Latest news with #EV
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
The Fire Protection Research Foundation and the Fire Safety Research Institute Issue Notice Around Potential Hazard Involving Fire Blankets Used for Electric Vehicle Fire Suppression Efforts with Battery Involvement
Key Takeaways: Experiments conducted by both organizations have demonstrated a potential explosion hazard when fire blankets are used during electric vehicle (EV) fire suppression efforts when there is battery involvement. When flaming is eliminated by the fire blanket, the ongoing accumulation of flammable gases released by continued thermal runaway in the battery pack presents a potential explosion risk. The experiments reinforce the need for continued research on EV firefighting tactics. QUINCY, Mass. and COLUMBIA, Md., May 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Fire Protection Research Foundation (FPRF), the research affiliate of NFPA, and the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), part of UL Research Institutes, today issued a notice about a potential explosion hazard when fire blankets are used during electric vehicle fire suppression efforts with battery involvement. During experiments involving the use of electric vehicle fire blankets to suppress an EV fire with battery involvement, it was observed that the deployment of a fire blanket eliminated flaming by denying oxygen to the vehicle and the battery fire. While the flaming was eliminated, battery thermal runaway propagation continued after blanket deployment, which resulted in the continued release and accumulation of flammable battery gases into the volume under the blanket In some of the experiments, this accumulation of flammable gases under the blankets presented an explosion risk to firefighters operating near the vehicle. The risk of an explosion can be increased when re-introducing air into an oxygen-depleted accumulation of unburned flammable battery gases. FPRF is conducting research to improve the safety of firefighters responding to electric vehicle (EV) fires and incidents by assessing current firefighting tactics and tools used by the fire service to manage EV incidents and the impact of suppression activities on managing re-ignition risks. Recent experiments for the Assessment of EV Firefighting Tactics, Tools and the Impact on Stranded Energy research project were conducted to assess the ability of four firefighting tactics to suppress and establish control of fire incidents involving standalone electric vehicle battery packs and full electric vehicles with confirmed battery pack fire involvement: standard hose stream application – water only; standard hose stream application – with injected agent; electric vehicle fire blankets; and firefighting appliances. Analysis of the data from FPRF experiments is underway. Preliminary results will be presented at the annual NFPA Conference and Expo on June 16, 2025 in Las Vegas and the full analysis will be provided in FPRF's forthcoming research report, which will be publicly available this fall at FSRI is conducting research to improve understanding of hazards generated by electric vehicle battery fires and to enable the development of firefighting tactics for effective electric vehicle fire control. Recent experiments for the Fire Safety of Batteries and Electric Vehicles research project were conducted to evaluate the capability of standard hose stream application, water application with an under-vehicle nozzle, and an electric vehicle fire blanket, to suppress and establish control of a burning electric vehicle with confirmed battery pack fire involvement. Analysis of the video and data from FSRI experiments is underway and will be addressed in detail in FSRI's forthcoming electric vehicle research report, which will be available at About Fire Protection Research FoundationThe Fire Protection Research Foundation is the research affiliate of NFPA. The Foundation is an independent nonprofit whose mission is to plan, manage, and communicate research in support of the association's mission to help save lives and reduce loss with information, knowledge and passion. The FPRF facilitates research on a broad range of fire safety issues in collaboration with scientists and laboratories around the world. About Fire Safety Research InstituteThe Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), part of UL Research Institutes, advances fire safety knowledge to address the world's unresolved fire safety risks and emerging dangers. As part of UL Research Institutes, we are committed to sharing our fire safety insights with everyone to advance UL's public safety mission of providing safe living and working environments for people everywhere. Through advanced fire science, rigorous research, extensive outreach and education in collaboration with our international network of partners, we impart stakeholders with the information, tools and resources that enable them to make better, more fire-safe decisions that ultimately save lives and property. Learn more at About UL Research InstitutesUL Research Institutes is a nonprofit research organization dedicated to advancing public safety through scientific discovery. Since 1894, our research has advanced our mission toward a safer, more secure, and sustainable future. Focused on global risks from fire mitigation and air quality to safe energy storage and digital privacy, we conduct rigorous independent research, analyze safety data, and partner with experts to uncover and act on existing and emerging risks to human safety. Discover more at View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE FSRI
Wales Online
8 hours ago
- Automotive
- Wales Online
New rules affecting roads and drivers across Wales planned
New rules affecting roads and drivers across Wales planned The Welsh Government has proposed changes to help the transition to a new future A new rule for driveways in England came into force this Thursday (May 29) and something similar looks on the way for Wales (Image: InYourArea ) A new law coming into force in England could soon be repeated in Wales. From this week, people in England will no longer need to submit planning applications in order to install electric vehicle chargers, a law which will effect every household in England. The Labour government hopes that this new law will streamline the process of installing EV chargers and therefore reduce months of delays and possibly saving drivers £1,100 a year. They say it will give drivers more chargepoints, with less red tape. In April this year, the Welsh Government published a consultation which proposes to change the development rules around EV charging infrastructure. The proposals would bring Wales further in line with provisions in Scotland and England by removing the 2m from a highway restriction and, in certain instances, increasing the height limit of chargers to 2.7m. The Welsh Government said: "The number of EV charging points across Wales needs to increase to support the anticipated growth in electric vehicle usage, and to align with Net Zero Wales targets and UK Government's proposed ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030/35. "Reliable and comprehensive charging infrastructure is needed to support this transition. "The changes will further facilitate the roll-out of electric vehicle charge points in line with predicted growth in use of electric vehicles and to ensure sufficient charging infrastructure is available to support zero emission vehicle targets." Other changes to permitted development rights in Wales laid out in the consultation include increased provision for air source heat pumps and increased rights for recreation campsites. The Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, called England's move a boost for the "EV revolution". Love dreamy Welsh homes? Sign up to our newsletter here . She added: "We continue to make the switch to EVs easier, cheaper and better by investing over £2.3billion to support drivers and back British carmakers through international trade deals - creating jobs, boosting investment and securing our future as part of our Plan for Change." Osprey Charging Network's operations director, Lewis Gardiner, said changes in England would make a "real difference". He continued: "Removing the need for planning permission for essential electrical infrastructure like substations across the majority of sites will save months of delays, reduce costs and accelerate the delivery of the rapid charging hubs drivers need." Article continues below Research by Autotrader shows that the number of EV chargers in the UK rose from by 30,000 at the end of 2021, to 77,000 as of March 2025. The Welsh Government consultation runs until July 1, 2025. It can be viewed here.
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Experts make bold suggestion for thousands of tons of outdated used EV batteries: 'It's not going to be easy'
Clean energy experts in Australia say reusing and recycling old electric vehicle batteries could be the key to reducing electronic waste across the globe. Researchers from Edith Cowan University studied predictions of how much e-waste comes from used EV batteries, per The Conversation. Right now, an estimated 100,000 EVs are on Australia's roads. Experts with the University of Technology Sydney suggest that by 2030, this could produce around 30,000 tons of e-waste, spiking to 360,000 tons by 2040. They warn that e-waste in landfills increases human health risks and the risk of fire. The experts at ECU proposed a new scale for assessing the health of EV batteries at the end of their initial use. A battery health assessment of at least 80% of the original capacity means batteries can be reused for things like smaller EVs, scooters, and golf carts. An assessment of 60% to 80% would make a battery eligible to be reused for different applications, like stationary power storage. All batteries under 60% would be mined for precious minerals to be used in new batteries. Adopting this scale would require manufacturers to make battery data accessible. Batteries are typically sealed shut, preventing access to specific data. "Old EV batteries have huge potential," wrote the creators of the EV battery health assessment scale, per The Conversation. "But it's not going to be easy to realize this." Recycling companies have proved that up to 95% of EV battery parts can be recycled. But the experts at ECU say batteries in Australia are designed with performance and safety at the forefront, with recyclability as an afterthought. In the meantime, other nations are requiring manufacturers to provide EV battery data for recyclers. The European Union will begin requiring a digital passport for all EVs in January 2027. In 2021, California passed a law requiring manufacturers to provide reports on battery health to recyclers. Which of these factors would most effectively motivate you to recycle old clothes and electronics? Giving me money back Letting me trade for new stuff Making it as easy as possible Keeping my stuff out of landfills Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Experts make bold suggestion for thousands of tons of outdated used EV batteries: 'It's not going to be easy'
Clean energy experts in Australia say reusing and recycling old electric vehicle batteries could be the key to reducing electronic waste across the globe. Researchers from Edith Cowan University studied predictions of how much e-waste comes from used EV batteries, per The Conversation. Right now, an estimated 100,000 EVs are on Australia's roads. Experts with the University of Technology Sydney suggest that by 2030, this could produce around 30,000 tons of e-waste, spiking to 360,000 tons by 2040. They warn that e-waste in landfills increases human health risks and the risk of fire. The experts at ECU proposed a new scale for assessing the health of EV batteries at the end of their initial use. A battery health assessment of at least 80% of the original capacity means batteries can be reused for things like smaller EVs, scooters, and golf carts. An assessment of 60% to 80% would make a battery eligible to be reused for different applications, like stationary power storage. All batteries under 60% would be mined for precious minerals to be used in new batteries. Adopting this scale would require manufacturers to make battery data accessible. Batteries are typically sealed shut, preventing access to specific data. "Old EV batteries have huge potential," wrote the creators of the EV battery health assessment scale, per The Conversation. "But it's not going to be easy to realize this." Recycling companies have proved that up to 95% of EV battery parts can be recycled. But the experts at ECU say batteries in Australia are designed with performance and safety at the forefront, with recyclability as an afterthought. In the meantime, other nations are requiring manufacturers to provide EV battery data for recyclers. The European Union will begin requiring a digital passport for all EVs in January 2027. In 2021, California passed a law requiring manufacturers to provide reports on battery health to recyclers. Which of these factors would most effectively motivate you to recycle old clothes and electronics? Giving me money back Letting me trade for new stuff Making it as easy as possible Keeping my stuff out of landfills Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Sydney Morning Herald
9 hours ago
- Automotive
- Sydney Morning Herald
The range of EVs is surging, but certain fears are holding back sales
Consumer doubts about the longevity of electric vehicle (EV) batteries and the lack of a second-hand market are preventing more people from buying EVs, even as the number of options proliferates. The government forecasts that EVs will one day dominate Australian roads but the latest figures show the proportion of new cars sold that are EVs has slowed to only 5.9 per cent of the market. New research from insurance giant NRMA says key reasons Australians lack confidence in electric cars include doubts over owners' ability to find qualified EV technicians when they need repairs, and concerns about the viability and safety of second-hand EV parts, including batteries. NRMA, which said there were 80 EV models available and more were expected in the coming months, also flagged customer concerns about how to safely dispose of EV batteries at the end of their use. The report, based on interviews with 2079 people including 91 EV owners and 280 individuals considering EV ownership, showed more than 60 per cent of existing owners were concerned about the lack of qualified technicians who could repair them, and almost all of them said they expected their insurer to have access to EV technicians. NRMA Insurance chief executive Julie Batch said the absence of qualified EV technicians was an issue compounded by a national shortage of automotive repair technicians. 'Nationally there are 38,000 unfilled automotive positions right now, and EVs are different. So you need both those skills that are current in automotive technicians, panel beaters, repairers, things like that, and you need to add to those things,' Batch said. She said filling that void would require upskilling an already dwindling industry. The automotive sector has also previously warned of a shortage of technicians to service the growing number of EVs on the roads. The Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce has said the industry would probably need two to three times the current number of qualified EV technicians. An additional 68 per cent of those surveyed by NRMA were concerned about recycling and disposing of EV batteries, and less than one-third of drivers said they'd be comfortable using a recycled battery. They cited fears over battery fires, especially when charging vehicles, despite evidence suggesting EV battery fires are rare.
