Electric vehicles (EVs) are at the forefront of sustainable and eco-friendly transportation solutions. However, the fire risks associated with the lithium-ion batteries used in these vehicles pose significant safety concerns. Although fires in electric vehicle batteries are less common than in traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, they can be more challenging to manage when they occur. This article provides essential information and methods on how to respond to electric vehicle battery fires.

Fire Detection and Initial Response
Early warning systems are crucial for detecting electric vehicle battery fires. Vehicles typically come equipped with systems to monitor battery health and alert the driver of potential issues. Upon detection of a fire, safely stopping the vehicle and evacuating passengers is the first step. At this stage, caution is advised due to the risk of electric shock from the vehicle's high-voltage systems.

Calling for Professional Help
Electric vehicle battery fires, especially those involving lithium-ion batteries that can lead to chemical reactions causing thermal runaway, should be addressed by professional firefighting teams. Initial attempts to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher should be avoided as using the wrong type of extinguisher can exacerbate the situation. Firefighting teams arriving on the scene should employ specialized equipment and techniques to tackle the fire.

Use of Appropriate Fire Extinguishers
In responding to electric vehicle battery fires, water and water-based solutions can be effective in quickly dissipating the electrical energy of the battery, thereby helping to control the fire. However, this method requires the high-voltage systems to be safely isolated. Dry chemical or CO2-based extinguishers may be more appropriate for electrical fires but have limited effectiveness in extinguishing lithium-ion battery fires.

Special Intervention Procedures
Extinguishing fires in electric vehicle batteries often requires a prolonged water spraying process to cool the battery and reduce the risk of thermal runaway. Firefighting teams must use remote intervention techniques and personal protective equipment to mitigate the risk of explosion during and after the firefighting process.

Post-incident Procedures
After the fire has been extinguished, the battery system must be rendered completely safe. The vehicle should be examined by a specialized team to determine whether the battery needs to be replaced or completely disposed of. Additionally, appropriate disposal of contaminated water and materials is crucial to minimize environmental impact.