With the invention of electric vehicles (EVs), the automotive industry was improved because these vehicles are seen as a greener alternative than gasoline-powered vehicles. As more EV are adopted, there are concerns regarding “EV battery” fire. Unlike conventional automotive fires, lithium-ion powered fires are tough to put out, even for experienced firefighters.

So what makes fires involving lithium-ion batteries challenging? To answer this question, we need to understand the risks it poses, its causes, and the possible solutions.

Why Are “EV Battery” Fires So Dangerous?

“EV Battery” fires are more difficult to extinguish and put out as compared to gasoline powered vehicles. However, “EV Battery” fires do have their challenges:

1. Extremely High Temperatures

As an EV battery fire burns, it can exceed 482 degrees celsius in mere seconds. The heat does not stop there, it will spread to nearby cars, buildings, and even responders aiding to the incident.

2. Thermal Runaway – A Chain Reaction

“EV Battery” fires exhibit one of the most dangerous fires, thermal runaway. Thermal runaway occurs when surrounding battery cells activate due to overheating of one battery cell. This causes a chain reaction to occur.

After it has reached a certain temperature, most of the internal battery cells will burn out, but mostly all of them will be impossible to stop until then.

3. “Reignition Risk” – Concealed Fires

Even when an “EV Battery” fire has been extinguished, there is still a great chance of reignition. Most electric vehicles are extremely unpredictable and hazardous to first responders and tow operators due to some of them reigniting hours or even days after a fire was put out.

What Causes ‘EV Battery’ Fires?

Although EVs are likely safe most of the time, there are some factors that can lead to an “EV Battery” fire:

1. Manufacturing Defects

Battery cells that are defective within the ”EV Battery” cannot be shut down and tend to overheat or short circuit. In the past, manufacturers such as Tesla, Chevrolet, and Hyundai have had to issue recalls due to the fire risks the battery causes.

2. High-Impact Collisions

A crash can be serious enough that it might cause internal short circuits, ruining the ”EV Battery.” The most worrying thing is that damage is not immediately visible so it becomes a hidden fire hazard.

3. Using a Damaged Charger or Charging an ‘EV Battery’ Beyond Its Recommended Capacity

Ditching your charger and trying to charge an “EV Battery” using a damaged charger could lead to excessive heat being built up and if not shut down could cause fires.

4. Exposure to Extreme Temperatures

An “EV Battery” integrity can be impacted greatly due to overexposure of extreme heat or cold.

Extreme heat can result in overheating of batteries while fires can erupt when freezing ailments are warmed up due to internal damage caused by freezing temperatures.

How Are Firemen Managing “EV Battery” Fires?

Unlike gasoline fires, “EV Battery” fires can not be extinguished using normal methods of firefighting. Normal firefighting techniques are not effective as water does nothing and lithium-ion batteries catch fire.

1. The Brutal Reality – Let It Burn!

At times, firefighters need to rely on “Let It Burn” as a last resort strategy which takes hours or even days. Doing so minimizes risk that responders are exposed to, but can result to damage that is worse than what already is there.

2. Putting The Whole Vehicle Under Water

A number of fire departments have taken to using a strategy where the overheating EV is put in a water tank. This is done to cool the “EV Battery” or lower it to a state where reignition is not and prevent the fire from being restarted. Doing so is not situation appropriate so it is advisable to use this technique with caution.

3. Using Special Blankets Made For EM Fires

Fire resistant blankets specifically designed to extinguish “EV Battery” fires are on their way to becoming the norm. They can aid in stopping the spread of fire but thermal runaway won’t be prevented so they are not efficient.

4. Educating Firefighters For EV Exclusives Fires

There are more fire departments that now have a more focused way of dealing with “EV Battery” fires due to the increase in the adoption of EVs.

This involves studying the design of batteries, practicing on cooling systems, and using specially designed fire extinguishing materials.

Are “EV Battery” Fires Avoidable?

1. Advanced Battery Technology

Researchers are developing new types of batteries like solid-state batteries, which are less likely to catch fire or overheat. These might eventually take the place of standard lithium-ion batteries.

2. Improved Battery Management Systems (BMS)

BMS avoids overcharging, overheating or any other faults that might cause a fire risk which is the most advanced health monitoring system of an “EV Battery” pack. The technology of the BMS itself can lower the frequency of these fire hazards.

3. Better Crash Protection for Batteries

Car manufacturers are developing stronger “EV Battery” and EVs battery packs designs that endure impacts during accidents. This includes reinforced cases, integrated fire walls, whilst securing the battery to safer zones in the vehicle.

4. Public Awareness & Safe Charging Practices

Teaching EV users about safe charging practices, the problems with installing modifications, and even vehicle maintenance will drastically decrease chances of fires not only in vehicles but for public safety as well.

Are We Ready for the Future of EVs?

It is very important at this point, with the constant growing use of EVs, to cover the dangers of “EV Battery” fires.

Manufacturers and fire departments are working towards enhanced safety, but more work is still needed. Preventing and controlling “EV Battery” fires depends on innovation, public training, and awareness.

Conclusion

As transportation advances, so do our challenges, but with new battery technology, improved response systems, and an informed public, EVs can be a lot safer.