How to Prevent Electric Car Fire?

As an environmentally friendly and energy-saving means of transportation, electric vehicles have attracted more and more attention and favor. However, they are facing an increasing risk of electric car fire due to battery-related issues.

Causes of Electric Car Fire:

The main cause of electric car fire comes from the vehicle’s battery. Because the battery is affected by factors such as impact, extrusion, and overcharging, it may catch fire.

Battery Thermal Runaway:

Compared with other batteries such as lead-acid batteries, although lithium-ion batteries have higher energy density and higher voltage, their electrolyte components and electrode materials are more likely to burn. Therefore, lithium-ion batteries are more likely to self-ignite. Battery self-ignition results from thermal runaway caused by incidents like internal short circuits, high current discharges, or overcharging, generating significant heat internally. As the battery system reaches high temperatures, it triggers physical and chemical processes that lead to thermal runaway, compounded by the flammable electrolyte, potentially resulting in vehicle fires.

① Safe Charging: Avoid overcharging by managing charging time and frequency according to battery instructions to prevent overcharging, undercharging, or long-term fast charging.

② Safety Checks and Timely Maintenance: After external collisions, it is recommended to have the vehicle checked for safety at the dealership to ensure the battery and other components are intact. Regularly inspect and maintain vehicle wiring, power batteries, and motors, even without collisions, to ensure all vehicle systems are functioning properly.

③ Clearing Items in High-Temperature Weather: In hot weather, high temperatures inside vehicles can turn flammable and explosive items into fire hazards. Therefore, do not place lighters, perfumes, or sunscreens inside vehicles. Additionally, items like reading glasses that can concentrate sunlight should not be left on dashboards or control panels exposed to sunlight.

④ Proper Parking to Reduce Exposure: Park in shaded areas whenever possible. Parking quality rankings from best to worst are: underground parking > indoor parking > shaded areas of high-rise buildings > under trees > exposed dirt surfaces > exposed concrete surfaces. Choosing a shaded parking spot can greatly reduce sun exposure. For electric vehicles with sunroofs, slightly opening them can promote air circulation inside and outside the electric vehicle, reducing interior temperatures.

What to Do When Catches an Electric Car Fire?

① Do Not Attempt to Extinguish Fire: Electric vehicle fires are intense and often occur at the rear battery area. Due to the specialized nature and potential danger, it is not recommended for individuals to attempt extinguishing the fire themselves or use traditional methods meant for gasoline vehicles to control the fire, as this could cause harm.

② Keep Away from the EV and Call for Help: Upon discovering an electric vehicle fire, EV owners and pedestrians should immediately move away from the EV and call emergency services at 119. Provide details about the EV’s make and model to the fire rescue personnel for proper handling. Do not attempt to extinguish the fire independently.

③ Risk of Re-Ignition: During firefighting operations, electric vehicle batteries are prone to re-ignition. Even after the fire appears to be out, it’s advised that EV owners avoid returning to the EVs to prevent potential risks.

④ Avoid Poisoning: Battery will produces toxic smoke when burning, so it is necessary to prevent inhalation of toxic gases such as hydrogen fluoride and hydrogen cyanide emitted after the battery is burned.