The UK has witnessed significant growth in the adoption of electric vehicles, driven by environmental concerns, government incentives, and advancements in battery technology. As the country strives to reduce carbon emissions and achieve its climate goals, EVs are thought to play a pivotal role in the transition to cleaner transportation and are quickly becoming the future of transportation.
Safety Concerns with EV Charging
Due to the high-powered charging units and both the size and the materials with which the EV batteries are made, ensuring safety whilst EV charging is of utmost importance.Nobody wants to consider the potential danger and risk associated with EV batteries when driving around in their new electric vehicle, and issues are thankfully relatively few with EV technology. In fact, a recent study of standard fuel vs electric car fires by a US insurance company concluded that there were a total of only around 25 EV fires per 100k EV sales, compared to 1,530 for Petrol vehicles and 3,474 for Hybrid vehicles, however, EV fires do tend to be more publicised due to these being a newer breed of vehicle.2023 EV data courtesy of AutoinsuranceEZ.comSimilar data in the UK supports the fact that EVs are actually less risky statistically than driving a petrol car, with less than 3% of all vehicle fires being Electric Vehicles in 2019.2019 EV data courtesy of Bedford Fire and Rescue Service
Be Prepared
If the worst was to happen, it’s always best to be prepared, as an EV fire can escalate quickly and can burn at up to 1000°C (1832 °F), and if you are a garage or MOT test centre dealing with EV cars on a regular basis, you should know what to do in the event of an EV fire. The advice for vehicle owners and garages is to get away from the vehicle on fire as quickly as possible and call the fire service, but if you have time and it is safe to do so, isolate the fire using an EV fire blanket until the fire brigade arrives, it could save lives, damage to other vehicles or the destruction of your business premises.EV fire blankets are specialised safety devices designed to mitigate the risks associated with electric vehicle (EV) fires. As EVs utilise high-voltage battery systems, the potential for thermal runaway or fire incidents exists, albeit rare. EV fire blankets provide an additional layer of protection by containing and suppressing flames in the event of a fire. Made from fire-resistant materials, these blankets are specifically designed to withstand high temperatures and prevent the spread of fire to surrounding areas. The blankets are typically equipped with fastening mechanisms for easy deployment and can be stored in garages, MOT Bays or charging stations for immediate access, or indeed within the car itself. By smothering the fire and depriving it of oxygen, EV fire blankets help to minimise the risk of further damage or injury until emergency services arrive.Although EV fires are infrequent, having EV fire blankets on hand adds an extra safety measure to handle potential emergencies effectively.Note: The information contained within this article is for informational purposes only. For specific safety concerns or inquiries, please contact Concept Garage Equipment, your EV equipment manufacturer, EV installer or refer to the guidelines provided during your EV equipment installation.
If you are looking at EV charging for your garage, MOT Bay or home, please give Concept Garage Equipment a call, we would love to help you get your EV Charger set up and paying for itself as soon as possible.Call us today on 0113 469 0572 or use the website contact form today, we are here to help.
