**”As the popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) has increased in recent years, the risk of battery fires has become a concern. Especially with the recent spate of news about electric cars catching fire, user anxiety has also risen. However, recent developments show that serious steps are being taken toward a final solution to this problem.
Electric Vehicles Are Now Safer
Last month, the burning of a Mercedes Benz EQE 350 electric vehicle in South Korea, which resulted in 23 people being hospitalized and about 900 vehicles being damaged, highlighted the seriousness of the issue. This incident led to many policy changes and discussions, such as the acceleration of the battery certification program for electric vehicles in the country.
Although the occurrence of electric vehicle fires is serious news, experts emphasize that battery fires are not as common as one might think. According to data from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, while there are more than 1,500 gasoline vehicle fires per 100,000 vehicles, this number is only 25 for electric vehicles.
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Battery manufacturers are taking various measures to reduce fire risks. Strict production processes and standards help prevent fires caused by manufacturing defects. Additionally, safer battery chemistries are being developed. For example, lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries undergo thermal runaway at higher temperatures and reduce fire risk.
However, the biggest advancement in this area will come with the standardization of solid-state batteries: In the future, solid-state batteries, which do not use flammable liquid electrolytes, will offer a safer alternative. Although this technology is not yet used in mass production, laboratory tests have yielded very positive results.
Progress is also being made in fire-fighting techniques. Special fire extinguishers and blankets are being developed, and in response to recent incidents, firefighters are receiving training on how to handle such fires.
What do you think about this issue? Do you believe that electric vehicle fires are receiving more attention in the media than they deserve? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.”
