Breitbart recently reported on a Washing Post, of all places, op-ed that uncovered some devastating realities of electric vehicle batteries and their unsafe penchant for catching fire. The Post article admits that battery problems and the deadly fires they often ignite are not related to design flaws, but rather the nature of lithium-ion in general.
Breitbart opened:
In a recent op-ed, the Washington Post outlines how Tesla’s battery issues and fires may not just be due to poor design and manufacturing but a side effect of electric vehicles relying on lithium-ion batteries.
Breitbart went on to say that nothing in the Post article makes electric vehicles particularly safe with current technology:
The Washington Post reports in an op-ed titled “Tesla’s Big Batteries Aren’t the Fire Problem. Lithium Is,” that Americans should be questioning whether lithium-ion powerpacks should be used for applications such as electric vehicles. The piece argues that the science of lithium-ion batteries make them inherently dangerous.
This site has extensively covered the repeated hazards and dangers associated with electric vehicles. Two teens were tragically killed after they were in an accident and the EV batteries later started on fire while the trapped occupants slowly burned to death. In another case, a driver barely managed to escape death after a fire started during the charging process.
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This says nothing of other glaring concerns related to practicality. Stories abound of towing failure, issues with long distance road trips, cars getting stuck in the middle of nowhere without the option to recharge, and others.
At least Americans are starting to wake up; polls suggest most Americans reject the use of electric vehicles. This, despite the fact that some banks are rejecting new car loans if they are for the purchase of gas-powered cars.
Quoting the source directly, here is how the Washington Post piece wrote about the concerning flaws related to electric vehicles’ lithium battery packs:
The large-scale use comes with significant risks, although most modern power systems choose this formulation because it boasts higher energy density, as well as greater charging and discharging efficiency. However, lithium-ion batteries have a volatile, flammable electrolyte. So, while there are safeguards to avoid fires, all the combustible ingredients are still there. Flames can accelerate through chain reactions, known as thermal runaway.
Big batteries are made up of several cells packed together. Current is constantly flowing inside, which generates heat. If there are no barriers between the components, a failure in one part quickly cascades through. While elaborate (and critical) equipment for cooling the system is put in place, it draws on the energy of the actual powerpack and reduces its output. In addition, when charged, a coat of lithium metal can form on the surface and dendrites, or needle-like structures can grow, and lead to short-circuits.
There are other considerations, too. For instance, in its review of battery failures in 2019 and 2012, the Arizona State Commission pointed to reports of “fires with 10 feet to 15 feet flame lengths that grew into 50 feet to 75 feet flame lengths appearing to be fed by flammable liquids coming from the cabinets.” After one incident, it took nearly three months to discharge the stranded energy.
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