If you have an electric vehicle, you should be aware of the risks that can result in an EV fire. Here are some simple but useful tips that you must follow
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Electric vehicles catching fire is nothing new and the latest addition to the list of EV fires is the Bajaj Chetak incident that took place in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra last week. A Bajaj Chetak electric scooter was found spewing smoke, possibly caused by a fire in the EV's battery pack. Bajaj Auto has started investigating the matter. The incident has reignited concerns about fire hazards associated with electric vehicles.
For decades, internal combustion engine (ICE) powered vehicles running on combustible fuels such as petrol and diesel have been known to be vulnerable to fire incidents. However, with the rapid rise of electric vehicles over the past few years, the vulnerabilities of electric vehicles to fire incidents have come to light. Yes, electric vehicles are not immune from fire incidents, even if they do not run on petrol or diesel.
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Fires in electric vehicles are not common, but they attract a lot of attention when they do happen. The main cause of EV fires is the high energy concentration in the battery pack, high voltage battery packs hold a lot of energy in a small area. If the battery pack is impacted, it can cause a short circuit inside, triggering a chain of events called thermal runaway, which results in the battery pack generating heat beyond its capacity, causing a fire. About 95 percent of electric vehicle battery fires are classified as ignition fires, while the remaining five percent result from vapor cloud explosions.
Various factors, such as physical damage due to accidents, manufacturing defects, battery failure, repair, arson, external fire, or overheating, can result in electric vehicle battery fire.
If you have an electric vehicle, you should be aware of the risks that can result in an EV fire. Here are some simple but useful tips that you should follow to prevent your electric vehicle from catching fire.
Wait for the EV to cool down before charging
It is not advisable to plug in an electric vehicle for charging immediately after finishing a trip, as lithium-ion cells for EVs are still hot when returned from the trip. After you finish your trip, make sure to let the battery cool down a bit before putting it back to charge. This can effectively cool the battery pack of the electric vehicle and protect the EV from fire.
avoid exposure to heat
Avoiding exposure to heat is a highly effective way to reduce the risk of fire in an electric vehicle. Prolonged exposure to the sun can be harmful to electric vehicles, as the heat from the sun's rays can trigger exothermic reactions and increase the heat inside the electric vehicle. Therefore, it is always advisable to avoid parking the EV in direct sunlight. If covered parking is not available, at least try to find shade.
Charge in an area with shade and proper ventilation
While charging, the lithium-ion battery pack in an electric vehicle heats up. Charging an EV in humid weather conditions can cause problems as it results in the formation of air and swelling of some of the battery cells. Therefore, it is recommended to charge the EV in a shady place and the charging area should have proper ventilation.
Driving habits matter
A driver's driving habits impact not only fuel efficiency but also the health of the vehicle. Careless driving on rough terrain can have a negative impact on the battery pack. Additionally, driving over nails, sharp stones, or other sharp objects may damage the battery pack. Just because you have a cool electric SUV doesn't mean you can take it offroading.
Use genuine OEM-provided charger
Using the correct charger is an important factor in ensuring the thermal safety of an electric vehicle. Buying an EV charger from the aftermarket can be disastrous as it may not be compatible and safe enough to work with your electric vehicle. Therefore, it is always recommended to use the genuine charger provided by the OEM.
Avoid draining out or overcharging
The battery pack is the most important component of an electric vehicle. Additionally, most fires in EVs originate from batteries. Experts recommend that the charge level of an EV battery should be between 20 to 80 percent. Make sure that the battery charge level does not drain completely as well as it is overcharged.
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First publication date: 09 December 2024, 10:52 AM IST