Fake info busted: Viral video shows EV battery catching fire in apartment lift

While advanced technologies and stricter regulations have curbed electric two-wheeler fire incidents in India, a new CCTV footage circulating on social media shows a man carrying an EV battery into an apartment lift when it suddenly bursts into flames. The horrifying video shows the person being rescued on a different floor, severely burned. The caption on the video says, “A person brings the e-bike battery into the lift.When the lift closes, the electro-charge of the battery turns the whole lift into a magnetic battery. Be careful and share with family and friends!” This incident has raised fresh concerns about the safety of swappable EV batteries and the potential risks associated with them.
It is important to note that the video is not from India, but is relevant in the country as the two-wheeler electric mobility is expanding rapidly across the country, despite initial setbacks including concerns regarding safety.

EV battery fire: What could’ve caused the explosion
While the video has sparked fear and misinformation, it appears that the incident is likely an isolated case caused by a specific issue with the battery. It was likely an issue with one or more of the cells that caused a thermal runaway, leading to the explosion. include multiple safety features to prevent thermal runaway, a condition where a battery cell overheats and can cause a fire. Such occurrences are extremely rare and do not reflect the overall safety record of EV batteries.
While the video is undoubtedly alarming, it’s crucial to avoid panic and misinformation. The incident should serve as a reminder to handle EV batteries with caution, but it doesn’t negate the numerous benefits of electric vehicles.
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