A recent fire involving a Mercedes-Benz EQE 350 electric vehicle in South Korea has sparked concerns about electric vehicle (EV) safety.
The incident resulted in 23 people being hospitalized and caused damage to approximately 900 cars.
As reported by WIRED, automakers, battery manufacturers, and regulators are now pushing to improve the safety of EV technologies.
Although EV fires are relatively rare, with only 25 out of every 100,000 electric vehicles experiencing fires compared to over 1,500 gas vehicles, high-profile incidents have led to swift regulatory actions.
For example, South Korea has implemented new rules requiring automakers to disclose battery manufacturers and has enacted policies to prevent EV overcharging in underground parking garages.
Advancements in battery chemistry are playing a key role in reducing the risk of EV fires.
One of the main developments is the increased use of lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) batteries.
These batteries are less likely to catch fire compared to traditional nickel and cobalt-based batteries, according to experts cited by WIRED.
Venkat Srinivasan, a battery expert at Argonne National Laboratory, explained: “For the concept to be safe, the chemistry needs to be safe.”
LFP batteries are gaining popularity among manufacturers like Tesla, Ford, and Mercedes-Benz, as they can tolerate higher temperatures before experiencing thermal runaway.
Solid-state batteries are another emerging technology expected to reduce fire risks significantly.
These batteries use solid electrolytes instead of flammable liquid ones.
Although solid-state batteries are still in development, progress has been substantial over the past five years.
Srinivasan noted: “It’s night and day in terms of what’s happened in the last five years.”
Companies are also working on new products to help extinguish or prevent the spread of battery fires.
E-FireX, for instance, has developed specialized fire suppression agents like TRPL-E, designed for use in homes, garages, and by emergency responders.
Jesse Corletto, a former firefighter and head of E-FireX, noted the increasing demand for these innovations: “We have to keep up with the technology that’s out there.”
In the United States, the National Fire Protection Association offers specialized lithium-ion battery fire training to first responders.
Meanwhile, in Australia, the state of New South Wales has mandated online EV fire training for all firefighters in response to recent battery fires.
Several automakers are taking proactive steps to improve first responder safety during EV fire incidents.
Tesla provides emergency response guides for fire departments and includes “first-responder loops” in its vehicles to quickly cut power to high-voltage systems.
Similarly, Renault has introduced “fireman access” ports in its vehicles, allowing firefighters to pump water directly into burning batteries to extinguish them more effectively.
Looking ahead, regulatory measures are expected to further enhance fire safety within the EV industry.
By 2027, the European Union’s “battery passport” regulations will require manufacturers to document critical information about battery manufacturing and recycling, promoting transparency and safety.
Following a high-profile electric vehicle fire in South Korea, automakers, regulators, and manufacturers are increasing efforts to enhance the safety of electric vehicle batteries.
New battery technologies, such as lithium-iron phosphate and solid-state batteries, are being developed to reduce fire risks.
Companies like E-FireX are creating new fire suppression products, while regulatory bodies are implementing safety measures for EV charging and battery disclosure.
Automakers are also introducing safety features to assist first responders during EV fire incidents.
By 2027, regulations such as the European Union’s battery passport will promote greater transparency in battery manufacturing and recycling processes.