An expert panel has found a lack of ‘basic safety systems’ as the leading cause of electric scooters catching fire in recent weeks fire, prompting the Centre to seek corrective measures from companies and warn of legal action against electric two-wheeler manufacturers.
The panel found the electric two-wheeler makers did not offer a ‘venting mechanism’ for overheated batteries to release energy and that the ‘battery management system’ was faulty, an official privy to the findings of the committee ET.
More importantly, the panel is believed to have highlighted that many electric scooter manufacturers gave only ‘minimum functionality’ and ‘shortcuts’ were adopted rather than keeping safety for the riders as the top priority. The expert committee’s final report is likely to be out within a week but its suggestions on safety have already been sent to EV manufacturers.
“Companies have already been told that many of the EV two-wheeler manufacturers have taken shortcuts. Their cells have failed the tests. In several cases, the venting mechanism is not there. They are bursting and catching fire. They are mainly poor-quality cells,” the financial daily quoted the official as saying.
Recently, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said companies found negligent will be fined and a recall of all faulty vehicles will be ordered after the expert committee submits its report. In April, the Centre had ordered an investigation following an e-scooter launched by ride-hailing app Ola’s electric mobility arm engulfed in fire in Pune.
The panel has mentioned that there was no means to detect failure or overheating of cells and to isolate failed battery cells.
The publication quoted the official as saying, “The battery management system is not even basic. A particular battery, when it’s getting overheated, must be identified and cut off. This is, in fact, what even a minimum functional BMS will do. These vehicles didn’t even have that basic identification system for failed cells.”
A perfect battery management system in an EV regulates current supply to avoid overcharging and overheating. Typically, battery packs need to strictly follow safety standards set by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI).
The Centre has shared the panel’s suggestions with the relevant EV scooter manufacturers for corrective action and has sought to know why no legal step should be taken for lapses.
