Linkages and Propagation Mechanisms of Risk Sources during Electric Vehicles Transportation

This study addresses safety issues in three representative logistics scenarios for electric vehicles (EVs) as cargo-car carriers, roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessels, and containers. To address the heterogeneity across these modes, we develop an integrated “process–spatiotemporal load–risk factor” framework that embeds operational steps and confinement conditions into the indicator system, overcoming the limitations of single-scenario or single-factor studies in explaining chain-type propagation. Building on process mapping and spatiotemporal load characteristics, we develop a risk indicator system spanning “person-equipment-transported object-operation & environment-system management.” Expert judgments are then analyzed using an integrated DEMATEL-ISM approach to quantify inter-factor linkages and transmission pathways. The results indicate that regulatory oversight and carrier-side emergency equipment constitute the deep root causes of thermal runaway. The most hazardous transmission route is “regulatory oversight, procedural compliance and skill-experience match”, while “battery type, road/sea conditions and hoisting impacts” forms the shortest path. These findings reveal weaknesses in management and equipment that are amplified by operational execution and limited personnel capability, ultimately precipitating severe transportation incidents.