Busting the Myth: Is the E-IPV Battery a Fire Risk?

The launch of BT-HS’s Electric Impact Protection Vehicle (E-IPV) has stirred significant conversation across the industry.

While this first-of-its-kind innovation has received praise, it has also faced scrutiny, particularly around the perceived risk of battery fires. To address these concerns, BT-HS is tackling the myth head-on.

The Growth of the EV Market

The rise of electric vehicles has been unprecedented over the last decade.

In 2012, fewer than 200,000 EVs were sold globally; by 2022, this figure had surpassed 10 million units. In the UK alone, EVs accounted for 16.6% of new car registrations in 2022.

While much of this growth has been in passenger cars, the electrification of commercial and plant vehicles is inevitable. With increasing environmental regulations, technological advancements, and growing pressure to reduce emissions, the transition to electric in these sectors is only a matter of time.

Setting the Record Straight…

The battery in the E-IPV is no ordinary component. It has been designed with safety as a priority.

Here’s how BT-HS ensures its reliability:

• The Crash Protection Chamber: The battery is housed in a specially constructed chamber designed to withstand impacts. This feature provides maximum safety even in high-risk environments, making it ideal for traffic management applications.

• Advanced Liquid Cooling System: The E-IPV features a liquid cooling system that maintains the battery at optimal operating temperatures, significantly reducing the risk of overheating and improving efficiency.

The Facts About EV Battery Fires

Contrary to misconceptions, research demonstrates that electric vehicle (EV) batteries are far less likely to catch fire than traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

Key statistics include:

• Petrol vs. EV fires: In 2019, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service reported 1,898 fires involving petrol and diesel vehicles compared to just 54 from EVs.

• Likelihood of fire: A Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency study found EVs are 20 times less likely to catch fire than ICE vehicles.

• Per vehicle comparison: A separate study showed that only 25 per 100,000 EVs experience fire damage, compared to 1,530 per 100,000 ICE vehicles and an even higher 3,475 per 100,000 for hybrids.

Source

BT-HS Managing Director, Phil Glaiser, stated:

“As with any innovation – there are questions. There are naysayers and there are enthusiasts. We wanted to be first, and with that comes being the first to get the praise, as well as the first to face potential objections. We accept that.

“What we feel is important, however, is that if there are to be naysayers and questions, then they should centre on things that are true.

“We want to educate, we want to engage in conversation as, ultimately, that’s how the correct information comes through. Our mantra is ‘Where safety & quality meet’ and throughout the design, development and build of the IPV, protecting the power source to make the vehicle safe for both operative and road users has been a constant point of focus.”

Commitment to Safety and Quality

BT-HS remains steadfast in its commitment to safety and quality and every vehicle – electric or otherwise – it produces reflects its mantra.

With innovations like the E-IPV, BT-HS is setting new benchmarks for safety, sustainability, and performance in the traffic management industry.

Director Alex Donkin added:

“As the industry moves toward a greener future, we’ll continue to lead the way.  We knew that being the first to build an electric IPV was a bold move. We knew there would be pushback as, ultimately, sometimes people just don’t like the prospect of change.

“However, as Phil says, we want the questions. We want the discussion. We just want to debunk mythical information about the E-IPV so the questions and discussions centre around things that are accurate.

“We’re very proud we were the first to develop such a vehicle, and we’ll continue to educate the sector on it.”

FOR MORE INFO ABOUT EV BATTERY SAFETY, CLICK HERE