Myth busted:

Do electric cars pose a greater fire risk than petrol or diesel vehicles?

But do please read to the end:

Any caveats?
The reason for the belief that electric cars are more fire-prone becomes clearer when you watch a video of one: they can be furious infernos.

Paul Christensen, a professor of pure and applied electrochemistry at Newcastle University, studies batteries and helps to train fire brigades. He highlights the ominous risks of “vapour cloud explosions and rocket flames” when the gases burst out of cells.

However, Christensen said the electric car’s reputation was being tarnished by their lithium ion cousins. He has real concerns with electric scooters and bikes that use similar technology but often from unregulated, inexperienced manufacturers, or even DIY jobs using internet-sourced parts. (He advises people never to leave scooters charging indoors or unattended.)

There is also a definite puzzle for firefighters, as battery fires require more water to put out, can burn almost three times hotter, and are more likely to reignite, according to EV FireSafe. Some fire departments have experimented with complete immersion of electric cars in water tanks.

The verdict
Despite the increased danger once a battery fire is burning, the probability of being caught in an EV fire appears overall to be much lower than for petrol or diesel cars, based on currently available data – although this could change as more people get electric cars.

Walker said it was possible that the prevalence of fires in EVs could increase as the average age of batteries on the roads increases. However, at this point, it appears that they would have to multiply by many times to be worse than internal combustion engines.

So, if EVs are concentrated in countries where there is lots of solar power - i.e. arid or near-desert regions - don't expect the fire brigade to carry enough water to put them out, should one catch fire.

You have to join all the dots ...

Given the crack in this thing it must be sitting on its landing gear in shallow water and certainly isn't floating as some reports state. It's just lucky no one was killed and so far there are no reported injuries.

See a plane that landed in the water after it overshot the runway in Hawaii.


Cheers.

So, if EVs are concentrated in countries where there is lots of solar power - i.e. arid or near-desert regions - don't expect the fire brigade to carry enough water to put them out, should one catch fire.

You have to join all the dots ...

In the evolution of gasoline-powered vehicles, it took a few decades until they became safe and did no more explode in typical serious accidents. The tanks were first placed in the rear and later near the rear axle. Even later, plastic tanks replaced the metal ones. The EV and its batteries will also undergo such an evolution.

The video of this happening will be interesting when it's released.

New York governor says ‘no indication’ deadly vehicle explosion at Rainbow Bridge on US-Canadian border was terrorist-related.

The video of this happening will be interesting when it's released.

Oh yeah.
Two dead in vehicle explosion on bridge connecting New York and Canada

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Grant
Darwin NT

Much more important than a video.
If no explosives found, what made it explode?
How soon after the crash did the explosion occur?
Bentley's like Roller's are solidly built.

Seems like the safest gasoline car will still explode if it's totally torn apart in a high-speed accident.

If no explosives found, what made it explode?

News media. They don't know the difference between detonation and deflagration.

If no explosives found, what made it explode?

News media. They don't know the difference between detonation and deflagration.

Yes they do...

"Detonation" means more clicks to boast to boost their advertising...

Keep searchin'?
Martin

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See new freedom: Mageia Linux
Take a look for yourself: Linux Format
The Future is what We all make IT (GPLv3)

A truly gifted driver.

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Grant
Darwin NT

I wonder if the throttle got stuck fully open on that Bentley when they took off from the casino and the driver panicked and just held on instead of shutting it down.

Who Are Kurt and Monica Villani? Pair Killed in Niagara Car Explosion.

I wonder if the throttle got stuck fully open on that Bentley when they took off from the casino and the driver panicked and just held on instead of shutting it down.

Who Are Kurt and Monica Villani? Pair Killed in Niagara Car Explosion.

Or it might actually have been another medical episode?
This time, a real one?

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Grant
Darwin NT

Also sadly quite possible.

Bentley's are made by hand, so each one is a one off. Just say'in.

A very close call.

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Grant
Darwin NT

Reminiscent of the Final Destination movies.

Meanwhile just down the bottom of this big hill.

Teenage girl saves runaway student bus from hitting petrol station in New South Wales.

But where was the driver?

Seems that it wasn't a good day in a Tanzanian airport.

Tourists have made a narrow escape after a plane left a runway and hit a building – just hours after another plane had a crash landing.


Thankfully no one was injured.

Cheers.

I have some sad news. David Streeter's prognosis is not very good right now. I don't have all the details but the person who is caring for his affairs says that he probably doesn't have much time left. He isn't able to do much besides lying in bed and watching television. He is being fed by tube.

You can get some details on his Facebook page, and you can contact the friend who is caring for his affairs.

David Streeter on Facebook

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~Sue~

I'm sorry to hear that about David. :-(

Anyhow this fellow complains about this happening, but he should be thankful that he also doesn't have to put up with "Stock On Road" signs on top of those.

Everywhere you drive in Sydney at the moment, you’re confronted with this sight – only to discover there’s not a road worker to be seen.

I get to see both on regular extended road trip Tuesdays (and even those short jobs just into town as well). :-(

Cheers.