Thermal runaway and fire of electric vehicle lithium-ion battery and contamination of infrastructure facility

Abstract

Thermal runaway and the subsequent fire of electric vehicle lithium-ion batteries cause a specific type of contamination. In order to assess the resulting risks of damage to critical infrastructure and to human health, we perform practical thermal runaway experiments with lithium-ion battery modules of an approved, commercially available electric vehicle. Extensive chemical analyses identify and quantify the soot depositions in ventilated and non-ventilated rooms. Contamination mainly consists of the metal oxides of the cathode material, lithium and fluoride compounds. Their influence on surfaces, protective textiles as well as their corrosiveness to typical metals and the impairment of electrical and electronic devices is low. The analysis of sprinkling and cooling water shows the necessary extent of its decontamination. Recommendations include preventive and mitigating measures for the appropriate handling of contamination caused by fires from lithium-ion battery powered electric vehicles.