EV fires are easily prevented

By THE NATION WEEKEND

 

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ELECTRIC-VEHICLE fires generate headlines, but accidents are easily prevented if the owners follow the manufacturers’ instructions on charging and equipment maintenance.

 

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According to Porsche AG, which sells the Panamera and Cayenne in Thailand, the owner must understand and strictly adhere to the charging sequence.

 

“An incorrect charging process, non-observance of generally applicable safety precautions and improper handling of the high-voltage battery can cause electric shocks, short circuits, explosions, fire or burns,” its user manual states.

 

Porsche says owners must – before starting the vehicle – complete the charging sequence, remove the cable, close the cover and charge-port door, and store the cable safely.

 

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The right charging equipment, such as wall-sockets, wall-boxes and cables, must be installed professionally – not just any cables will do. And the vehicle must be parked close enough to the electrical outlet because using extension cables is also risky, as are multiple-socket extensions and travel adapters.

 

The charging cable can become a hazard if not stored properly. “Always transport the vehicle-charging cable in the luggage compartment, never in the passenger compartment (for example on or in front of the seats),” Porsche warns.

 

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Owners are further advised not to charge during thunderstorms. If they’ve already begun, they should stop and disconnect the charging equipment to prevent the risk of jolts of voltage entering the power supply.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/Auto_ADO/30354978

 

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2018-09-22

So who really wants and electric car?

Expect more of these fires as the owners of the vehicles think these "suggestions" do not apply to them.

 

Really it is just common sense what was reproduced from the owners manual.

5 minutes ago, Chang_paarp said:

Expect more of these fires as the owners of the vehicles think these "suggestions" do not apply to them.

 

Really it is just common sense what was reproduced from the owners manual.

 

It may be, as you say, common sense. 

 

But imagine coming home with your new $$$$ toy only to find out the guy who wired your house didn't account for the possibility you'd be tripling the load imposed by air conditioners, water heaters and normal household stuff.

 

Then you find out that the PEA's meter and transformer don't allow you to add the EV charger load until they come out and upgrade your service ($$$$$).   And if you're not the first on the block, you may have to wait a looooong time for them to upgrade service to your entire district.

 

And finally, you find out that getting the upgrades done is going to cost a ton of money, require significant work inside the walls of your home and take 6 months.  Bummer...

 

I can understand why some owners may skimp a little on the "right way".  I don't agree with it, but I understand it.  It's not as simple as "common sense".  Common sense only takes you so far.  Then you need engineering.

1 hour ago, wgdanson said:

So who really wants and electric car?

Many, many people judging by the sales of them that includes hybrids that the OP pictured.

42 minutes ago, Just Weird said:

Many, many people judging by the sales of them that includes hybrids that the OP pictured.

10 - 15 years ago we were all told to swap to diesels in order to save the planet, now what? Mind you, if someone offered me a Tesla I wouldn't say no ! 

And folk just want to jump in and go to Tesco's....?

So who really wants and electric car?

When they mass produce the water powered hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle..I'll be interested.
Or one of these whichever comes first.

ELECTRIC-VEHICLE fires generate headlines, but accidents are easily prevented if the owners follow the manufacturers’ instructions on charging and equipment maintenance. 

 

 Now that's saying something ,That's what's nearly impossible here in Thailand .    

"Now...now !!!...nobody has anything to teach us in Thailand how to handle electric cables so please Stop all the patronising advice on how to handle electricity !!"....

10 hours ago, rooster59 said:

Porsche says owners must – before starting the vehicle – complete the charging sequence, remove the cable, close the cover and charge-port door, and store the cable safely.

Any vehicular mayhem is bound to  happen in Thailand to be sure.  The charger needs to be smart and hands free, unless it is at a charging station.  The cable needs to store itself safely, or the chauffeur / footman / maid / pool boy or dog walker needs to be taught.  Thai hiso's don't have the time for such tedium.