Hyundai Kona, Chevrolet Bolt, BMW i3, Tesla Model S. In the past, several car manufacturers have been forced to launch recall campaigns for some of their electric models. Reason, abnormally high risk of fire caused by sudden battery flash. However, despite these headlines, electric cars are much safer than their thermal counterparts. Gasoline or diesel cars even, according to a 2020 AutoInsuranceEZ study, 60 times more likely to catch fire ! Of concern are the reasons, often difficult to predict, that can cause a battery to catch fire. The main source of the problem is lithium batteries, suitable for most models on the market. How can such fires occur?

Fires that are difficult to control

The reason may be manufacturing defects for which the manufacturer is responsible. AND poor seal or faulty resistance may (among other things) cause an abnormal rise in temperature or cause a short circuit. the same improper lithium charging at the time of manufacture can create an overdose. The driver can also be the cause of the problem due to improper use of the battery. AND regular exposure to high temperatures on the caror fact charging it to 100% too often (not 80% as recommended) can, for example, damage the chemical structure of the battery. The problem with these electrical fires is that they happen often very hard to describe. A large amount of water is needed to extinguish the flames many firefighters are also not yet sufficiently trained. It is estimated that even a localized fire could flare up again after a few hours. Flooding (or even immersion) of the battery and it is recommended to closely monitor it for 24 hours…

Emergency socket for turning off the car

But it’s also important for firefighters to make sure the vehicle is turned off. It is implied that his engine is inactive and that he cannot move on his own ! It is to overcome this problem the Dutch company Total Safety Solutions created its “Emergency Plug” or “emergency plug”. This very simple system (but you had to think about it) is shaped like a classic charging cable tip. Except it obviously doesn’t send power to the vehicle. Instead, he makes her believe he’s connected, so what the on-board computer switches it to “neutral” or “parking” mode, ensuring its immobilization for the entire duration of the intervention. It is suitable for all standard sockets for the electric model (Type 2, CHAdeMO, CSS…). This system, which is already common in the Netherlands among several emergency services, could be common in Europe and even in the world…

Read also:

How do firefighters put out an electric car?

This transport company bans electric cars due to the fear of fire

Hyundai IONIQ: recall due to fire hazard