India’s EV growth story has inspired many, and this industry is growing at an incredible pace, but what concerns us is whether we are learning from our setbacks. We’ve seen numerous electric vehicle failures, but EV fire has been one of the scariest. EV fire is more dangerous because it’s hard to extinguish using water, and our firefighters have minimal experience with EV-related fires.
Although EVs aren’t as vulnerable as ICE vehicles, if they do somehow catch fire, it’s hard to extinguish it. The EV fire is something to be addressed and crucial to be solved.
The fire in a showroom for electric scooters in Secunderabad, which resulted in multiple fatalities, is just one example of the potential risks associated with these vehicles. In this article, we will delve into the causes of electric scooter fires the inherent risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, and explore ways to minimise these risks to ensure the safety of riders.
Understanding the Lithium-Ion Batteries:
To comprehend why electric scooter fires occur, we must first understand the composition of the batteries that power these vehicles. Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in electric vehicles, smartphones, and laptops due to their high energy density and efficiency. Each battery consists of cells containing positive and negative terminals and an electrolyte. The flow of lithium ions within the battery allows for the storage and release of energy.
Vulnerability of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries have the potential to be both energy-efficient and vulnerable to fire and explosion. The highly flammable lithium electrolyte and the ability of the battery to overheat quickly contribute to the risks associated with these batteries. Overheating can lead to a phenomenon known as “thermal runaway,” where a chain reaction occurs within the battery, producing more heat and ultimately leading to a fire.
EV Safety Standards
Electric vehicle manufacturers recognise the importance of addressing the risks associated with battery fires. Rigorous safety testing is conducted to ensure the safe operation of electric vehicles. Certification agencies such as the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) perform tests to evaluate overcharge, short circuit, and vibration resistance. Additionally, intelligent Battery Management Systems (BMS) are implemented to monitor and control battery performance, reducing the likelihood of fires and explosions.
Factors Contributing to Electric Scooter Fires
Although electric cars and scooters utilise lithium-ion batteries, fires are more frequently reported in electric scooters. This discrepancy can be attributed to several factors.
Electric scooters generally need an inbuilt liquid cooling system and rely on air cooling, which may need to be improved in high ambient temperatures.
EV accident or battery puncher can cause the EV to have a mega thermal runaway.
Modifications and DIY Repairs: Unauthorized modifications or repairs by users can compromise the scooter’s safety features and contribute to fire hazards.
Furthermore, the battery management systems in scooters may not undergo the same testing and optimisation as those in cars. Real-time operational data and comprehensive testing are crucial for ensuring the safety of batteries in electric scooters.
The Role of Overcharging in Electric Scooter Fires
Overcharging is a common cause of battery fires, including those in electric scooters. When a battery is overcharged, excess current is pumped into it beyond its maximum capacity, resulting in the decomposition of battery materials and potentially resulting in a fire. Thermal abuse occurs when batteries are continuously operated at high temperatures and can also contribute to fire risk. Mechanical abuse, such as accidents that cause physical damage to the battery, is another factor to consider when assessing the risk of fires in electric scooters.
How to safeguard the EV battery:
So, as of now, you must have understood the reasons why EVs catch fire now. Let’s see how to safeguard them.
- Avoid Puncher or physical damage:
The biggest red flags for EV batteries are physical damages, punctures, and accidents. A lithium-ion battery instantly catches fire upon any physical damage.
- Proper Charging:
Back in 2022, an accident occurred where a man put his EV scooter on overnight charging, and for some reason, it caught fire, followed by a massive cloud of fumes. The sad part is all of this happened while the family was in deep slumber. The accident did suffer few casualties.
So, we can learn from this that proper charging is crucial for the battery. Use the original charger or company-defined charger, and although the EV chargers do have an auto-cut option but avoid overcharging manually.
- Overheating:
It’s rare, but if possible, please avoid EVs from overheating. Generally, batteries have the internal cooling feature, but sometimes, when the EVs are standing in extreme heat exposure they my catch fire.
- Let it cool:
Imagine yourself in this condition, you’re asked to run right after having your meal, won’t you feel weird? It’s the same with your vehicle. Let your EV rest and cool down after a long charging session. Using it ruggedly every day may not catch fire, but it can severely impact the battery life.
Ensuring Battery Safety:
To prevent or minimise the risks of electric scooter fires, manufacturers should focus on real-time testing of batteries under various conditions. By collecting and analysing data, manufacturers can develop Battery Management System (BMS) algorithms that optimise battery performance and safeguard against potential hazards. Implementing robust BMS algorithms based on real-time data can significantly reduce the risks associated with electric scooter fires.
The Significance of Battery Safety in Electric Scooters
It is essential to recognise that electric scooter fires pose a greater risk than fires in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. This is due to the significant amount of energy stored in electric scooter batteries, equivalent to powering an entire house for a whole day. Moreover, unlike traditional fires, water cannot extinguish electric scooter fires, making them particularly challenging to control. Therefore, ensuring battery safety is paramount in designing, manufacturing, and using electric scooters.
Conclusion
So, in the end, all I want to conclude is that Electric vehicles are ‘least’ prone to fire, but the moment it catches fire, it become an unstoppable ball of fire that can cause severe damage if not controlled.
So, we must work on solving such an issue. A possible solution to this issue can be training firefighters for such adverse conditions, and companies must install safety measures that can alert the rider before any major damage happens.
