Decoding the concern: Are rechargeable electric cars really safe?

Unfortunate incidents related to electric vehicle charging not only cause public confusion but also raise big questions about the quality standards and technology of manufacturers. In the context of electric motorbikes becoming an increasingly popular means of transportation in Vietnam, safety issues, especially the risk of fire and explosion related to batteries and charging systems, are always the top concern of consumers.

The risk of electric motorbike batteries exploding not only causes public panic but also raises big questions about the quality standards and technology of manufacturers. According to statistics from the Fire Prevention and Fighting Police Department ( Ministry of Public Security ), in 2024, there were dozens of electric vehicle fires across the country, mainly caused by poor quality lithium-ion batteries, unsafe charging systems or incorrect usage habits.

As Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Duy Hung, Deputy Head of the Faculty, Senior Lecturer of the Faculty of Electronic Materials and Components, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, once analyzed: “Most electric vehicle fires and explosions are related to 'thermal runaway' (loss of temperature control) in the battery. This phenomenon occurs when the battery is overloaded, short-circuited, or uses unstable materials. A good battery management system (BMS) and safe battery technology are key factors to prevent it.”

Actual user experience also clearly reflects this concern. Ms. Diem Quynh, Thanh My Tay ward, Ho Chi Minh city shared: “I used to use an electric car from a small brand, the battery often got hot when charging, once even emitted a little smoke. Since then, I only dared to charge the car in the yard, never dared to charge overnight or indoors again.” Mr. Dong Van Hoai, Ho Chi Minh city also expressed: “I switched to an electric car because it was economical, but I always had to be careful. I only choose large, reputable brands with clear battery warranties. When charging, I always use the correct charger from the manufacturer and do not charge for too long.”

More and more people are using electric motorbikes after carefully learning about batteries and how to charge them properly. (Photo: Khanh Ly/Vietnam+)

In a diverse but also risky market, big brands with modern technology and strict production processes are trying to affirm their position through quality transparency. Yadea, one of the world's leading electric vehicle manufacturers, is ready to welcome visitors to its factory system and R&D center in China, which can be considered the "brain" behind safe battery technology.

At Yadea's Jinzhai Factory (Anhui) and Wuxi R&D Center (Jiangsu), a rigorous quality control process with more than 260 modern testing equipment is introduced. In particular, the Electrical Safety Lab and Battery Performance Lab perform more than 220 component-level tests and 41 complete vehicle-level tests.

The electric motorbike factory in Anhui province, China, has invested in modern equipment, meeting strict production processes, and producing safe products. (Photo: Khanh Ly/Vietnam+)

The tests include puncture tests, compression tests, vibration tests simulating road conditions, temperature resistance tests from -40°C to 150°C, and especially fire resistance tests for materials. Mr. Thu Kinh Dong, General Director of Yadea Kim Trai Factory, emphasized: “We believe that safety is the foundation. Each battery must undergo rigorous tests before being assembled. For example, our graphene batteries are guaranteed to operate stably in the temperature range of -20°C to 55°C, and the new sodium-ion batteries can withstand deep negative temperatures without performance loss.”

Yadea's TTFAR Graphene Lead-Acid and Extreme Sodium Ion battery technology was developed to address traditional weaknesses. Graphene batteries have a lifespan 3-5 times longer than conventional lead-acid batteries, and are more resistant to explosions thanks to their stable material structure. Meanwhile, sodium-ion batteries are considered a breakthrough with outstanding safety advantages: puncture resistance without catching fire, stable operation at -20°C (keeping 92% capacity), and fast charging in just 15 minutes for 80% of the battery. The intelligent BMS system accurately monitors 95% of the battery capacity, preventing overcharging or deep discharge.

Yadea's Wuxi (Jiangsu) R&D Center introduces a rigorous quality control process with more than 260 modern testing equipment. (Photo: Khanh Ly/Vietnam+)

Ms. Duong Phuong Huyen, (Ho Chi Minh City), who has used a Yadea graphene battery scooter for 2 years, said: “I feel quite secure because the scooter never gets hot when charging, even though I forgot to charge it for up to 10 hours. The charger automatically turns off when full, and the app on the phone also reports detailed battery status. That's what makes me confident.”

In addition to battery technology, proper user habits also play an important role. Experts recommend: only use genuine chargers, do not charge the vehicle in high temperature or humid places, do not charge overnight without monitoring devices, and follow regular maintenance schedules.

It can be seen that the “worry” about the safety of charging electric vehicles is well-founded, but it is not without a solution. Smart choices from reputable brands, investment in thorough research, transparency in production, and awareness of proper use by users, will contribute to making electric vehicles a safe, reliable and environmentally friendly means of transport./.

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/giai-ma-noi-lo-xe-dien-sac-co-thuc-su-an-toan-post1064194.vnp