Questions for manufacturers about eBike battery fires...
Making a list, checking it twice...
Everyone,
I’ve been thinking about the list of questions I’ll be sending to eBike manufacturers on Lithium battery safety. Please look these over and add any additional questions in the comments.
Dear eBike manufacturer,
Please provide information on the types of Lithium batteries you use in your eBike products and any safety precautions we should take to prevent fires in an RV or home. Here’s a list of questions to cover.
Do your eBikes use Lithium-ion or Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries?
Are you eBike batteries removable?
Do your batteries have a built-in BMS?
Does your charger include a way to determine if a battery is damaged and shut down charging?
How many battery fires have your eBikes had in the last few years?
Just how hot is a Lithium battery fire?
Do more eBike battery fires occur during charging or storage?
What additional safety features are included in your batteries?
Are eBikes and batteries safe to ride or store in the rain?
Can eBike batteries be immersed in fresh water without damage?
Can your batteries be immersed in salt water without damage?
How can we tell if an eBike battery might be internally damaged before it catches on fire?
What’s the proper disposal procedure if a lithium battery is damaged while we’re out camping?
Can you suggest a fireproof battery storage bag or box for use in an RV or garage?
Please add any additional questions in the comments and I’ll send this list to every eBike manufacturer I can find.
Let’s play safe out there… Mike
How about washing an eBike that got dirt/mud on it? Battery removed? If so, is there risk of the electrical contacts components being exposed. Same for transport. I remove battery to save weight on the hitch mounted rack, but does rain impact the components, motor, or battery.
I suspect that eBike manufacturers may be reluctant to answer some of these types of questions due to liability concerns. You might try a shorter less threatening list to get an initial response and then follow up once you have developed a rapport with someone whom is knowledgeable and forthcoming at one of the eBike companies. Maybe you can find someone who will do one of your video interviews with you and make it a more of discussion? So many good questions in your list and in the comments here. The only thing I would suggest is that technically, I believe that an LFP battery is a type of lithium ion battery so you might just ask what type of lithium battery do they use (e.g., LFP, NMC, LiPo, etc.) and do they use any batteries with non-lithium chemistries such as NiMH?