Electric vehicle fires have been a growing concern in recent years, with reports of incidents involving burning EV batteries making headlines. However, it’s important to note that such fires are rare and that electric vehicles are actually less likely to catch fire compared to their gas-powered counterparts. This is due to the presence of battery management systems in EVs, which help monitor and control the temperature and performance of the battery cells.
When an EV is involved in a crash or accident that damages the battery, a fire may start through a phenomenon known as thermal runaway. EV batteries are made up of multiple smaller batteries, or cells, that are packed closely together. If one cell experiences a chemical reaction that generates heat, it can ignite the adjacent cells, resulting in the entire battery catching fire.
Greg Less, director of the University of Michigan’s Battery Lab, categorizes EV battery fires into two main types: accidents and manufacturing defects. Accidents can include collisions that puncture the battery or charging mishaps. These types of fires are not specific to electric vehicles and can occur in any vehicle involved in an accident. On the other hand, fires caused by manufacturing defects are relatively rare but can be more worrisome since they seem to happen randomly.
Manufacturing defects in EV batteries can occur when there is a flaw in the engineering process, causing a cell to short circuit and generate heat. As the heat increases, the liquid electrolyte inside the cell evaporates and creates a gas, eventually leading to a fire or explosion. Recent high-profile EV fires in South Korea have been attributed to these types of defects.
In the event that an EV catches fire, it’s important for drivers to know how to react. The National Fire Prevention Agency advises pulling over to a safe location away from the main road, turning off the engine, and evacuating the vehicle immediately. It’s crucial not to attempt to extinguish the flames oneself, as the fire is a chemical fire and requires specialized equipment to be safely put out. First responders may opt to let the battery burn itself out or use large amounts of water to extinguish the fire.
Even after the initial fire is put out, there is a chance for the battery to reignite, so it’s important to remain at a safe distance and wait for the fire department to arrive and assess the situation. The undamaged portions of the battery can still pose risks, such as electric shock or the potential for the vehicle to reignite.
Looking ahead, researchers are exploring ways to make EV batteries even safer. One promising development is the use of solid-state batteries, which offer greater thermal stability compared to lithium-ion batteries. Solid-state batteries eliminate the flammable liquid electrolyte, making them less prone to catching fire. However, there are still challenges to overcome in terms of producing large-scale solid-state batteries for EVs.
In conclusion, while EV battery fires do occur, they are relatively rare and electric vehicles are actually safer than gas-powered vehicles in terms of fire hazards. The presence of battery management systems and advancements in battery technology, such as solid-state batteries, contribute to improving the safety and reliability of electric vehicles.
Source link
