An EV battery is made up of over a thousand (often 5-9000) cylindrical batteries – number depending on required total power and also on cell type. Lithium ion batteries are chemically vulnerable to heat and/ or damage. A single cell can experience a thermal runaway, emitting a highly toxic and flammable gas. The chemical reaction also generates its own oxygen to sustain the fire which is why it is highly resistant to conventional extinguishing by smothering and oxygen denial. The single cell fire causes a chain reaction igniting all other cells within the overall battery protective casing the gas will seek any escape and often causes a flame thrower effect affecting adjacent cars.
In Germany, a brand new fire station housing 13 brand new electric fire engines was completely destroyed, which is more than a little ironic.
another Ro Ro car transporter caught fire off Rotterdam and burned for several weeks before being towed into port. There was a video of MB EVs being craned off and immersed in a giant skip of water as a precaution. Another MB burned 140 cars in a Korean underground car park, and was not being charged.
media often report that Diesel cars caused the Luton fire and others. Hmm.
roll on new tech and solid state batteries.
PS the Azores loss was blamed on a Porsche Taycan, obviously not being charged and on board were Bentleys and Lamborghini Aventadors. The factory had to restart the production that had ended. An expensive event for VAG with the court case yet to be settled.
