Open Research Europe presents an interview with Dr. Mohd Zahirasri Mohd Tohir, postdoctoral researcher at Department of Construction, Building Services and Structures, Universidad de Navarra, and Dr. César Martín Gómez, professor in the Department of Construction, Facilities and Structures at the University of Navarra. They are the authors of the recently published paper, “Electric vehicle fire risk assessment framework using Fault Tree Analysis,” on Open Research Europe.
Dr Mohd Zahirasri Mohd Tohir is a postdoctoral research fellow in fire safety engineering, with his research focusing on vehicle fires and using various analysis techniques to provide further insights into vehicle fire dynamics. His research has led to changes in the design of safety protocols for parking infrastructures, highlighting the importance of developing effective fire mitigation strategies.
Dr. César Martín Gómez is a professor in installations and energy systems in architecture and urban planning, researching in the field since 2000. His work specializes in in the safety and security systems that many modern buildings require.
Read on to find out more about the work of our authors, their challenges, and why they think that open science is important for their fields.
What inspired you to investigate the topic of your recent publication?
In Europe, there are millions of parking spaces designed for combustion engine vehicles, not electric ones. Therefore, many security parameters need to be reviewed.
The surge in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, driven by global environmental goals and the push for reduced greenhouse gas emissions, presents both opportunities and new safety challenges, particularly in the context of car parks. The transition towards EVs, fuelled by policy measures and technological advancements, is set to transform the transportation landscape. However, the inherent risks associated with EV batteries, including the potential for thermal runaway leading to fires, have been highlighted by recent incidents, emphasizing the need for enhanced fire safety measures in environments like underground car parks. Such spaces risk becoming large-scale battery storage systems, where the likelihood of fire could be increased by factors like the installation of charging stations.
Our investigation into EV fire safety is driven by the pressing need to navigate these emerging challenges effectively. By examining various contributing factors to EV fires, our aim is to lay the groundwork for safer car park designs and management practices. This research seeks not only to expand academic understanding but also to deliver actionable insights for mitigating fire risks, ensuring the safety of space, which are increasingly occupied by electric vehicles. The goal is to foster safer adoption of EVs, aligning with broader environmental objectives, while addressing the practical implications for public safety.
What key findings came from your article and what are their impacts?
From our comprehensive study on the fire risks associated with EVs, several key findings emerged that highlight the multifaceted nature of this issue and the importance of an integrated approach in ensuring safety in the era of electric mobility.
Firstly, we identified four major causes for EV fires: Human Factors, Vehicle Factors, Management Factors, and External Factors. Human Factors include both intentional actions like arson and accidental incidents. Vehicle Factors primarily involve issues related to battery defects and degradation, which are pivotal considering the significant role of batteries in EVs. Management Factors address operational risks associated with activities like charging and storage, whereas External Factors encompass unpredictable elements such as wildlife interference or natural phenomena. This categorization not only highlights the complexity of the issue but also points towards the need for multi-faceted strategies encompassing technological advancements, stringent safety protocols, public education, and policies adaptive to emerging data.
An important metric, discovered during our research, is the average annual EV fire frequency. This is calculated at 2.44 × 10-4 fires per registered EV. This statistic is vital for it offers a quantitative measure of the potential frequency, enabling stakeholders to better assess and manage the challenges associated with EV adoption. It emphasizes the necessity for ongoing, data-driven research to refine our understanding and approach to managing these risks.
However, the inherent uncertainties in data quality and the potential discrepancies in fire incident reporting emphasise the need for continuous improvement in data collection and analysis methods. This aspect is crucial for developing accurate, effective strategies for fire risk management and mitigation.
Moreover, the importance of systematic and uniform data collection cannot be overstated. A more nuanced approach to categorizing and investigating EV-related fires is required to distinguish between fires “related to” and those “caused by” EVs. This differentiation is essential for building a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of the risks, and for informing effective prevention and mitigation strategies.
Looking ahead, the study highlights several directions for future research. There is an urgent need to explore the fire safety implications of emerging battery technologies and to update fire protection regulations accordingly. Additionally, the application of Fault Tree Analysis should be extended to investigate fire protection measures for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and second-generation electric batteries. These areas represent critical frontiers in our mission to ensure fire safety in the context of sustainable transportation and energy storage.
In summary, our study offers a holistic view of the fire risks associated with EVs, employing Fault Tree Analysis to dissect and understand the potential hazards involved. The insights gained from this analysis are instrumental in guiding politicians, professional associations, and fire services, as they are the ones who have the capacity to legislate in this area, both referring to new and existing car parking buildings.
Why is open science important to you?
Open science holds a pivotal place in our academic and professional ethos for several reasons, amplifying the impact of our work on EV fire safety. Primarily, the goals of open science align with ours, to disseminate knowledge as widely as possible. By ensuring that our findings are accessible to a broad audience, we can inform, educate, and influence a diverse range of stakeholders.
A crucial aspect of our decision to publish in open access formats stems from the acknowledgment that individuals in the industry may include those who may not have access to subscription-based journals. This barrier to access can limit the practical application of valuable research insights. Therefore, by choosing open access publishing, we ensure that our work reaches those who can directly apply it in real-world settings, from vehicle manufacturers to building designers, thereby maximizing its utility and impact.
Furthermore, the relevance of our research on EV fire risks extends beyond academic circles to encompass vehicle owners, building owners, practitioners, fire departments, and indeed anyone who might interact with electric vehicles. The potential safety implications are vast and varied, affecting a wide cross-section of society. Considering this, open science becomes not just a preference but a necessity. It allows for a democratization of knowledge, ensuring that critical safety information is not gated behind paywalls but is freely available to all those who stand to benefit from it.
Lastly, the ethos of open science resonates with our commitment to fostering a culture of learning and proactive risk management. By making our research freely available, we invite engagement, critique, and collaboration, which are essential for the continuous advancement of knowledge. Open science paves the way for a more informed and prepared society, where everyone, from policymakers to the public, possess the knowledge to make safer decisions regarding the use and management of electric vehicles.
What motivated you to publish with Open Research Europe & how did you find the submission process?
Choosing to publish with Open Research Europe was a decision driven by several key factors, highest among them being holding a role as a beneficiary of the MSCA (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions) Postdoctoral Fellowship. This prestigious program not only supports researchers throughout their careers but also encourages the dissemination of research findings through open-access platforms. Open Research Europe, being closely aligned with the values and expectations of the MSCA, emerged as a natural choice for sharing the outcomes of our project. This platform’s commitment to open science and its direct relevance to the MSCA community played a pivotal role in guiding our decision.
The submission process, from our experience, was notably smooth, which positively impacted our decision to publish here. While navigating the nuances of any submission process can present its challenges, Open Research Europe’s process proved to be a simple one. Of course, like any processes, there are areas that could benefit from improvement in the future. However, these potential enhancements did not detract from the overall positive experience of the submission and peer review process.
The peer review process itself was conducted with a level of rigor and transparency that we appreciated. The constructive feedback received was instrumental in refining our paper, ensuring that the published work was of high quality and scientific integrity. This aspect of the publication process with Open Research Europe not only reinforced our confidence in the journal but also in the value of the peer review system.
Given our positive experience with the submission process, the constructive nature of the peer review, and the alignment of Open Research Europe with the goals of the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship, I am certainly inclined to consider this platform for future publications.
What are your next steps?
Moving forward, our agenda is densely packed with ambitious projects and objectives that build upon my current research on EV fire safety. Firstly, I am in the process of preparing papers for two conferences in my field. These conferences, scheduled for September 2024 and April 2025, represent pivotal platforms for sharing my latest research findings and engaging with peers to further our collective understanding of fire safety in the context of electric mobility.
Simultaneously, I am focused on completing the current MSCA (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions) Postdoctoral Fellowship project, which investigates into the intricacies of EV fire safety. The complexities and emerging challenges within this domain highlight the need for continued and expanded research efforts. Consequently, I am keen on securing additional funding to further this line of study. The goal is not just to deepen our understanding but also to develop practical, evidence-based strategies to mitigate the risks associated with EV fires.
The realm of EV fire safety is both vast and complex, filled with unexplored territories and unanswered questions. Recognizing the critical importance of this research, not only for the academic community but also for society at large, I am passionate about attracting more minds to this field. The urgency and significance of the work we do cannot be overstated, given the rapid adoption of electric vehicles worldwide and the potential safety implications. To this end, we are actively inviting individuals to join us at Universidad de Navarra as research students. This opportunity is not just about furthering one’s academic career; it is an invitation to contribute to a body of work that has real-world implications for the safety and sustainability of our communities. By expanding our team, we hope to accelerate our research, broaden our perspectives, and increase our capacity to address the critical questions surrounding EV fire safety.
We also aim to create a research ecosystem uniting academia, companies, and administrations, whether through research projects, doctoral studies, training sessions, participation in the drafting of regulations or other formulas that ensure that this work continues in the coming years given its current need.
In summary, the next steps on the journey are characterized by a dual focus: advancing our current research through conferences and further study, while also laying the groundwork for future investigations. Our ultimate hope is to inspire and welcome a new generation of researchers to join us in this important endeavour, ensuring that we continue to make strides in enhancing the safety and viability of electric vehicles through rigorous scientific inquiry.
