Electric car batteries ‘at least as safe as combustion cars’ |

Electric car batteries ‘at least as safe as combustion cars’

In the event of a fire, hybrids and electric cars are at least as safe as combustion rivals, according to new research by DEKRA. The research is released as concerns about electric car safety is reignited this week, following reports of fires involving Fisker Karma models. According to news reports, 16 Fisker Karma’s flooded in New Jersey during Hurricane Sandy caught fire and burned in a holding facility. Fisker is believed to be investigating. In the meantime, DEKRA’s research comes as a reassurance. Conducting a series of tests, DEKRA used three lithium ion batteries from an un-named electric vehicle currently available on the market, and set them alight, then extinguished using different extinguishing agents. The batteries were set alight using petrol. After a few minutes exposed to flames at temperatures exceeding 800°C, the batteries began to burn by themselves. Duri...

Full article: http://www.thegreencarwebsite.co.uk/blog/index.php/2012/1...