Electric vehicle fire and explosion warning - Danger that cannot be ignored

Electric vehicles are becoming a popular means of transportation with many economic and environmental advantages. However, recent fires and explosions involving electric vehicles have warned of the risk of lack of safety, which is an issue that people cannot ignore. BE AWARE

In recent years, the country has recorded many serious fires and explosions related to electric vehicles, especially during battery charging. In Dong Thap, there was a fire in 2023 on Le Van Pham Street, Ward 6, My Tho City, Tien Giang Province (now Thoi Son Ward, Dong Thap Province), causing many people to worry.

Police force propagates fire prevention and fighting to electric motorbike shop owners.

The Fire Prevention, Fire Fighting and Rescue Police Department (PCCC&CNCH) - Tien Giang Provincial Police previously had to mobilize many fire trucks and officers and soldiers to the scene to put out the fire. Because the rolling door was locked, the authorities had to break the door to access and put out the fire in time, preventing the fire from spreading to neighboring houses. Initial investigation results showed that the cause of the fire was an electric bicycle that was charging, then quickly spread to other items in the house, causing significant damage.

In March 2025, the police had to deal with 4 cases of electric bicycles being "modified" to reach speeds of 80 - 100 km/h, creating an extremely high risk of overloading, short circuiting, and fire and explosion. This shows that the situation of arbitrary electric vehicle modifications is widespread, but few people are aware of the serious consequences that can occur.

The owner of an electric vehicle store in Vinh Binh commune shared: “Since the electric vehicle fires and explosions, I have completely changed the way I advise customers. I always remind customers about safety when charging their vehicles, absolutely do not be subjective, and limit charging the vehicle to the lowest level at night when going to bed.”

POTENTIAL RISKS

Lieutenant Colonel Do Thi Thanh Tien, Deputy Head of the Fire Prevention and Rescue Police Department - Dong Thap Provincial Police, said: "Lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles are very dangerous when damaged or improperly charged. We have recorded many cases of fire and explosion due to people being subjective in charging their vehicles overnight, leaving their vehicles in sheltered places or using poor quality batteries."

The main causes of electric vehicle fires and explosions include: Lithium-ion batteries damaged due to improper charging, exposure to hot and humid environments for a long time; changing components that are not up to standard such as "modifying" the battery, motor, controller to increase speed; charging the vehicle overnight or without supervision during the charging process; using old, poor quality batteries without regular maintenance and especially subjectivity and lack of knowledge about fire prevention and fighting when using electric vehicles every day.

The most worrying thing is the rapid development of a lithium-ion battery fire; within just 20 - 30 seconds from the first smoke to the outbreak of a fierce fire, accompanied by toxic smoke containing hazardous substances such as CO, HF, VOCs, which can seriously endanger human health and life.

Electric vehicle fires and explosions not only cause property damage, but also directly threaten human life. Toxic fumes produced during the fire can cause respiratory burns, poisoning and leave long-term effects on the victim's health. It is especially dangerous when many families have the habit of charging their vehicles near the entrance, seriously hindering escape when an incident occurs.

To ensure safety when using electric vehicles, Lieutenant Colonel Do Thi Thanh Tien recommends that people be proper users by purchasing vehicles and batteries from reputable dealers with clear warranties, absolutely not modifying batteries, motors or controllers, and resolutely not using poor quality components of unknown origin.

Regarding charging, people need to strictly follow the principles: Do not charge overnight or when there are no people, charge in a well-ventilated area, away from the exit, absolutely do not leave the electric vehicle under strong sunlight or in a humid environment for a long time. Regular maintenance is also extremely important and cannot be ignored.

The battery, engine, and electrical system should be checked regularly and immediately stopped using if the battery is found to be swollen, abnormally hot, or showing signs of electrolyte leakage. Each family should be equipped with appropriate fire prevention and firefighting equipment such as specialized fire extinguishers (F500EA, ORION OR-6, Eco Fire 6) or heat-resistant fire blankets, and should know how to use sand, water with additives, or wet blankets to help extinguish the fire.

“It is especially important to prepare an escape plan and inform everyone in the family, arrange a second escape route through the balcony, window or rope ladder, and leave no obstacles at the entrance,” Lieutenant Colonel Do Thi Thanh Tien added.

When detecting an electric vehicle on fire, the following steps must be taken immediately: Turn off the power and evacuate immediately, keep a safe distance; if possible, move flammable objects away; use suitable fire extinguishing agents such as sand, water-based extinguishers with additives, heat-resistant blankets and most importantly, call 114 immediately - this is a toll-free number, even if the phone has no credit.

Authorities are also actively organizing propaganda sessions on knowledge and skills on fire prevention and fighting related to electric vehicles so that people and businesses can be more proactive, aware of the safety of using electric vehicles and know how to handle fire and explosion situations to minimize damage...

LONG GIANG

Source: https://baoapbac.vn/phap-luat-an-ninh-trat-tu/202508/canh-bao-chay-no-xe-dien-nguy-hiem-khong-the-chu-quan-1048460/