News / Auto industry slammed for 'blasé approach' to danger of EV fires on ferries

Felicity Ace on fire last year

Ocean safety agencies have criticised the automobile and battery industries, claiming manufacturers are not taking the safety issues involved in moving electric vehicles (EVs) seriously enough.

The criticisms come as fears grow that an EV fire on board a ro-ro ferry would pose more serious challenges than a standard fire, as lithium-ion batteries are known to burn at ultra-high temperatures and the usual remedy – to douse the blaze with water – could cause ferries to become unstable.

Peregrine Storrs-Fox, loss prevention ...