We were surprised to learn from Korea Times that the government there has no specific legal requirements for electric vehicles. But then neither do United States or other developed nations either, they continue. This makes it tough for fire fighters wondering which extinguishers to use. However, Korean manufacturers may have to disclose their electric car battery secrets soon.
Why the Pressure On Electric Car Battery Secrets Now?
A huge fire erupted in Seoul, Korea recently, after a battery ignited in a Mercedes-Benz EQE electric sedan. The heat spread through the underground parking lot, destroyed dozens of vehicles, and sent hundreds of apartment residents to shelters, according to Wall Street Journal.
The electric vehicle fire, that burned for eight hours, has inflamed passions among citizens who are demanding answers. There is growing pressure on the Korean government to insist electric vehicle makers disclose key information about their batteries.
More About This Incident and Possible Causes
We understand that Korean companies will comply with the request, following the fire that apparently caused $7.3 million damage. This cause of this particular incident is a mystery at the time of writing. Although it appears the lithium-ion battery-powered vehicle had been parked for 59 hours, without being plugged in to a power socket.
Lithium-ion battery fires follow a sudden release of their energy. This usually occurs when they are damaged, or improperly used, charged, or stored, according to National Fire Protection Association. It could be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of this fire, judging by the state of the vehicle in the video.
National Transport Safety Board investigated the risks that first responders face when fighting high-voltage lithium-ion battery fires. The board observed that they face more than the danger of life-threatening electric shocks. The ‘stranded energy’ that remains in the battery can also ignite, and frequently reignite.
More Information
Battery Electric Vehicle Fires – New Study
How Professionals Extinguish Battery Fires
Report By National Transport Safety Board
