![]() The banning of universal chargers, to prevent dangerously compatible charging arrangements and damage, and the better regulation of non-proprietary charging systems.Other recommendations in the report include: Many of these battery fires re-ignite, as seen in the video, sending flames and sparks in all directions. This heat propagates rapidly to adjacent cells, resulting in a fire that quickly increases in intensity. The process results in temperatures exceeding 600 degrees Celsius. In a highly controlled environment at a test lab, Electrical Safety First conducted a ‘nail penetration test’ to simulate perforation and damage to a battery cell in order to trigger a process called ‘thermal runaway’. Pictured: Andrew Beaton outside his home which suffered an e-bike fireĮSF’s report also looks at the design flaws of many e-scooters and suggests ways to enhance their safety over time, to better protect the battery from damage.Ī technical impression illustrates these changes, including larger wheels to lessen impact from kerbs and potholes, as well as the battery being moved from under the foot plate, where it is exposed to impact damage from the ground and exposed to water ingress.Īn increased foot plate height of 150mm is also recommended to minimise impact damage.Ī shocking new video released with the report shows how ferocious one of these lithium-ion battery fires can be. I urge anyone thinking of buying these e-bikes not to – it’s not worth your life.” “I bought the e-bike online as a Christmas present for my son and now it will be costing us upwards of £50,000 in damages. Within four minutes everything was gone.” I started frantically throwing water on the stairs so they could get down. “ I was fearing for my wife and kids, as the bike was charging under the stairs and had set them alight. In that moment, all the batteries fell out and were exploding like hand grenades.” I sprinted downstairs, swung open the front door and threw the bike outside. “He was up to get a drink at night and shouted to us after seeing the e-bike on fire. “If it wasn’t for my son, we wouldn’t be here,” commented Andrew Beaton from Lancaster. When thermal runaway occurs this large amount of energy is released over a longer period of time, mimicking an out-of-control explosive firework.Īndrew Beaton’s family experienced the devastation of an e-bike fire after his son’s bike went up in smoke whilst it was charging underneath their staircase. There are too many reckless operators in this space, such as third-party sellers on online marketplaces, who are risking the lives of the public and giving responsible manufacturers of these products a bad name.”Ī fully charged e-bike battery can release a similar amount of stored energy as the amount of TNT (an explosive) contained in 6 hand grenades, the charity estimates. We need to get on top of this issue now to prevent more lives being lost. “The UK should give serious consideration to following in the footsteps of New York City and better regulate lithium-ion batteries. This unique type of fire requires special measures to tackle the increasing problem.” Lesley Rudd, chief executive of Electrical Safety First, said: “The huge amount of energy that is released over time when a battery bursts into flames is unlike other fires – in a matter of minutes a room can be decimated. ![]() The report comes amidst international concern over fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, with the London Fire Brigade being called to an e-bike or e-scooter fire, on average, every two days.įatal consequences to these fires have been reported nationally, with a triple-fatality occurring in Cambridge after an e-bike being charged overnight caught fire. The implementation of this recommendation would see lithium-ion batteries for e-bikes and e-scooters added to this list of high-risk products, requiring mandatory third-party approval to ensure they meet essential safety standards. However, exceptions to self-declaration exist for pyrotechnics, heavy machinery and medical devices. It is hoped the recommendation would help to stem catastrophic battery fires that have ripped through homes and taken people ’s lives.Īt present, e-bike, e-scooters and the batteries that power them are only required to be self-declared as conforming to safety standards by the manufacturer to meet current regulations, as is the case with many electrical goods. The recommendation, in a new report, titled Battery Breakdown, by charity Electrical Safety First, would see batteries for e-bikes and e-scooters need third-party approval before being placed on the UK market - a requirement already introduced in New York City following a spate of fatal fires. Batteries for e-bikes and e-scooters should be regulated like fireworks and heavy machinery to better ensure their safety, in a move that would mimic New York City, a new report says.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |