Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 October 2023
186. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport if there have been any reports compiled on the safety of electric vehicles, particularly when parked in multistorey car parks, given there have been a number of fires in the UK caused by electric scooter and bike batteries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46724/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile no specific report has been compiled by my Department, a review of publicly available international studies suggest that EVs and EV technology are overall less likely to cause a fire than a petrol or diesel engine vehicle.
Examples of such reports have been compiled by the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency and by EVFireSafe in Australia and can be found on their respective websites.
Fires related to Electric Vehicle technology, particularly lithium batteries, are often highlighted within media reports when they occur. This is in part due to an unfamiliarity with EVs as a whole, as well as the perceived newness of the battery technology.
Lithium battery packs are an established technology and are generally considered safe when handled and used correctly, with appropriate precautions taken. Lithium batteries are commonplace in devices of all sizes and where issues have arisen in other sectors in the past, appropriate steps such as recalls are undertaken.
EV manufacturers are therefore subject to high standards and requirements in both their role as users of battery technology, as well as the wider framework of safety controls which are applied to the manufacturers of any type of vehicle available on the EU market.
Additionally, it should be noted that EV batteries are enclosed in a protective space designed to shield the battery from damage and to contain any incidents which may occur. This is not the case with many eBike and eScooter batteries which may be subject to additional wear and tear, environmental factors and incorrect or damaging misuse when charging or changing the battery externally.
Where any consumer has concerns about the safety of their vehicle, I encourage them to report it to the manufacturer or to a qualified EV mechanic and to follow any advice provided.
