Thermal runaway is the self-sustaining overheating failure mode of lithium-ion batteries: long-burning, extinguishment-resistant, and capable of reignition. In a parking facility:
- EVs ignite less often than combustion vehicles, but the character of the fire differs: the structural answers are water supply and duration, sprinkler design density, charger placement with access and separation, and a briefed fire service.
Considerations
- Charger placement should never compromise the single egress path. Lower frequency, different character, design for duration, not panic.