Fact Check: EV battery fires can be extinguished in 4 minutes with minimal water!

Fact Check: "EV battery fires can be extinguished in 4 minutes with minimal water!"

What We Know

The claim that electric vehicle (EV) battery fires can be extinguished in four minutes with minimal water lacks substantial support from credible sources. Recent tests conducted by the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) indicate that while new methods can extinguish lithium-ion battery fires effectively, the time reported for these methods is generally longer than four minutes. For instance, one report states that a new cutting extinguisher can put out a battery fire in approximately ten minutes with minimal water use (source-2).

Moreover, other sources indicate that extinguishing EV battery fires can take significantly longer, with some reports suggesting that even controlled fires may require up to 15 minutes and substantial amounts of water (source-6).

Analysis

The claim that EV battery fires can be extinguished in four minutes with minimal water is misleading. The evidence from the MSB tests shows that while innovative methods are being developed to tackle such fires, the average extinguishing time is around ten minutes, which contradicts the original claim (source-2).

Furthermore, the reliability of the sources discussing these methods varies. The report from MSB is credible as it is based on systematic testing involving multiple stakeholders and rigorous methodologies. However, anecdotal reports and less formal sources may exaggerate the effectiveness of these methods, leading to confusion about the actual capabilities of fire extinguishing techniques for EV batteries (source-4).

The claim also fails to account for the complexities involved in extinguishing lithium-ion battery fires, which can reach extremely high temperatures and pose risks of re-ignition. The methods tested, such as using high-pressure water mist, are designed to minimize oxygen introduction and thus reduce the risk of re-ignition, but they still require careful handling and may not always be effective within the claimed timeframe (source-2).

Conclusion

Verdict: False
The assertion that EV battery fires can be extinguished in four minutes with minimal water is not supported by credible evidence. Current methodologies indicate that while advancements are being made, the average extinguishing time is closer to ten minutes, and effective extinguishing often requires more than just minimal water. This discrepancy highlights the need for accurate information regarding fire safety in electric vehicles.

Sources

1. Google Scholar – Wikipedia
2. New revolutionary method tested extinguishes lithium-Ion EV fires in ...
3. Google Scholar
4. Two Controlled EV Fires Were Fully Extinguished in Minutes With No ...
5. Google
6. Extinguishing battery fires: New solution by "BEST" - Tesla Motors Club
7. New revolutionary method tested extinguishes lithium-Ion ...
8. About - Google Scholar