage, and exposure to high temperatures, can result in thermal runaway. Over 250 recorded fires involving electric cars were reported in 2022 alone. Compared to past years, there has been a huge increase in the number of fires. It is crucial to remember that EV fires are quite uncommon. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), one out of every 11,000,000 miles traveled is at risk of an EV fire. Compared to a gasoline-powered car’s fire risk, which is roughly 1 in 10,000 miles driven, this is significantly lower.
Causes and Prevention for EV Battery Fires
The possibility of lithium-ion battery fires in electric cars is influenced by a number of factors. Thermal runaway may result from short circuits occurring inside battery cells as a result of manufacturing flaws. Battery instability and the chance of overheating might result from overcharging or excessive discharge. Minor hits, crashes, and accidents can harm separators and battery cells, potentially causing internal short circuits. Elevated temperatures inside the battery, whether from internal or external heat sources, can speed up chemical reactions and raise the risk of a fire.
Both manufacturers and consumers must take precautions to reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires in electric vehicles. Advanced Battery Management Systems (BMS) should be used by manufacturers to monitor and control battery conditions. These controls avoid overcharging, regulate charging and discharge, and keep an eye on cell temperatures to prevent thermal runaway. Users of electric vehicles should adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended charging procedures, stay out of severe temperatures while charging, and routinely check the batteries for obvious signs of wear, leakage, or anomalies.
Emergency Handling and Response
Knowing what to do in the event of a lithium-ion battery fire is essential for ensuring one’s safety and limiting damage. Put the security of others and yourself first. Call the emergency number and alert them about the issue. Lithium-ion battery fire management training allows firefighters to control the situation. Using water to put out a fire in a lithium-ion battery, as opposed to regular fire, may make things worse since water may react with the chemicals in the battery and make the fire worse.
Future Ideas and Regulatory Standards
As the use of electric vehicles increases, it is critical to enhance safety procedures. By 2030, the Biden Administration wants half of all new cars sold in the US to have zero emissions. While switching from gas-powered to electric vehicles greatly cuts greenhouse gas emissions, it also poses difficulties for firemen.
Although the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has acknowledged the need for safety improvement, it lacks the authority to enact laws that would safeguard first responders. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation, has such authority. Manufacturers of electric vehicles are required by NHTSA to implement certain safety precautions, such as safeguards against potential electric shock hazards. However, the management of electric vehicle fires is not currently covered by its regulations.
