Advanced Protection: Self-Extinguishing Batteries and Fire Testing in Electric Vehicles

With the increasing use of scooters and electric cars, safety in electric mobility has become a concern for vehicle manufacturers, safety regulators, users, and society at large. Having a battery capable of extinguishing its own fire could mean the difference between life and death in an electric vehicle. This innovative technology, based on a novel electrolyte composed of elements from commercial extinguishers, promises to eradicate fire incidents in electric vehicles.

“Thermal runaway” is a feared fire reaction phenomenon in lithium battery fires, where combustion generates heat that releases oxygen from materials, fueling the flames. This situation can trigger rapid fire spread, making extinguishing nearly impossible.

In Spain, safety concerns have led to bans on the use of rechargeable battery-powered means of transportation, such as electric scooters, and restrictions on boarding electric cars on ferries. The lack of experience and resources to combat these fires has further exacerbated the problem.

However, a group of scientists has developed a lithium battery capable of extinguishing its own fire. Using Novec 7300, a safe commercial liquid compound, as a key ingredient, they have created a robust and safe electrolyte capable of functioning effectively in emergency situations.

By focusing their research on fire safety, these scientists have made a breakthrough in the electric vehicle industry. This self-extinguishing battery not only offers greater safety for users and the environment but also paves the way for the mass adoption of electric vehicles, providing an innovative solution to one of the major challenges of this emerging technology.

In addition to advances in self-extinguishing battery technology, it is essential to assess fire safety in all aspects of electric mobility. To do this, tests such as the cone calorimeter test are used, allowing for the evaluation of flammability and fire propagation in solid materials. These tests are applicable not only to batteries and electrical components but also to other elements of electric vehicles, such as scooters and motorcycles.

The cone calorimeter test provides valuable information on how materials used in these vehicles react to heat and fire, aiding manufacturers in improving the design and safety of their products. Integrating these tests into the development of electric vehicles ensures not only optimal performance but also greater safety for users and those around them.

Safety should always be a priority in the manufacturing of electric vehicles. Companies should continue to collaborate with experts in material fire reaction testing to constantly improve the safety of their products. This advance in electric batteries is just the beginning of a journey towards a safer and more sustainable future in electric mobility.

References

Self-extinguishing batteries could reduce the risk of deadly and costly battery fires | The Conversation| Retrieved February 06th, 2024 from: https://theconversation.com/self-extinguishing-batteries-could-reduce-the-risk-of-deadly-and-costly-battery-fires-222667

Safe electrolyte for long-cycling alkali-ion batteries | Nature Sustainability| Retrieved February 05th, 2024 from: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41893-024-01275-0

El ingenioso invento que evita que los coches eléctricos se incendien: una revolucionaria batería |Omicrono-El Español| Retrieved February 12th, 2024 from: https://www.elespanol.com/omicrono/tecnologia/20240212/ingenioso-invento-evita-coches-electricos-no-incendien-revolucionaria-bateria/830916953_0.html

Una batería autoextinguible podría poner fin a los peligros de incendios en vehículos eléctricos. Científicos han desarrollado un electrolito innovador, basado en compuestos de extintores comerciales, que permite a las baterías extinguir sus propios fuegos. | Retrieved February 16^th, 2024, from: https://www.ineltec.es/noticias/tecnologia/una-bateria-autoextinguible-la-solucion-a-los-incendios-en-vehiculos-electricos