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What is an Electric Vehicle Related Fire?
An electric vehicle (EV)-related fire typically involves the lithium-ion batteries used to power EVs. These fires can occur due to various reasons, such as battery malfunctions, overcharging, overheating, physical damage, or defects in the battery cells. Unlike fires in internal combustion engine (ICE), EV fires specifically involve the vehicle’s lithium-ion traction battery, which presents unique challenges. Lithium-ion fires burn intensely, are difficult to extinguish, and carry a high risk of reignition.
An EV fire refers to a fire that develops within, or is closely associated with, an electric vehicle’s battery system, such as thermal runaway. This process begins when a single battery cell overheats, triggering a chain reaction that causes a rapid and uncontrollable rise in temperature, often leading to ignition and a persistent fire. Most EV fires are caused by issues related to the battery itself.
How Thermal Runaway Fuels Itself
Data on EV Cars & Adoption in Malaysia
As the Malaysian government implements policies to promote sustainable transportation, Malaysia is experiencing a surge in electric vehicle adoption. According to Statista, the unit sales of Electric Vehicles market are anticipated to reach 16.52k vehicles in 2029. This brings benefits in terms of environmental and can help to combat climate change.
However, with this growth comes an increased likelihood of accidents associated with EVs, underscoring the need for proactive safety measures and awareness. Hence, it becomes crucial to establish comprehensive safety protocols, enhance public awareness regarding EV-specific risks, and implement robust regulations to address and mitigate these challenges effectively.
How Do EV Fires Happen?
If an EV battery is damaged, it may trigger a fire known as thermal runaway. Thermal runaway is a phenomenon characterized by a rapid and uncontrollable increase in temperature within the battery, often resulting in a fire or explosion. During thermal runaway, a chemical reaction in one of the cells ignites an initial fire, triggering a domino effect. The heat then spreads to adjacent cells, eventually causing the entire EV battery to burn.
Types of EVs
Electric vehicle (EV) technology has various types. Each type has unique advantages and is suited for specific use cases.
BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHICLES (BEVs)
- Fully electric and powered by rechargeable batteries.
- No internal combustion engine or fuel tank.
HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES (HEVs)
- Combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor.
- The battery is charged by the engine and through regenerative braking.
PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLES (PHEVs)
- Similar to HEVs, but with a larger battery that can be charged via an external power source.
- Can run on electric power alone for short distances.
FUEL CELL ELECTRIC VEHICLES (FCEVs)
- Use hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity.
- Emit only water vapor as a byproduct.
EXTENDED-RANGE ELECTRIC VEHICLES (EREVs)
- Operate primarily on electric power but have a small internal combustion engine as a backup generator.
SOLAR ELECTRIC VEHICLES (SEVs)
- Incorporate solar panels to capture and convert sunlight into electricity.
- Used as a supplemental charging method to extend range.
What are Malaysian Regulations Relating to EV?
The Malaysian government has set a goal to establish 10,000 EV charging stations nationwide by 2025. As of October 2024, around 3,354 chargers have been installed, accounting for just over 33% of the target. This demonstrates the government's strong commitment to promoting and encouraging the adoption of EVs in Malaysia, with the aim of driving and supporting the growth of the country's EV industry. Below are some of the initiatives introduced by the Malaysian government:
- Tax Exemptions: Full exemption from import and excise duties for fully built imported EVs until Dec 31, 2025. Domestically produced EVs are fully exempt from import and excise duties, as well as sales tax, until Dec 31, 2027.
- Infrastructure Development: Investments in expanding the EV charging network across urban and rural areas to improve accessibility.
- Subsidy: To boost the growth of the EV charging network in Malaysia, the government offers individuals RM2,500 in yearly income tax relief until 2027 for the installation, rental, and purchase of EV charging equipment or subscription fees.
How Can We Help to Tackle the Safety Risks Related to EVs?
It is well-documented that electric vehicle fires, particularly those involving lithium-ion batteries, can reignite due to the thermal runaway process. Even after the initial fire is extinguished, residual heat or chemical reactions within the battery cells can cause a reignition. An EV fire blanket is a practical safety measure. It helps contain the fire, isolate heat, and prevent flames from spreading further while cooling efforts are underway.
At Fire Fighter Industry, our innovative EV Fire Blanket is designed to provide a reliable and effective solution for containing and managing EV fires, ensuring safety and minimizing potential damage in the event of an incident.
Regulations Regarding the EV Fire Blanket
Vehicle Fire Blanket Requirements: An electric vehicle charging bay (EVCB) should have a vehicle fire blanket (VFB) based on the number of charging bays. This ensures that fires from electric vehicles can be contained until emergency assistance arrives. Refer here for the full BOMBA regulations.
According to the Second Amendment to the Fire Safety Guidelines for Electric Vehicle Charging Bays (EVCB):
1 VFB for developments with 1–10 EVCBs.
2 VFBs for developments with 11–20 EVCBs.
1 additional VFB for every 10 EVCBs beyond 20.
Placement:
The first two VFBs (for up to 20 EVCBs) should be in the Fire Command Center (FCC) or guard house (if no FCC).
Additional VFBs for >20 EVCBs should be in the EVCB area.
Exemption: No VFB required for EVCBs outside buildings or at open-top roof levels.
SIRIM Standard: SIRIM 66:2024 sets guidelines for how EV fire blankets should be designed, what materials they should use, and how they should perform. Its goal is to improve safety for EV users, emergency responders, and nearby areas during a fire.
Sources
“Electric Vehicles - Malaysia | Statista Market Forecast.” Statista, 2024, www.statista.com/outlook/mmo/electric-vehicles/malaysia.
MGTC. “Malaysia Announces Tax Incentives for Electric Vehicles – Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation.” Mgtc.gov.my, 29 Nov. 2024, www.mgtc.gov.my/2024/11/malaysia-announces-tax-incentives-for-electric-vehicles/.
MINISTRY of HOUSING and LOCAL GOVERNMENT PLANNING GUIDELINES for ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING BAY (EVCB) Department of Town and Country Planning (PLANMalaysia). 2023.
“PLANMalaysia - MEVnet.” Www.planmalaysia.gov.my, www.planmalaysia.gov.my/mevnet/.
STANDARD SIRIM 66:2024 Electric Vehicle (EV) Fire Blankets - Performance Requirements SIRIM SIRIM Berhad.
Wishart, Laura. “A Brief Explanation of Thermal Runaway.” Lectromec, 25 July 2023, lectromec.com/a-brief-explanation-of-thermal-runaway/.
Yusry, Muhammad. “Going EV: What the Malaysian Government Is Doing to Charge up the Transition.” Malay Mail, 9 July 2024, www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/07/09/going-ev-what-the-malaysian-government-is-doing-to-charge-up-the-transition/141965
