Although the recent Tesla fires in Las Vegas were started intentionally and are currently under investigation, the incident serves as a reminder of just how dangerous EV fires can be if not swiftly gotten under control.
The bottom line is that regardless of how they start, EV battery fires are incredibly difficult to put out and can have catastrophic consequences. And for commercial vehicle shops, where lithium-ion batteries are increasingly present, the risk of fire should be taken seriously.
Uncharted territory
The proliferation of EVs, and the large batteries required to power them, has provided a new fire hazard in commercial vehicle shop environments.
“When [an EV] does catch fire, it is significantly worse than your normal gasoline or diesel engine,” explained Lt. Philip Roche with the Bethel Fire Department in South Carolina, “everything from the amount of water needed to the toxic fumes that are released from the lithium-ion batteries.”
The relative recency of the technology has also presented a unique challenge, with fire departments still learning the best way to deal with these fires.
“Unfortunately, I will tell you that where we are in the fire service, every day is a new educational day when it comes to lithium-ion batteries,” explained Capt. Mike Daley, chief training officer and fire officer with Fire Service Performance Concepts.
With the variety and size of battery playing a factor in how it’s dealt with, there is no surefire method of extinguishing them.
“Some departments have even gone to the lengths of calling in a rollback with a dumpster and crane system, filling up the dumpster with water, submerging the EV, and transporting back to the tow yard,” Roche continued. “In some cases, the EVs even caught fire back at the tow yard.”
Managing EV fire risk
However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t precautions technicians and managers can take. Ensuring that all manufacturer guidelines are followed in regards to charging, operation, and repair is the best bet.
“Storing them properly, handling them with care, and avoiding extreme temperatures” is key, Beltran stressed, along with proper charging and disposal.
Shops should consider investing in specialized storage cabinets for smaller hand-held devices and larger battery equipment, like the asecos lithium-ion charging cabinet, which provides 90-minute fire protection from the outside in and inside out.
“Li-ion batteries pose a new threat. As the world gets more electrified, the use and storage of Li-ion batteries should be included in companies’ safety evaluations,” emphasized Steve Eyer, engineering systems national sales manager at safety container provider Denios.
About the Author
Lucas Roberto
Lucas Roberto is an Associate Editor for Fleet Maintenance magazine. He has written and produced multimedia content over the past few years and is a newcomer to the commercial vehicle industry. He holds a bachelor's in media production and a master's in communication from High Point University in North Carolina.
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