As the number of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) continues to rise on European roads, a team of researchers from the Unite! Alliance has launched an initiative to address safety concerns related to BEV fires, particularly in large applications such as buses and trucks.
The team with expertise in vehicle engineering, civil engineering, battery technology, and tunnel safety, have come together to conduct extensive research on the thermal and toxic release in BEV fires. The primary focus is on understanding the effects of large BEV fires, a critical area that has received limited attention in existing studies.
Current research on BEV fires has predominantly focused on passenger cars and outdated battery technology, leaving a significant gap in knowledge regarding large BEV applications. The rapid evolution of battery technology, including solid or polymeric electrolytes, necessitates continuous evaluation of safety aspects.
The project aims to prepare crucial information on BEV fires, including a comprehensive literature study and small-scale fire tests. These efforts will form the foundation for a follow-up project with large-scale testing on large BEVs. The ultimate goal is to formulate a competitive HORIZON proposal that addresses the latest battery technology and the potential risks associated with large BEV applications.