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Safety Measures and Prevention Strategies for Electric Vehicle Fires

GOOVER DAILY REPORT August 30, 2024
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Summary
  2. Introduction to Electric Vehicle Fire Risks
  3. Causes of Electric Vehicle Fires
  4. Promotional Activities and Safety Guidelines
  5. Key Preventive Measures
  6. Conclusion

1. Summary

  • The report titled 'Safety Measures and Prevention Strategies for Electric Vehicle Fires' examines the current safety measures and prevention strategies aimed at reducing electric vehicle fire risks in South Korea. The report gathers data from promotional efforts by Chilgok, Gunsan, and Gyeongju fire departments, and identifies primary causes of electric vehicle fires, including battery overheating, overcharging, defects, and external impacts. Key safety measures discussed include avoiding charging with wet hands, using specified chargers, prohibiting smoking near charging stations, and ensuring that a vehicle fire extinguisher is readily available. The report emphasizes the significance of ongoing education and adherence to safety guidelines in mitigating fire risks as electric vehicle usage increases.

2. Introduction to Electric Vehicle Fire Risks

  • 2-1. Overview of Electric Vehicle Adoption

  • The report notes the increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in South Korea, which is leading to heightened awareness and concern regarding the associated fire risks. The growth in EV use has been driven by various factors including environmental policies, technological advancements, and consumer preference for sustainable transportation.

  • 2-2. Inherent Fire Risks of Electric Vehicles

  • Electric vehicles, powered by lithium-ion batteries, present unique fire risks compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. According to promotional activities by the Chilgok Fire Department, significant fire hazards include overheating or overcharging of the battery, defects within the battery, and external impacts that could lead to thermal runaway. Thermal runaway, a condition wherein the battery temperature can soar rapidly beyond 1000°C, poses challenges for firefighting due to prolonged extinguishing time and a high potential for re-ignition.

  • 2-3. Importance of Fire Safety Measures

  • Fire safety measures are crucial due to the increasing number of electric vehicles on the roads and the risks they carry. As per guidance highlighted by the Gunsan Fire Department, adopting safety precautions can significantly mitigate the risk of EV fires. This includes the necessity to avoid charging with wet hands, use specified charging equipment, refrain from smoking near charging areas, and ensure that a vehicle fire extinguisher is stored in the vehicle. Fire department initiatives underline the importance of ongoing education regarding these measures to enhance public safety as electric vehicle usage increases.

3. Causes of Electric Vehicle Fires

  • 3-1. Overheating and Overcharging

  • Overheating and overcharging are significant causes of electric vehicle fires, as noted by multiple fire departments. According to the Chilgok Fire Department, lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles can experience overheating during charging, leading to fire risks.

  • 3-2. Battery Defects

  • Battery defects are another common cause of electric vehicle fires. Various reports indicate that manufacturing defects or deterioration over time can lead to battery failures, resulting in heightened fire hazards. In particular, defective batteries can contribute to thermal runaway, a process where increased temperatures cause further battery failures.

  • 3-3. External Impacts

  • External impacts, such as collisions or accidents, can also trigger electric vehicle fires. The Gunsan Fire Department has highlighted that damage to the battery pack from external forces can initiate thermal runaway, further increasing the likelihood of fire incidents.

  • 3-4. Thermal Runaway Phenomenon

  • The thermal runaway phenomenon is a critical factor in electric vehicle fires. As reported, when a battery overheats, it can rapidly exceed temperatures of 1,000°C, making suppression difficult and time-consuming. This phenomenon underscores the complexity and risks associated with extinguishing battery fires.

4. Promotional Activities and Safety Guidelines

  • 4-1. Chilgok Fire Department's Four Safety Rules

  • The Chilgok Fire Department, led by Chief Choi Won-ik, has initiated a promotion of 'four safety rules' to prevent electric vehicle fire incidents, particularly in light of growing concerns about the risks associated with electric vehicle fires. The department highlights that electric vehicles utilize lithium-ion batteries, which can pose significant fire risks due to causes such as overheating (overcharging), battery defects, and external shocks. Should a fire occur, the temperature of the battery can rise above 1,000°C rapidly, complicating extinguishing efforts and increasing the likelihood of re-ignition. To minimize these risks, the department emphasizes the importance of the following safety rules: 1) Do not charge the vehicle with wet hands or in wet conditions; 2) Always use specified chargers and adapters; 3) Prohibit smoking near charging stations; and 4) Keep a fire extinguisher in the electric vehicle.

  • 4-2. Gunsan Fire Department's Fire Prevention Tips

  • The Gunsan Fire Department, under the leadership of Chief Jeon Mi-hee, has provided guidelines to mitigate fire risks linked to the increasing adoption of electric vehicles and their charging facilities. The primary causes of electric vehicle fires include damage to the battery located under the vehicle from external impacts, leading to thermal runaway, or battery explosions due to high voltage or overcharging. Thermal runaway events can cause temperatures to rise to over 1,000°C rapidly, necessitating significant amounts of firefighting water and time for extinguishing. The department offers several fire prevention methods including: 1) Drive cautiously on unpaved roads to prevent damage to the bottom battery pack; 2) Charge the vehicle within the optimal capacity range (20% to 80%); 3) Ensure slow charging at least once a month; 4) Avoid charging on rainy days; and 5) Turn off the vehicle and evacuate during flooding.

  • 4-3. Gyeongju Fire Department's Educational Campaigns

  • The Gyeongju Fire Department aims to reduce human casualties resulting from electric vehicle fires by promoting fire prevention methods related to electric vehicles. In the past five years, four cases of electric vehicle-related fires have occurred in Gyeongju. The department emphasizes the challenge of fire extinguishment in these situations, making it imperative for users to understand the causes and prevention strategies for fires. The primary causes include overheating, battery defects, and collisions. Users are urged to minimize risks by adhering to the following fire prevention guidelines: 1) Do not charge the vehicle with wet hands or in wet conditions; 2) Always use specified chargers and adapters; 3) Prohibit smoking around charging stations; and 4) Ensure that a fire extinguisher is available in each electric vehicle. Chief Jo Yoo-hyun stated that electric vehicle fires require specialized responses and emphasized that users should comply with safety precautions during charging and regularly conduct maintenance checks.

5. Key Preventive Measures

  • 5-1. Avoid Charging with Wet Hands

  • It is crucial to prevent charging electric vehicles with wet hands or in any conditions where moisture is present. This practice is necessary to avoid electrical hazards that may arise during the charging process, which is especially critical given the nature of electric vehicle batteries.

  • 5-2. Use Designated Chargers and Adapters

  • Electric vehicle users should always utilize chargers and adapters that are specifically designated for their vehicles. Using the correct equipment helps minimize the risks of battery malfunction and fire, as these devices are designed to handle the specific requirements of the vehicle's battery system.

  • 5-3. Prohibit Smoking Near Charging Stations

  • Smoking is strictly prohibited in and around charging stations. This measure is important as it reduces the risk of fire, especially considering that electric vehicle fires can occur due to factors such as overheating or battery faults during the charging process.

  • 5-4. Equip Vehicles with Fire Extinguishers

  • It is recommended that all electric vehicles be equipped with a fire extinguisher. This precaution allows for immediate assistance in the event of a fire, providing a critical first response to potential incidents.

  • 5-5. Drive Carefully on Bumpy Roads

  • Drivers should exercise caution when operating electric vehicles on bumpy or uneven roads. Such conditions may cause external shocks to the battery, which can potentially lead to malfunctions and fire hazards.

  • 5-6. Regular Maintenance and Inspection

  • Regular maintenance and inspection of electric vehicles are essential for the prevention of fires. Keeping the vehicle in good condition ensures that any issues related to the battery or electrical system are identified and addressed promptly.

6. Conclusion

  • The report underscores the increasing concern regarding electric vehicle fires and the proactive measures taken by various fire departments in South Korea, including Chilgok, Gunsan, and Gyeongju, to address these risks. The main findings highlight the importance of adopting key preventive measures, such as using designated chargers, avoiding external impacts, and keeping fire extinguishers in vehicles. The significance of the findings lies in educating electric vehicle users about these risks and emphasizing adherence to safety guidelines to enhance public safety. However, the report notes the limitations, such as the need for ongoing educational efforts and monitoring emerging risks. Future prospects involve developing advanced battery technologies and enhanced safety standards, aiming to further reduce the likelihood and impact of electric vehicle fires. The practical applicability of the report's findings includes implementing fire prevention tips in everyday use, promoting regular maintenance, and supplementing public education campaigns to foster a safer environment for electric vehicle users.

7. Glossary

  • 7-1. Chilgok Fire Department [Organization]

  • A fire department responsible for promoting electric vehicle fire prevention safety rules in Chilgok, South Korea.

  • 7-2. Gunsan Fire Department [Organization]

  • A fire department in Gunsan, South Korea, focusing on providing guidelines to prevent electric vehicle fires, emphasizing safety during charging and driving.

  • 7-3. Gyeongju Fire Department [Organization]

  • A fire department in Gyeongju, South Korea, actively involved in educating the public about electric vehicle fire risks and prevention methods.

  • 7-4. Thermal Runaway [Technical term]

  • A phenomenon where the temperature of a battery rapidly increases to over 1,000°C, making fire suppression difficult and time-consuming.

  • 7-5. Electric Vehicle [Technology/Product]

  • Vehicles powered by electric motors using lithium-ion batteries, which present unique fire risks that differ from traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.

8. Source Documents