Firefighting of Li-Ion Traction Batteries - An Update

Abstract

SAE paper 2013-01-0213 [1] described firefighting tests with Li-Ion traction batteries. However, additional knowledge and experience has been gained since then. In 2018 and 2019, DEKRA Accident Research and the Department of Anesthesiology of the University Medical Center Göttingen conducted crash tests far beyond standard with four battery electric vehicles. Three of the vehicles’ batteries were used to test a new method of firefighting. A specially designed lance was used to pierce the battery housing, which enabled water to be directly fed into the housings themselves. The method proved to be very effective, but the tests also showed some limitations. The information gleaned from this series of tests and experience gained from other tests was used as a basis for the formation of a multidisciplinary group of experts. The group consisted of representatives of several fire departments, state fire schools, the automotive industry, a medical doctor, accident researchers, fire investigators, DEKRA Accident Research and EV experts. Relevant basic information was collected and incorporated into an information sheet. This was published in German and English on the website of the German Statutory Accident Insurance for firefighters. The paper gives a brief overview of the crash tests, the damage sustained by the batteries (no post-crash fires) and describes the extinguishing tests and their results. The contents of the information sheet are presented and explained.