--CNN profile on China's BYD:
https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/26/cars/china-byd-profile-tesla-rival-intl-hnk/index.html
--META on electric vehicle fires:
Electric vehicles; is catching fire a real possibility for the battery in an electric car in a collision?
Yes, catching fire is a possibility for the battery in an electric vehicle (EV) in the event of a collision. However, it's relatively rare and manufacturers have implemented various safety measures to minimize the risk.
Causes of EV Battery Fires
Thermal runaway: Overheating of the battery cells can cause a chain reaction, leading to a fire.
Physical damage: Severe impact or penetration of the battery pack can cause short circuits or damage to the cells.
Electrical faults: Malfunctions in the electrical system, such as faulty wiring or connectors, can cause overheating or sparks.
Safety Measures
Reinforced battery packs: Manufacturers use protective casing and reinforced materials to prevent damage to the battery cells.
Cooling systems: Many EVs have built-in cooling systems to regulate battery temperature and prevent overheating.
Safety protocols: Modern EVs have sophisticated safety protocols, such as automatic shutdown and emergency cooling, to prevent or mitigate fires.
Testing and certification: EVs must meet strict safety standards and undergo rigorous testing, including crash tests, to ensure compliance.
Real-World Data
While fires can and do occur, the data suggests that EVs are no more prone to fires than gasoline-powered vehicles:
A study by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) found that EVs are involved in fewer fires per mile traveled than gasoline-powered vehicles.
Data from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that EVs have a lower rate of fires per vehicle mile traveled than gasoline-powered vehicles.
Conclusion
While the risk of an EV battery fire in a collision exists, it's relatively low. Manufacturers have implemented robust safety measures, and real-world data suggests that EVs are no more prone to fires than gasoline-powered vehicles.
If and when a fire does occur, is it more difficult to put out than a normal fire?
Yes, electric vehicle (EV) battery fires can be more challenging to extinguish than traditional fires. Here's why:
Unique Characteristics of EV Battery Fires
High-energy density: EV batteries contain a high amount of energy, which can lead to intense fires.
Thermal runaway: EV battery fires can spread quickly due to thermal runaway, a self-sustaining chain reaction that can't be easily stopped.
Lithium-ion chemistry: EV batteries use lithium-ion chemistry, which can produce a lot of heat and release flammable gases when burning.
Re-ignition risk: EV battery fires can re-ignite even after being extinguished, due to the residual heat and energy stored in the battery.
Challenges in Extinguishing EV Battery Fires
Conventional extinguishing agents ineffective: Traditional extinguishing agents like water, foam, or dry chemicals may not be effective in extinguishing EV battery fires.
Specialized extinguishing agents required: EV battery fires often require specialized extinguishing agents, such as lithium-ion specific extinguishers or clean agent extinguishers.
Cooling and smothering required: To effectively extinguish an EV battery fire, it's essential to cool the battery and smother the fire to prevent re-ignition.
Longer extinguishing time: EV battery fires can take longer to extinguish due to the high energy density and thermal runaway.
Best Practices for Extinguishing EV Battery Fires
Use specialized extinguishing agents: Use lithium-ion specific extinguishers or clean agent extinguishers designed for EV battery fires.
Cool the battery: Use copious amounts of water or other cooling agents to cool the battery and prevent re-ignition.
Smother the fire: Use a smothering agent, such as a fire blanket or a Class K extinguisher, to prevent re-ignition.
Follow manufacturer guidelines: Familiarize yourself with the manufacturer's guidelines for extinguishing EV battery fires.
Conclusion
Extinguishing EV battery fires requires specialized knowledge, equipment, and techniques. It's essential for first responders and firefighters to receive training on how to handle EV battery fires safely and effectively.
Are there any statistics on fire rates, and what are the units?
Electric vehicles (EVs) have a relatively low fire rate compared to gasoline-powered vehicles. According to recent statistics, EVs are involved in approximately 25 fires for every 100,000 sold. In contrast, gasoline-powered vehicles are involved in around 1,530 fires for every 100,000 sold, while hybrid vehicles have a slightly higher rate of 3,475 fires for every 100,000 sold .
To put these numbers into perspective, out of 3,400 vehicle fires each year in Sweden, EVs account for only 0.4% of fires, while hybrid vehicles account for 1.5% . Additionally, a study found that EVs are actually less likely to cause or be involved in fires than gasoline-powered or hybrid vehicles ².
It's worth noting that while EV fires are rare, they can be more challenging to extinguish due to the unique properties of lithium-ion batteries. However, manufacturers and safety organizations are working to address these concerns and improve safety protocols .
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