Are Cheap Laptop Chips Causing Electric Vehicle Fires in India?

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular in India, as the government invests in cleaner transportation options. However, a recent spate of EV fires has raised concerns about safety. Some experts believe that the use of cheap laptop chips in battery management systems (BMS) could be to blame.

A BMS is a critical component of an EV that is responsible for monitoring and managing the battery pack. It ensures that the battery is charged and discharged safely and efficiently. However, some EV companies in India are reportedly using cheap laptop chips in their BMS in order to cut costs. These chips may not be able to handle the high voltages and currents that are typical in EV batteries.

This could lead to a number of problems, including overheating and short circuits. In the worst case scenario, these problems could cause a fire.

The Indian government is investigating the recent EV fires and is considering new regulations for BMS. These regulations could require EV manufacturers to use higher-quality chips in their systems.

In the meantime, it is important for EV owners to be aware of the risks of battery fires. They should take steps to reduce these risks, such as avoiding charging their EVs in extreme temperatures and parking them in well-ventilated areas.

Here are some additional tips for Electric Vehicle safety:

Only use the charger that came with your EV or a charger that has been approved by the manufacturer.

Do not leave your EV charging unattended.

Have your EV’s BMS checked regularly by a qualified technician.

By following these tips, EV owners can help to reduce the risk of battery fires.

The document says that 81,963 EV two-wheelers were sold in February 2024 . But according to a news report, over 800,000 electric two-wheeler units were sold in India in the first 11 months of FY 2024 (April 2023-February 2024) .

Here are the top companies that sold most electric two-wheelers:

1. Ola Electric

2. TVS Motor Co

3. Ather Energy

4. Bajaj Auto

5. Greaves Electric-Ampere Vehicles

Safety tips for Electric Vehicle owners:

Have your EV’s BMS checked regularly by a qualified technician. A BMS (battery management system) is a critical component of an EV that is responsible for monitoring and managing the battery pack. It ensures that the battery is charged and discharged safely and efficiently. [1]

1. Do not overload your EV’s electrical system.

2. Be aware of the signs of a potential battery fire, such as smoke or unusual odors coming from the battery pack.

3. Avoid charging your EVs in extreme temperatures. Extreme temperatures can damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.

4. Park your EV in a well-ventilated area. This will help to dissipate any heat that is generated by the battery.

By following these tips, EV owners can help to reduce the risk of fires.