Reducing the Risks of Fire and Explosion: Safely Charging an Electric Vehicle

Electric vehicles (EVs) have gained significant popularity due to their environmentally friendly nature, practicality, and potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, concerns about their safety have been raised, particularly regarding the risk of fires. There have been several instances where EVs have caught fire while on charge, thus becoming another roadblock in their smooth adoption.

The manufacturers, however, have been investing heavily in research and development to ensure a robust battery management system and a battery pack to eliminate the risk of EV fires.
Here, we take a look at some tips and suggestions that might help you in lowering the chances of fire or explosion while charging.

Use a dedicated charging station
This is the safest way to charge your EV, as it is designed specifically for this purpose and will not overload your home’s electrical system (in case you are using a fast charger). If you do not have a dedicated charging station, you can use a standard AC, but this will take much longer to charge your vehicle.
Install a charging station in a clean, well-ventilated area
This will help to prevent the buildup of heat, which could be a fire hazard. Keep the area around the charging station clear of debris and flammable materials. This will help to prevent a fire in the event of a short circuit.
Do not overcharge
Never leave your EV unattended while it is charging. This is especially important if you are charging your EV during the night as overcharging can significantly damage your battery.

Avoid charging in wet conditions
Avoid exposing the charger to wet conditions, especially when charging in open, public spaces during rain. If you are charging your EV in wet conditions, make sure the charger and the port are dry and not exposed to any sort of moisture.