The incidents underscore a growing concern over the safety of electric vehicle batteries, particularly with the rise in their use for public transport and personal mobility.
Regulatory bodies may need to implement stricter guidelines and testing protocols for new battery technologies to prevent future incidents.
There may be increased scrutiny and potential regulatory changes regarding battery safety standards in the electric vehicle industry.
Manufacturers might invest more in research and development to enhance battery safety features and prevent thermal runaway incidents.
Two recent incidents involving electric vehicles highlight serious safety concerns related to battery technology. The first incident involved electric buses manufactured by the Bolloré group in Paris, where a manufacturing defect in the batteries led to fires in April 2022. The Bureau of Investigations on Land Transport Accidents (BEA-TT) concluded that a short circuit within the battery cells was the primary cause, stemming from improperly positioned insulation sheets during manufacturing. This defect resulted in a thermal runaway reaction, prompting the immediate withdrawal of 149 affected buses from service. The report emphasized the need for updated regulations to ensure adequate safety measures for innovative battery technologies, including thermal protection for electric bus roofs to facilitate passenger evacuation during emergencies.
In a separate incident, an electric bicycle rider in Israel had to jump off his bike when the battery suddenly caught fire while in motion. The bike was completely destroyed, raising alarms about the lack of warning systems for overheating batteries. The Fire Commission has noted that modifications to electric bicycles, such as tampering with speed controllers, can increase the risk of battery fires. They recommend strict adherence to safety protocols, including waiting after a battery has been hit before charging, avoiding overnight charging, and ensuring batteries are charged in safe locations away from living spaces. Additionally, consumers are advised to purchase batteries that meet recognized safety standards to mitigate fire risks.
