A cargo ship carrying approximately 3,000 vehicles, including 800 electric vehicles, caught fire off the coast of Alaska on June 4. The 22 crew members were safely evacuated after unsuccessful attempts to extinguish the blaze. The Liberia-flagged vessel, Morning Midas, was en route from China to Mexico. No injuries were reported, and authorities are now working on salvage efforts while investigating the cause of the blaze. Reuters reports that "smoke was initially seen rising from a deck loaded with EVs," this according to the company, Zodiac Maritime.
Indeed, electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly transforming the future of transportation, offering cleaner, more sustainable alternatives to traditional gas-powered cars. However, as their popularity grows, so too does curiosity—and concern—about their safety, particularly when it comes to lithium-ion battery fires, which can be intense and particularly challenging to manage.
For any person who owns an electric car, it is imperative to understand the risks associated with their batteries, how to respond in emergencies, and what advancements are being made to mitigate these risks. From their causes and mechanics, to practical safety measures and groundbreaking innovations, click through this gallery to see all there is to know about EV battery fires.