Analysis of Battery Fire Safety in Electric Vehicles: A Case Study in Indian Context

Over the last decade, the electric two vehicle (ETW) has significantly changed the Indian two-wheeler market, this has been possible with the percolation of new ideas and technology in the design and development of Li-ion batteries and its associated systems. These technologies have brought fire risk and hazard in electric vehicles (EV) because of high-energy density battery usage for their application. This review focuses on the latest fire-safety issues of electric two wheelers. The causes related to thermal runaway and fire in Li-ion batteries in Indian conditions is analyzed. Analysis indicate that thermal runaway occurs as a result of extreme abuse conditions related to overheating while charging, faulty circuit design and heated external environment. Other conditions include climate, accidents and mishandling by customers. Battery failure may lead to the release of toxic gas with fire and in some cases lead to explosion. The study further analyzed the reaction of customers towards this draw back of the electric two-wheeler. The study also provides a qualitative understanding of the fire risk and hazards associated with battery powered electric two wheelers on Indian customers. Important battery fire characteristics involved in various EV fire incidences in Indian condition were also analyzed. Weak points where the manufacturer needs to work upon along with a solution is provided in this research.