An electrical infrastructure for EV charging introduces new risks. Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used within EV store energy in a high density and, in event of a fire or thermal runaway, can result in a significant fire or explosion which is exceedingly difficult to control. In some cases, fires have occurred days after an incident.
Why do lithium-ion batteries catch fire? Lithium-ion battery cells combine a flammable electrolyte with significant stored energy, and if a lithium-ion battery cell creates more heat than it can effectively disperse, it can lead to a rapid uncontrolled release of heat energy, known as ‘thermal runaway’, that can result in a fire or explosion.
However, these systems may be used in the computer or control rooms of an ESS to control any electrical fires. Thermal runaway in lithium batteries results in an uncontrollable rise in temperature and propagation of extreme fire hazards within a battery energy storage system (BESS).
A fire involving one or more vehicles can result in a significant fire challenge, particularly inside of buildings. Where the provision of EV charging is being considered or has already been installed, the property fire risks should be carefully identified, assessed, and managed in collaboration with your broker and insurer.
The fire protection challenge with lithium-ion battery energy storage systems is met primarily with early-warning smoke detection devices, also called aspirating smoke detectors (ASD), and the release of extinguishing agents to suppress the fires.
Where the provision of EV charging is being considered or has already been installed, the property fire risks should be carefully identified, assessed, and managed in collaboration with your broker and insurer. Key considerations include: Risk assessment – ensure compliance with fire safety legislation.