Background of Bus Fires:
In a recent incident, a hybrid bus experienced a catastrophic explosion during the school run in Wimbledon, followed by another bus catching fire in North Woolwich within 24 hours.
Transport for London (TfL) subsequently took precautionary measures by temporarily removing buses from the 200 route.
Expert Explanation on Hybrid Bus Fires:
Neil Pedersen, a seasoned fire expert with 30 years of experience in the British Fire Service, shed light on how fires in hybrid buses can escalate through their lithium battery packs.
While emphasizing that hybrid buses are not inherently dangerous, Pedersen explained that physical damage to the battery pack can cause lithium cells to heat up and initiate a self-sustaining chemical fire.
Causes of Battery Fires:
Pedersen outlined various causes for battery fires, including physical damage from road debris, overheating of battery cells, defects during manufacturing, or incorrect installation onto the vehicle.
He likened the spread of fire within lithium battery packs to a domino effect, where one unstable cell heats up the adjacent cells, creating a chain reaction.
Challenges in Fire Extinguishment:
Fires resulting from battery issues are challenging to extinguish due to their chemical nature. The lithium cells produce their own oxygen and hydrogen, forming a self-sustaining fire. The steel case containing the battery cells prevents water from reaching the fire, making conventional extinguishing methods less effective.
Electric Bus Safety Assessment:
Despite recent incidents, Pedersen emphasized that electric buses are generally safe for public use. He stressed that the safety of traveling on an electric bus is comparable to any other mode of public transport. Pedersen called for educating the public on lithium cell dangers and appropriate responses in case of a fire, cautioning against using standard fire extinguishers.
London Fire Brigade’s Data on Electric Vehicle Fires:
The incidents with electric buses follow a broader trend of safety concerns with electric vehicles (EVs). According to the London Fire Brigade, electric vehicles were the fastest-growing cause of fires in the capital in the past year, with 150 e-bike fires and 28 e-scooter fires reported in 2023, a 53% increase from 2022.
Mayor Khan’s Ambitious Zero-Emission Fleet Target:
London Mayor Khan, amid calls for an investigation into the Wimbledon double-decker explosion, maintains his commitment to making the capital’s entire bus fleet ‘zero-emission’ by 2034. However, critics point to safety faults with electric vehicles, urging a thorough assessment of potential risks.
Expert Perspective on Media Attention:
Pedersen acknowledged the attention electric bus fires receive in the media, emphasizing the need for balanced reporting. He highlighted that incidents represent a small fraction of the fleet, with over a thousand electric buses currently operating in London since 2019.
Importance of Public Education:
Pedersen underscored the importance of educating the public on lithium cell dangers and recommended appropriate safety measures. He cautioned against using standard fire extinguishers on lithium fires, as it could expose individuals to toxic, flammable gas clouds.
In summary, the recent incidents prompt a closer examination of electric vehicle safety, with experts providing insights into the challenges and precautions associated with lithium battery fires.
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