A dramatic fire in central London this morning involving an “environmentally friendly” electric bin lorry has sparked a citywide investigation.

The fire broke out in the early hours on a lithium-battery-powered truck valued at £580,000, forcing road closures on major streets like Oxford Street and Duke Street.

As emergency teams raced to extinguish the flames, questions around the safety of battery-powered vehicles in London intensified, particularly following recent incidents involving electric buses and e-bikes.

Electric Vehicle Fires on the Rise: London Responds

The latest incident isn’t isolated; similar fires have plagued the city’s transport system in recent months.

In January alone, three battery-powered buses ignited, causing safety fears among passengers and mounting pressure on Mayor Sadiq Khan to address these issues.

Additionally, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) issued warnings to e-bike owners in September as fires linked to lithium-ion batteries soared by 70% in 2023, with over 270 devices catching fire throughout the year.

The recurring nature of these incidents underscores a broader safety challenge with battery-powered machines in densely populated areas.

Emergency Response and Ongoing Investigation

As flames engulfed the truck, specialist fire crews were deployed from Paddington and a specialized Fire Rescue Unit (FRU) was brought in to handle the risks unique to electric vehicle fires.

Firefighters used disc cutters and saws to gain access to the burning vehicle, working to prevent toxic fumes and possible reignition.

Thankfully, all occupants escaped without injury, and the fire was fully controlled by 7:57 a.m.

However, Westminster City Council announced a full investigation focusing on potential electrical faults, given that 45 zero-emission lorries were recently added to its fleet.

London’s Troubled History with EV Fires

This morning’s fire joins a growing list of incidents involving electric and hybrid public transport.

Earlier in January, a hybrid bus erupted in flames in North Woolwich, prompting commuters to flee, while another exploded in Wimbledon, causing extensive damage.

This pattern extends to e-bikes, with fires becoming a notable risk in crowded areas like Sutton Station, where a battery-powered bike ignited during rush hour in March.

Tragically, a similar incident in Caerphilly, Wales, saw an entire home destroyed after an e-bike fire, although the family managed to escape.

Waste Fires Fueled by Lithium Batteries

Beyond transport, lithium-ion battery fires are a major hazard in waste management.

Research has found that improperly discarded batteries, especially in bin lorries or recycling centers, can lead to devastating fires when punctured or exposed to metal.

Over 700 fires in waste disposal settings were caused by batteries in 2022 alone, costing an estimated £158 million in damage.

With lithium-ion batteries responsible for nearly half of the UK’s waste fires each year, this issue poses ongoing risks to public safety and waste management staff alike.

What’s Next for EV Safety in London?

As battery-related fires continue to threaten public safety, regulatory and safety discussions are intensifying.

The government, city councils, and fire safety experts are now under pressure to find solutions for ensuring the safe use and disposal of battery-powered devices.

In the coming months, London authorities may need to revise regulations around EV operation, battery recycling, and safety protocols to protect the city’s residents and infrastructure from the risks associated with lithium-ion technology.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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