The fire that gutted four electric bikes at a service centre behind a two-wheeler showroom in Sanquelim on Monday night has once again raised concerns over the safety of electric vehicles. The fire reportedly broke out due to a suspected malfunction in one of the two-wheelers brought to the service center for repairs. Fortunately, the timely intervention of fire service personnel prevented the incident from escalating into a major disaster. Electric vehicles are increasingly being promoted as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional petrol and diesel vehicles. The government has introduced various measures to encourage their adoption. The lithium-ion batteries used in many electric vehicles require careful handling, proper maintenance and stringent quality checks. Manufacturing defects, physical damage, improper charging and failures in battery management systems can, under certain circumstances, lead to overheating and fires. Regular inspection of batteries, the use of certified components and proper training for technicians must become essential requirements. The government must strengthen quality control, testing and monitoring of lithium-ion batteries. Consumers, too, should follow recommended charging practices and avoid using damaged batteries.
ADELMO FERNANDES, Vasco
