The ongoing debate about electric vehicles highlights persistent skepticism, particularly in Europe, where government incentives have decreased. Despite advancements in technology, concerns about fire hazards remain, though studies show electric cars are less likely to catch fire than traditional vehicles. A recent investigation into fires involving electric buses in Paris revealed production errors and insufficient safety testing. Recommendations for improving safety protocols and early defect detection have been proposed to prevent future incidents and enhance emergency preparedness.
The Ongoing Debate Surrounding Electric Cars
Despite a steady rise in electric vehicle sales globally, skepticism remains prevalent among certain groups. This is particularly evident in Europe, where a recent slowdown in growth can be attributed to decreased government incentives.
Understanding the Concerns
While advancements in range and decreasing prices are mitigating some concerns, new arguments against electric vehicles have emerged. One of the most cited issues is the fear of fire hazards, often believed to be greater in electric cars compared to traditional combustion vehicles. However, a recent study has debunked this myth, revealing that electric cars are actually less prone to fires than their gasoline counterparts, alleviating concerns on this front. Yet, challenges persist.
Instances of malfunction can occur, albeit infrequently. A notable example occurred in 2022 when two electric buses operated by RATP in Paris caught fire within days of each other. One of these buses was vacant, while the other carried 14 passengers, thankfully with no injuries reported. These incidents prompted the immediate withdrawal of that bus model from service.
Two years later, findings from the BEA-TT, the Bureau of Investigations on Land Transport Accidents, have shed light on the causes behind these fires. This organization previously investigated a tragic Tesla Model 3 accident in the same city. The comprehensive report is available for public viewing and indicates multiple factors that contributed to the incidents.
For context, the involved vehicles were Bluebus models, featuring six battery packs, four of which were mounted on the roof due to limited space in the low floor. These buses utilized LMP (lithium-metal-polymer) batteries, known for their solid polymer electrolyte, which is designed to minimize overheating risks. Unfortunately, as outlined in the investigation, this safety feature was insufficient.
Recommendations for Safer Electric Buses
The investigation revealed that several underlying issues led to the fires, typical of such occurrences. A production error was identified, resulting in a short circuit between battery cells. Alarmingly, this fault went undetected by the Battery Management System (BMS), which should have signaled a warning to the driver, allowing for a timely evacuation.
Another concern highlighted was the lack of fire resistance testing for solid electrolyte batteries, which are generally considered non-flammable. Geoffrey Pauwels, a battery expert, emphasized this gap in safety protocols. The BEA-TT has taken steps to address these issues, issuing seven key recommendations aimed at preventing future incidents. These recommendations are directed not only at Bluebus but also at the broader industry.
Among the initial recommendations is the urgent need for early detection of potential defects that could lead to fires, accompanied by appropriate alarm systems. Additionally, the BEA-TT suggests enhancing passenger safety protocols regarding extreme temperatures, battery stability during transit, and the risk of molten metal exposure during emergencies. They also stress the importance of preserving and regularly transmitting crucial incident data. Furthermore, they advocate for continued research into effective firefighting strategies for similar emergencies and urge regulatory updates for all electric vehicles, ensuring emergency responders are adequately prepared to act swiftly.