One thing EV fans often gloss over: a lithium-ion battery fire is a nightmare scenario for fire prevention. The flames burn at 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit, about half as hot as the surface of the sun. At those temps, water isn’t putting it out. Water actually acts as fuel for the fire, it gets atomized.
The chemistry was too complicated for my knuckle-headed self when it was explained to me by better firefighters. The point is, you need to stop EV battery fires before the thermal runaway gets a chance to… well… run away.
That window of opportunity is vanishingly small, on the order of seconds rather than minutes.
Good news: Science is on it.
If Your EV Cracks a Beer, It’s Time to Leave
According to new research from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), EV battery fires make a very distinct sound before they fully ignite. It’s a telltale hiss, a small explosion of venting gas, a lot like a soda can opening.
This happens during the early stages of thermal runaway, when a battery cell starts venting gas before igniting. If you ever hear that noise after a crash or while charging, run… do not walk… away from the vehicle.
Industrial facilities stand to gain from the newly developed AI models to detect early-stage battery fires.
AI Can Hear the Warning Before It’s Too Late
NIST researchers developed an AI system that can detect this ominous hiss with 94% accuracy. That’s already impressive, and with further training, the model will only get better.
This technology could be a game-changer for:
- EV Manufacturers: Early warning systems could prevent the fires that are typical at Tesla and Rivian factories.
- Emergency Responders: Faster intervention could save lives. Like we have Shotspotter for gunshots, we could have Firespotter for lithium ion battery events.
- Battery Storage Facilities: Early detection could prevent massive warehouse fires, on land or at sea.
Science Sure is Cool… I’d Hate To See Anybody Eff It All Up
NIST’s Fire Research Division is doing vital work that could make EVs safer for everyone. Hopefully, they keep getting funded and don’t fall victim to certain individuals who think the free market will solve all their problems.
For now, if your car ever cracks open a cold one, take the hint and get out of there.
