Today, lithium batteries are used in many electric vehicles:
- Cars of all sizes;
- Bicycles;
- Scooters;
- Buses;
- Scooters, etc.
As rechargeable, they have a higher energy density than lead-acid batteries. They’re also lighter, smaller, more powerful, and faster to recharge.
In the event of a fire, lithium batteries burn until the stored energy is completely released. This can lead to explosions and further damage to people and property, especially in the case of thermal runaway. As a result, fires are often impressive, even if they are rare. But their intensity leaves a lasting impression, not least because they are difficult for firefighters to control. Here are some explanations to help you better understand this phenomenon.
Lithium battery: very low risk of fire
When an electric vehicle fire happens, it often makes headlines in the media and on social networks because of its spectacular nature. However, the risk of fire is relatively low if a lithium battery is stored, handled and used properly. But it can’t be ruled out completely, because it can:
- have technical defects;
- Be lectrical overload;
- Damaged in a collision, for example, resulting in a short circuit;
- thermal overload due to the presence of external heat or power sources.
Lithium batteries also pose a risk of thermal runaway in the event of a fire because they contain electrolytes.
What are the main causes of a fire outbreak?
A lithium battery fire in an electric vehicle can be caused by:
- An external or internal short circuit (e.g. due to the use of an inappropriate charger);
- Mechanical damage caused by a fall, accident or crushing;
- Overheating.
It should also be noted that a lithium battery fire does not always occur immediately after a mechanical shock. It may occur up to 72 hours later.
Rugged Fire Control for Firefighters
Absolument ! Voici une traduction en anglais de votre texte, en essayant de conserver le sens et le ton originaux :
“When properly used and maintained, a lithium battery is no more dangerous than any other component. However, the risk of fire should not be overlooked because there is a major problem today: firefighters cannot quickly extinguish a burning electric vehicle. They must wait for the battery to finish burning due to the production of oxygen.
In fact, when it catches fire, some of its components release gaseous oxygen as they decompose. And this oxygen feeds the flames. Therefore, as long as the battery produces it, it sustains the fire, which poses another problem: an increase in its temperature, which releases excess heat, which in turn is responsible for thermal runaway. A real chain reaction, in other words.