By Priya Singh
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Updated On: 04-Apr-2023 12:12 PM
The following three steps can help prevent EV batteries from catching fire. You may take five major precautions to keep your EV battery from catching fire.
enThe following three steps can help prevent EV batteries from catching fire. You may take five major precautions to keep your EV battery from catching fire.
The fires incident in electric vehicles has been increasing, and as more fire stories emerge, the popularity of electric vehicles has declined. Hence, today, we've brought you an exclusive post that will not only help you understand the true cause of fire in electric vehicles but will also assist corporations in reducing incidences of fire in their batteries.
The electric vehicle market is exploding like never before, with nearly a new product being introduced every week. Although though electric vehicles are significantly safer and more cost-effective than ICE vehicles, vehicle fires are a source of concern, and the core reasons must be investigated.
Apart from technical flaws and manufacturing defects in batteries, the majority of instances can be attributed to personal negligence and a failure to take adequate safeguards. The majority of EV battery fires happen when the battery is damaged or punctured.
Few points to keep in Mind:
1. Employ high-quality or appropriate batteries for your electric vehicles.
Because the battery is the heart of the electric vehicle, it is critical that quality and standards be not compromised. It is preferable to utilize a Lithium Ion Phosphate (LFP) battery, which can be charged and discharged at higher rates than other types of batteries.
2. Avoid driving over pointy items.
While you cannot control the road circumstances, you should always take measures when driving, whether in a fuel or electric vehicle. If you hit a curb or a pothole while driving an electric vehicle, you could harm the battery.
If you notice any damage, take your EV to a certified electrician to have the battery tested and, if necessary, fixed. Driving over sharp things can be taxing on batteries.
3. Keep the Electric Vehicle in a cool, dry location.
Avoid parking in direct sunlight or leaving your EV in warm weather. If the EV is not in use, keep it in a garage or another cool and dry location. It is also critical to employ a battery cooling device to extend the life of the battery. One should also keep track of the cleanliness of batteries and ensure that they are free of dust and debris.
4. Prefer an EV charging station for battery recharge.
Always utilize a Level 2 charging station when charging the electric vehicle, as Level 1 chargers (i.e. conventional wall outlets) might take longer to charge the EV and emit heat, which can contribute to battery fires. Therefore, be sure you're using a charger built specifically for your EV vehicle. To avoid overcharging or harming the batteries, carefully follow the manufacturer's directions when charging them.
5. Recognize the battery's warning indicators
Keep an eye on your battery's charge level. Allowing your battery to become too low or too high can raise the risk of a fire. It is critical to monitor the battery's physical (or mental) health on a daily basis.
If you notice any sparks or smoke coming from your Electric Vehicle battery, fire is most likely already in progress. The cause could be overcharging or over-draining of the battery, therefore make sure to unplug the Electric Vehicle once it's fully charged.
It is best to avoid using damaged batteries. If a battery is defective, it may catch fire after a few weeks, so use batteries in good condition from reputable suppliers or brands. To avoid the macro effect, one should also be prepared with an emergency plan and post-fire measures.
One should understand how a fire extinguisher works and put a strategy in place so that one knows how to properly extinguish the fire in the appropriate time frame and protect themselves from danger. It's best to carry a fire extinguisher in your EV at all times, especially in passenger and freight vehicles that may have passengers or substantial weights on board at the time of the fire.
Electric vehicles require routine maintenance. Vehicles should always be serviced by qualified and certified mechanics in the vehicle showroom or major dealer shops.
Following these basic recommendations and precautions can keep EV batteries safe and prevents them from catching fire.