As the weather gets hotter and hotter, riding safety and vehicle care become especially important. Recently we saw news of an electric vehicle catching fire on its own. Why does this happen, and how can it be prevented?

1. Spontaneous combustion is caused by a short circuit in the vehicle's wiring

Mechanics with many years of repair experience explain that the body of an electric vehicle is made of sheet metal. Although the wires are wrapped in insulation, they rub against each other while the vehicle runs. Once the coating is worn through and the inner conductor is exposed to the metal body, it is as if the positive and negative poles touch, and the short-circuited wire heats up and ignites.

Moreover, when metal objects are placed inside the vehicle's seat, they shake and rub constantly during riding. If they touch a battery connection line without any protection, spontaneous combustion can also result.

Prevention: do not keep metal objects inside the seat.

2. Running the vehicle overloaded

An electric vehicle obtains its power from electric current running through its circuits. Once overloaded, tire wear and friction increase, and a hot motor may then trigger circuit overload: the wiring heats up, softens, and short-circuits, leading to fire.

Prevention: do not let the electric vehicle carry overloaded loads.

3. Substandard, aging, or loose wiring

To cut production costs, some manufacturers skimp on the wire cores: small wire diameter, poor quality, inferior copper, low-grade connectors, and harnesses not bundled according to regulation. When the load is heavy, heat is produced, and oxidation or contamination of connection ports increases resistance and generates heat, starting a fire. In addition, motor wires and power lines must be connected firmly when installed; where necessary, solder them with a soldering iron, and eliminate loose connections as much as possible.

Prevention: check the wiring often for scorched or broken insulation and handle problems early. If there are many joints and the wire cores have blackened, it is better to replace the wiring altogether; do not let the wiring become a fuse cord.

4. Thin or loosely connected battery wires

Especially on enclosed and semi-enclosed vehicles, in pursuit of speed and power the motor output is increased and the discharge current grows. If the battery connection wire is too thin to carry the large current, it will burn by itself. Once the wire is alight, the plastic battery case lets the fire destroy the battery too, causing a fire and danger.

Prevention: when connecting batteries, use thicker copper wire and tighten the screws firmly so no loose-contact sparking occurs; if the copper wire cannot be clamped tightly, add a spring washer or flat washer to press it down securely.

Do not let your electric vehicle catch fire. As summer temperatures keep climbing, maintain it diligently and inspect often to prevent spontaneous combustion accidents. Fire shows no mercy; without prevention, trouble is inevitable.