earticle

영어

Electric vehicle(EV) fires exhibit characteristics distinct from those of internal combustion engine vehicle(ICEV) fires. In particular, lithium-ion batteries, which are a key component of EVs, have high energy density and can cause rapid temperature rise and fire spread due to a phenomenon known as thermal runaway. This explosive combustion can severely damage the entire vehicle, making it difficult to determine the exact cause of the fire. As a result, there is a growing need for research on EV fire cause analysis and forensic investigation methods. In this study, a fire reproduction experiment was conducted using an actual EV to analyze the characteristics and progression of EV fires and to propose an effective EV fire investigation method. To achieve this, thermal runaway was induced by applying forced ignition conditions to a lithium-ion battery, and the temperatures of the battery pack and the vehicle’s interior and exterior were measured, compared, and analyzed. Additionally, after combustion, the vehicle interior was examined, and the findings were compared with the temperature measurements to identify the primary causes of the EV fire and determine the ignition point based on physical burn patterns. The findings of this study are expected to enhance the accuracy of EV fire investigations conducted by fire investigators and contribute to the development of EV fire prevention and response strategies.