After the news of fire in smartphones, now incidents of fire in two-wheeler electric vehicles have also started coming to the fore. Let us tell you that in the last few days, there have been sudden fires in electric vehicles like Ola, Okinawa and Pure EV. In such a situation, questions are now being raised on the safety issues related to vehicles. After these incidents, it is important for you to know why the electric vehicle battery catches fire and how to avoid them?
Actually EVs are powered by lithium-ion batteries. Which are used in cellphones and smartwatches. These are generally considered efficient and lighter in comparison to that kind. However they can also pose a fire hazard. In recent times, some incidents have also come to the fore regarding this.
From electric cars to smartphones to laptops, lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are the most popular batteries today. Which is being used in millions of consumer electronics devices around the world. Li-ion batteries can typically store 150 watt-hours per kilogram compared to lead-acid batteries. For this reason, an electric car equipped with a Li-ion battery will have a greater driving range.
What could be the reasons for the fire: The exact cause of the fire in Ola and Okinawa electric vehicles is not yet known. Because about the fire, the companies say that the matter is being investigated. However, Okinawa said that its initial investigation based on “reliable sources, media and local authorities” showed that short-circuiting caused the fire in its scooter due to negligence in charging.
Industry experts believe that there can be many reasons for the fire. These batteries may be at risk of fire as a result of a stress such as vibration on the battery, an electric short, or a failure in the battery management system. Apart from this, fire can also occur due to power short.
Here are some pointers before a Lithium-Ion battery catches fire. For example, the battery may feel too hot or swell. In addition, the color of the battery may change or become discolored. Smoke may start coming out. After which fire can happen.
Some methods of protection: If you drive an electric vehicle, avoid putting it on charge immediately. This is because the lithium-ion cells inside the battery are very hot during that time. Try letting the battery cool down then charge it. If your vehicle has a detachable battery, charge it by detaching it from the vehicle.
Apart from this, use only the appropriate battery of the vehicle. Do not use cheap local batteries. This can cause damage to the electric vehicle. Use the charging cable that came with the EV. Avoid using the battery if it gets too hot frequently.