Despite the fact that electric cars are frequently hailed as being greener, there are worries regarding their general safety. Those who keep up with the news are interested in learning the reality. You may have seen the advertisements proclaiming EVs to be the way of the future, but are they actually secure?
Are Electric Vehicle Batteries Environmentally Safe?
As more individuals look for ways to lessen their impact on the environment, EV sales have been trending. However, some people are concerned that the EV batteries may be harmful to the environment. EV batteries aren’t as bad for the environment as you might believe due to advances in manufacture and disposal techniques.
EV batteries are made up of a variety of components, including as lithium, cobalt, and nickel metals. Since all of these resources are extracted from the soil, there is a chance that the mining process will harm the ecosystem. However, leftover components from previous electric car batteries are also used to make EV batteries. The technology for recycling EV batteries is still under development, but it is improving over time. It’s encouraging to hear that the problem is being addressed.
The components of an EV battery that have reached the end of their useful lives can be removed and repurposed to create new batteries. This lessens the demand for mining and its negative effects on the environment. EV batteries are generally not harmful to the environment. In fact, they might even help. More electric vehicle batteries will be recycled as more people use EVs. This will contribute to a complete decrease in mining demand.
Do EV Batteries Easily Catch Fire?
EV fires can happen when charging, in collisions, or if the battery is defective. According to a study by EV Fire Safe, the likelihood of your passenger vehicle battery catching fire is 0.0012%, which is considerably less likely than you might think. There were 104 confirmed instances of EVs igniting worldwide, it was discovered. Investigations are still ongoing in 24 cases.
The majority of fire occurrences in the 10-year research from 2010 to 2020 happened in 2020, when market shares were at 4.3%. This was probably caused by the increase in EVs on the road. Statistics show that occurrences will rise as more EVs are sold. The emphasis is still on probability ratios, which are still inferior to gasoline-powered cars.
Charger Fires EVs
Fires caused by EV charging occur because recharging an EV generates heat, and if there is no ventilation, the heat can build up and result in a fire. An EV’s charging process produces heat, which can be released into the atmosphere. This implies that anything around that is combustible will catch fire if the air in this area is heated. It’s crucial to always keep charging stations clear before attempting to charge your EV because of this.
A charging point may release smoke while an EV is being charged, particularly if there is heavy energy use. If you smell burning while using your home charging station, the battery in your car may have been overcharged. Due to the fact that electric vehicles require charging in order to maintain proper operation, this is one of the most frequent concerns about them.
Your home needs to go through a few procedures to become EV-ready. Your home’s EV charging system must be capable of safely handling the current flow needed for a complete charge. even when the EV is turned on and plugged in. Your home EV charging system needs to: to reduce the danger of charging problems and fires.
be set up by a licenced electrician
Utilize direct current (DC) electricity
meets UL listed requirements
Lightning protection must be provided for UL certified standards.
be placed in a weather-resistant environment
Establish a special outlet (not shared with other devices)
Chargers over 60 amps require a separate disconnect in addition to the circuit breaker.
Install a reliable surge protector capable of withstanding large surge currents.
Visit usfa.fema.gov for additional safety recommendations for EV home charging.
EV Fires During Impact
Comparing electric vehicles to gasoline and hybrid vehicles, they present a lower crash risk. Even still, because they are difficult to put out a fire, EVs are quite deadly if they do. EVs are more likely to catch fire in a collision, according to a study from the American Insurance Association (AIA).
According to Larson Law Firm, there are actually more fires per 100,000 sales of hybrids, including:
3,474 fires per 100K sales of hybrid cars
1,529 fires per 100,000 sales of gas automobiles
25 fires per 100,000 electric vehicle sales.
According to Tripplo CEO Axel Hernborg on the same subject, AutoInsuranceEZ:
Electric vehicles are less likely to catch fire than gasoline-powered vehicles, but because lithium-ion battery packs are used, the length and intensity of the fires can make them much harder to put out. It can be challenging to keep lithium-ion batteries cool. The batteries can produce enough heat to re-ignite even after appearing to be out for 24 hours.
Additionally, lithium-ion batteries are not as strong as other battery kinds. As a result, if they are not properly maintained, they could catch fire. With its new Blade battery, Chinese EV manufacturer BYD appears to have the answer EV manufacturers have been searching for. The battery is heat- and crush-resistant, according to BYD, and is the first of its kind. Tesla intends to incorporate this ground-breaking battery into its Model Y. Lithium-ion batteries may soon be obsolete thanks to the Blade, ushering in a safer EV future.
Consumer Education and Technology Support EV Safety
Typically, a battery issue or a poor charging environment result in an EV fire. If the car is properly maintained and the battery is not damaged, EV fires can be avoided. Electric vehicles are equally safe as those powered by internal combustion engines, according to numerous studies. EVs will become further safer as safer batteries are produced and as awareness of safe charging practises rises. The EV market has advanced significantly. As consumers adopt a more environmentally sensitive mindset and purchase more EVs, technological advancements will continue to advance.
