Fire Safety Standards in Electric Vehicles in India
There have been multiple fire incidents in Electric vehicles in India in the past one year, with these incidents seeing extensive coverage among Indian social media and news channels, resulting in the government and OEMs taking prompt action. In the backdrop of these EV fire incidents, the union ministry of road transport and highway issued amendments to comply to AIS 156 and AIS 038 Rev.2.
The use of flame retardants in critical components of electric vehicles, such as batteries, charging apparatus, electric motors, and electronics, plays a crucial role in preventing fires and ensuring safety, emphasizing the need for their incorporation and enforcement in standards for overall vehicle safety.
Relevant Developments in European Union
The European Union has developed some of the most stringent fire safety standards in the world for automobiles. These standards require that automobiles be designed to be resistant to fire, and that they be tested to ensure that they meet these standards. The European Union has implemented several regulations and standards, including Regulation No 118, which sets out requirements for the flammability of materials used in the interiors of vehicles, and Regulation No 661, which sets out requirements for the installation of fire extinguishers and other fire suppression systems in commercial vehicles. Additionally, the European Automotive Electronic Safety Standard (ECE R10) specifies requirements for the electromagnetic compatibility of electronic systems in vehicles.