As in gasoline or diesel vehicles, the electric car that runs on batteries is also exposed to fire. In recent times, there have been some cases of ecological vehicles that have suffered a fire as a result of an accident where firefighters have had to face a really complex situation.
The reality is that this is a fear that most who least have the first users who are going to go to this class of cars. Especially after some cases have occurred recently. But what is really with her? Is the risk greater with this type of vehicle than with a conventional one?
Battery failures, the main source of fire in an electric car
But let's go in parts. As you know, the main component present in most of the electric ones on the market is the lithium-ion battery, made up of small individual cells where the electricity is stored. These cells are made up of two electrodes and a lithium salt, a highly conductive electrolyte liquid that is necessary for energy to pass from one electrode to another.
Different studies have been carried out on the possible causes of these fires. At this time, it is not that a clear conclusion has been given, but some clues. One of them is that most fires occur when the electrical system is working, either running or when it works in the opposite direction, that is, recharging. But spontaneous combustion can also occur with the car parked and turned off.
Likewise, the failures and short circuits of a fire on an electric car are unfortunate accidents that can occur in any place and context, creating real risk situations for drivers and emergency services, and firefighters, who must know very well how to extinguish the fire, since each type of fire has specific needs.
Beware of excess temperatures and rapid recharges
Putting out the fire and the fire of an electric car is totally different from doing it in a gasoline or diesel one. This is because the structure of the battery can be damaged and what is known as thermal runaway can occur, which causes overheating and all the elements begin to burn, including the ion cells.
Yes, it is true that the battery packs are perfectly protected against possible impacts, but when some particular conditions occur, this reaction occurs, without the need for a previous flame. Because if fuel and oxygen have to exist in traditional combustion, a battery can burn without oxygen, since it has enough gas inside to generate an explosion and subsequent fire.
There are also a multitude of factors that can influence the possible fire of a battery of this type. For starters, the outside temperature. If it is summer and it is very hot, you have to be especially careful. Although the main danger is represented by fast chargers, which use direct current and operate at higher power. This subjects the system to very high temperatures, which ends up being dangerous, even with the preheating that many electric cars carry out.
Of course, it is important to mention that this type of fire is usually more violent than if it occurs with a conventional car, be it gasoline or diesel. It is for this reason that it is never convenient to throw water on lithium batteries, as it will only make the catastrophe worse.
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