Electric Two-Wheeler Fires are Caused by a Lack of Basic Safety Systems

As fires in electric vehicles (EVs) continue unabated in the country, an expert committee formed by the Union Road Transport and Highways Ministry has discovered flaws in the safety systems of electric two-wheelers' batteries. Electric two-wheeler manufacturers cut corners in order to increase production and meet rising demand, rather than focusing on rider safety.

According to sources, the expert panel, which has already shared safety recommendations with EV manufacturers to address larger issues, plans to make its findings public soon. Nitin Gadkari, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister, warned EV manufacturers in April that if any company is found to be negligent in their processes, "a heavy penalty will be imposed, and a recall of all defective vehicles will be ordered."

"We have constituted an Expert Committee to inquire into these incidents and make recommendations on remedial steps. Based on the reports, we will issue necessary orders on the defaulting companies," he had said.

The expert committee has found that the EV manufacturers offered no mechanism to identify overheating of cells and isolate failed battery cells.