The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), which recently issued a letter of intent for supply, operation and maintenance of 5,150 new electric buses to the consortium of Olectra Greentech Limited and Evey Transport, will get buses equipped with fire safety devices. The contract amounts to Rs 10,000 crore.
The AC compressors in the upcoming e-buses are on the roof. As per the company official, “If the temperature of the battery pack or compressor shoots up, the fire safety device will automatically operate and help in the prevention of fire. Same will be possible near the charging points,” an official said, adding that the fire safety device has been adopted as per the guidelines given by the Central Institute of Road Safety, Pune.
According to the manufacturer, the new 5,150 e-buses will be equipped with a suppression system that offers an early warning system, aided by spot cooling, to prevent thermal runaway from occurring, while containing and suppressing fire. Earlier, MSRTC ordered wet lease e-buses from the same manufacturer. Launched on May 1, these buses are currently running between Mumbai and Pune.
Meanwhile, as per safety book manuals with regard to e-buses, it reads that Electric Vehicles are powered by li-ion batteries. EV buses and coaches are largely considered as a safe and sustainable alternative to traditional combustion engine vehicles. However, li-ion batteries carry their safety risks, which – if not addressed carefully – can lead to much more severe risks for bus fleets and passengers. If these batteries are exposed to high temperatures, overcharging, and mechanical failure or subject to physical impact, they can cause an internal short circuit.
In turn, the battery then produces excess heat, triggering a chemical reaction within its cells. This is referred to as ‘thermal runaway’, a state where excess heat in a battery produces more heat, leading to ignition, carbon monoxide, and other toxic gas emissions, and, in some scenarios, large explosions. Therefore, the new suppression solution offers an early warning system, aided by spot cooling, to prevent thermal runaway from occurring, while containing and suppressing fire.
The recent accident in Samruddhi Mahamarg claimed 26 people’s lives while travelling in a private AC Sleeper bus. The issue of fire safety in public transport has come to limelight once again to which the company said that they have taken utmost care in maintaining all safety measures.
