Lithium battery fires

[Ridge Runner]

Putting out the fire


For the fire brigade, the real problem when it comes to an EV fire is with trying to put it out.
The services have two main options, let the fire burn out or extinguish it.

The obvious choice seems to be to extinguish the fire, however many EV manufacturers actually advise for a controlled burn. This is where the fire services allow the vehicle to burn out while they focus on protecting the surrounding area.

Once the fire has been successfully put out, the problem for the fire brigade is not over.

Electric vehicle fires are known to reignite hours, days or even weeks after the initial event, and they can do so many times.

Not only does this pose a safety issue, but it also poses a legal issue: recovery firms are increasingly concerned about dealing with electric vehicles.

https://www.bedsfire.gov.uk/Community-safety/Road-safety/Fire-in-Electric-Vehicles.aspx
https://textechindustries.com/blog/how-do-you-extinguish-a-lithium-battery-fire/

 

[Capertee gold]

Was listening to an expert on energy this morning about EV,s
He mentioned that a college of his from the university has just had to replace the battery in his 7 year old Tesla at a cost of over 40 grand ,and a week later his wife's car died too ,he's reaction was that the wife's car can just sit in the garage now for a few years ,.they were not short of money either apparently, They also mentioned now with massive increases in fuel ,electricity and manufacturing,.
That the standard Ev now no be completely out of reach of everyday people that's if they can even afford the raw materials and the power cost to even manufacture these cars now could be up 300%

 

[Mackka]

Interesting CG as only yesterday I was looking at a new hybrid and wondering what the cost of replacing the batteries would be and can it run on petrol alone? I will do my research. Mackka

 

[user 4386]

Was listening to an expert on energy this morning about EV,s
He mentioned that a college of his from the university has just had to replace the battery in his 7 year old Tesla at a cost of over 40 grand ,and a week later his wife's car died too ,he's reaction was that the wife's car can just sit in the garage now for a few years ,.they were not short of money either apparently, They also mentioned now with massive increases in fuel ,electricity and manufacturing,.
That the standard Ev now no be completely out of reach of everyday people that's if they can even afford the raw materials and the power cost to even manufacture these cars now could be up 300%

Apparently you can get reconditioned ones for a couple of thou, with a couple of years warranty but likely to last longer than that. But what you say sounds correct for new,,,,

 

[Ridge Runner]

So you spend over 100K on a vehicle and every few years you have to spend 40+k on new batteries, No wonder Elon Musk always has a stupid Grin on his Face.

He sells a car and down the track you pay him all over agian, I think Not.

If a person is trying to be Ozone friendly then you could cut vehicle emissions by 60 to 70% just by fitting LPG to a Diesel or Petrol powered car/vehicle which really is the Original Hybrid, I had Twin 80L LPG tanks fitted to my F-350 back in 87, It dosen't give you anywhere near the fuel range Petrol does and you loose 10 to 15% of the power but it is easier on the pocket and gives you a bit of extended range, This is what I am now looking to add to my already massive fuel range.

 

[user 4386]

Those Lithium home batteries that are recharged from your solar could also catch on fire. :N:

"Modern setups have a solar controller. These in-line devices are sometimes called solar regulators. They monitor the energy level of the battery and decrease or shut off power from the solar panel".

 

[Moneybox]

So you spend over 100K on a vehicle and every few years you have to spend 40+k on new batteries, No wonder Elon Musk always has a stupid Grin on his Face.

He sells a car and down the track you pay him all over agian, I think Not.

If a person is trying to be Ozone friendly then you could cut vehicle emissions by 60 to 70% just by fitting LPG to a Diesel or Petrol powered car/vehicle which really is the Original Hybrid, I had Twin 80L LPG tanks fitted to my F-350 back in 87, It dosen't give you anywhere near the fuel range Petrol does and you loose 10 to 15% of the power but it is easier on the pocket and gives you a bit of extended range, This is what I am now looking to add to my already massive fuel range.

They had a big push on LPG conversions back in the 90s but these days most of the bowsers have gone. You really have to do your homework on fuel supplies before leaving home.

 

[Jaros]

Very true Phil.

 

[Ridge Runner]

They had a big push on LPG conversions back in the 90s but these days most of the bowsers have gone. You really have to do your homework on fuel supplies before leaving home.

Yeah it seems to of gone out of style here too,

 

[David-Karratha]

Newer battery types, look like not being anywhere near as likely to be dangerous (or prone to fires). They’re also looking at scenarios where your vehicle battery does 8-10 years service in your car, and then is re-used as grid-storage for your house (for something like another 10-15 years).

Things are changing, but not terribly fast.

 

[EVIE/BEE]

Most of the Lipo batteries i have bought are advertised to have overcharging protection. I've never had a problem.

So what is overcharging protection?

 

[grubstake]

Most of the Lipo batteries i have bought are advertised to have overcharging protection. I've never had a problem.

So what is overcharging protection?

It's miniaturised electronic components and firmware making up a Battery Management System (BMS), that controls the operation and usage of the battery to safeguard it from overcharging, faulty cells, unsafe temperatures, etc:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battery_management_system

 

[Ridge Runner]

I think a lot of the info out there is based on batteries that were made a few years ago or because of compaies selling batteries that are old Tech, I have at leased 4 SoGens and neither one has given me cause for alarm even in 40 and 50*+ heat in the Van as well as in temps down to -8 and -10*c and below, Since I fitted Thermal Shades in the Van I haven't seen the temp in the Van get above 40* +/- Even though the ambient temp hit over 40*c this summer..

EV vehicle batteries are a differant matter because in an accident they can be exposed to Impact or being punctured or even just shorting out.

 

[EVIE/BEE]

After the FLORIDA floods.
EV'S can short out weeks after coming into contact with salt water.

 

[user 4386]

After the FLORIDA floods.
EV'S can short out weeks after coming into contact with salt water.

View attachment 5534

While I have a few reservations myself, I do feel that the media finds burning EV car photos sell. The issue here is not so much for the owner - their car is stuffed, same as in a bushfire etc, - it is the safety of subsequent handling of the wreck that is important. I imagine that will be improved with time (tow truck system to drop battery out underneath)? I still feel the real issue for a driver is the probability of their EV burning compared with their hydrocarbon car. And the probability of it occurring in their garage. They are claiming it is less likely with an EV but they are still glossing over other issues at this stage, so I will waitb and see.

 

[Ridge Runner]

While I have a few reservations myself, I do feel that the media finds burning EV car photos sell. The issue here is not so much for the owner - their car is stuffed, same as in a bushfire etc, - it is the safety of subsequent handling of the wreck that is important. I imagine that will be improved with time (tow truck system to drop battery out underneath)? I still feel the real issue for a driver is the probability of their EV burning compared with their hydrocarbon car. And the probability of it occurring in their garage. They are claiming it is less likely with an EV but they are still glossing over other issues at this stage, so I will waitb and see.

If they do catch fire that often then it wouldn't pay to own one out in the bush, A person could get in some serious trouble if their vehicle started a Bush Fire.

 

[Moneybox]

Toyota are using nickel metal hydride batteries in some of the vehicles. Are they safer?

 

[user 4386]

If they do catch fire that often then it wouldn't pay to own one out in the bush, A person could get in some serious trouble if their vehicle started a Bush Fire.

Hardly be your fault - but the real question is, are they more likely to do it than petrol cars. I had trouble with a bushfire in WA started by a 4x4 going up in smoke along with all its jerries of fuel (spinifex caught beneath car i n its suspension ignited). The point being that fires occur - but what is more likely?

 

[Ridge Runner]

Hardly be your fault - but the real question is, are they more likely to do it than petrol cars. I had trouble with a bushfire in WA started by a 4x4 going up in smoke along with all its jerries of fuel (spinifex caught beneath car i n its suspension ignited). The point being that fires occur - but what is more likely?

Thats why people should stop every couple of hours to check if any spinifex and built up underneath the vehicle, That Natal grass is another pain too,

 

[user 4386]

Thats why people should stop every couple of hours to check if any spinifex and built up underneath the vehicle, That Natal grass is another pain too,

I did so daily - they were coming in the opposite direction in a brand new Discovery and had not checked.