Electric car safety was raised after the Volvo C40 Recharge went up in smoke.
Electric vehicles have once again come under scrutiny in India due to a recent accident involving a Volvo C40 Recharge electric SUV, which cost a staggering Rs 63 lakh. A video of the incident, in which the car caught fire, has gone viral on the internet.
The Volvo C40 caught fire while driving on a highway in Chhattisgarh. Fortunately, the passengers, including the owner, managed to escape the SUV without serious injuries before the electric vehicle was engulfed in flames. The entire incident, recorded by the car’s owner, raises concerns about the safety and reliability of electric vehicles on the road.
The exact cause of the fire is unknown, and the company has not yet issued an official statement. However, it is expected that investigations into the matter are underway. Such incidents raise concerns within the automotive industry and among consumers.
This occurrence highlights the potential fire risks associated with electric vehicles, mainly due to the presence of high-voltage lithium-ion batteries. Although such incidents are relatively rare, fires involving electric vehicles can be intense and difficult to extinguish due to the unique properties of these batteries. Customers in the Indian market have been particularly concerned about EV fires, posing an obstacle to green mobility as well as the lack of charging stations.
The Volvo C40 Recharge was introduced in India in September 2023, with a starting price of Rs 61.25 lakh, ex-showroom. Equipped with two motors, one on each axle, and a sizable 78kWh battery, the model can cover distances of up to 530km on a single charge according to the WLTP cycle, or up to 683km as per ICAT.
Are EVs prone to catching fire?
While there is no definitive explanation for incidents of fire in electric vehicles, many people attribute them to poor cell quality, substandard battery design, and a faulty BMS (battery management system). Some individuals add aftermarket accessories that can also cause fires in EVs. The exact cause of the Volvo C40’s fire can only be determined after a thorough investigation. However, if you own an EV, it’s recommended that you use only company-fitted accessories and adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions to be on the safer side.
If you are an EV manufacturer (or) EV Dealer (or) EV Supporter who want to share news related to electric vehicles on our website, please send an email to crm@electricvehicles.in
For the latest electric vehicles news,
follow electricvehicles.in on
and our YouTube Channels
