EV battery fire risks in South Africa
By Diane Silcock
THE arrival of more affordable electric vehicles (EVs) onto the South Africa market, is expected to accelerate adoption across both consumer and business sectors. As uptake grows, it’s vital for consumers, fleet owners and businesses to understand the fire safety risks associated with lithium-ion and other EV batteries, which are prone to ignite under certain conditions.
Research shows that while EV fires occur less frequently than those involving internal combustion engine vehicles, they present unique challenges: they burn hotter and more intensely, last longer, and are significantly harder to extinguish. In high-density settings—such as fleets, parking facilities, or built-up commercial areas—these characteristics elevate the potential risk for businesses and property owners.
Car manufacturers and battery technology specialists are continuously advancing technology to reduce fire risks, while also enhancing sustainability and cost efficiency.
The CSIR, in collaboration with the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Imperial College London, and Coventry University, are working on a sodium-ion battery concept using South Africa’s own vanadium and biomass resources which are safer, cheaper, and more sustainable than lithium-ion.
EV Battery fire risks
Marius Atterbury, CEO of the Fire Protection Association of South Africa (FPASA), explains the critical fire safety issues around EV batteries. “The main causes of EV battery fires include overheating during charging, but other causes include vehicles catching fire inside an area that is on fire, arson, collisions, debris, and other mechanical damage. These fires can heat the battery up to a point where thermal runaway will set in. Even a poor job by possibly untrained mechanics could cause such a fire. In these instances, the battery chemistry makes only a little difference.”
On the upside, battery management systems are being improved, which provides good protection against overcharging and overheating.
Damaged EV batteries pose serious fire risks
FPASA warns that at present the chances are very high that physical damage to an EV battery will lead to a fire event, therefore no risks should be taken when damage is observed.
“Other than from advertisements, a user has no indication of the type of battery chemistry their EV employs, so caution should be exercised.”
Battery fires produce noxious gases, and explosions are possible
EV battery fires release hazardous gases which, when combined with air and heat, can ignite explosively. Occupants should evacuate immediately and maintain a safe distance in case of an explosion, thereby avoiding the flames as well as breathing in the toxic gases. These fires are best left to professional fire services, who are still working globally to establish the most effective and safest methods of extinguishing them.
Investigating EV fires can aid in future fire prevention
FPASA supports the investigation of EV fires, as the findings will contribute to the body of knowledge and assist in preventing future fires.
Atterbury notes that current reporting of vehicle fire incidents does not distinguish between different fuel sources or energy types; however, work is underway to establish a system that will provide more specific South African statistics, including for home-based battery systems.
He adds that numerous local and international platforms are actively addressing the safety challenges posed by these emerging technologies. “While the world is faced with a rapidly developing technology, which is faster than safety in some instances, we are fortunate that there is a lot of information sharing going on,” concludes Atterbury.
