NEWS

PSS launches electric vehicle and lithium-ion awareness campaign 2024

Campaigns |

Published: Oct 16, 2024

This week PSS is running an EV and lithium-ion awareness campaign. We will be posting articles on the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, statistics on vehicle fires, and hosting a conference in London to discuss the use and transport of EV and lithium-ion batteries through our ports.

Electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries: A new era for UK ports

The push towards electric vehicles in the UK is being driven by several key factors:

Environmental concerns: As the effects of climate change become more pronounced, there is a growing consensus on the need to reduce carbon emissions. Transportation, which accounts for a significant portion of these emissions, is a critical area of focus. Electric vehicles, or EVs as they are commonly known which produce no tailpipe emissions, offer a cleaner alternative to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.

Government policies and incentives: The UK government has been proactive in promoting the use of EVs. Policies such as the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, financial incentives for buyers of battery powered vehicles, and investments in charging infrastructure have accelerated the shift towards electric mobility.

Advancements in technology: The technological advancements in lithium-ion batteries have significantly improved the range, efficiency, and affordability of electric vehicles. As battery costs continue to decline, EVs are becoming more accessible to a broader range of consumers.

Public awareness and corporate responsibility: With rising awareness about the environmental impact of fossil fuels, consumers and businesses are increasingly opting for greener alternatives. Large corporations are leading by example, incorporating electric vehicles into their fleets, and encouraging their employees to do the same.

Challenges and opportunities in transit: The transport of lithium-ion batteries, particularly when incorporated in EV’s such as cars, buses, scooters etc., through UK ports, presents both challenges and opportunities. Given their volatile nature, stringent procedure needs to be put in place to ensure the safe handling and storage of these batteries during transit.

As we step further into the 21st century, the global transition towards more sustainable energy solutions is unmistakable. Among the most significant contributors to this shift are EVs and the lithium-ion batteries that power them.

Whilst the first production of the EV was reported to be in London, by British inventor Thomas Parker in 1894, the electric cars did not become popular until the launch of the Mitsubishi i-MEV in 2009. Since then, the UK has witnessed a substantial increase in the adoption of EVs, driven by government policy.

UK ports are increasingly pivotal in supporting the growing demand for vehicles that will meet new policy requirements in the coming years, both for domestic use and as part of international trade. Ports such as Southampton, Tilbury and Bristol have seen a significant increase in the volume of new electric cars.

This trend is expected to continue as the UK moves closer to its 2030 target of banning the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles. The shift towards electric vehicles has turned UK ports into key hubs for the automotive industry, facilitating the distribution of EVs across the country and Europe.

In addition to the transport of battery powered vehicles as freight, more EVs are moved through UK ports, including passengers with electric bikes and mobility scooters, and driving electric cars onto ferries. This increase reflects the rising popularity of battery-powered vehicles in the UK, where 15% of new car registrations in March 2024 were electric. This trend is expected to continue growing as part of the country’s push towards decarbonisation by 2030.

“Electric cars accounted for 15.2% of new car registrations in March 2024.”

https://citaevcharger.co.uk/

However, the increase in EV traffic has brought about specific safety concerns. One of the primary dangers associated with plug in vehicles, is the risk of fire. Whilst industry data relating to vehicle fires suggests that the incidence of fire in non-electric vehicles is significantly higher than in electric vehicles, the impact of these fires can be more severe and challenging to manage compared to those in non-electric vehicles. The key difference lies in the behaviour of lithium-ion batteries when they catch fire. Unlike traditional fuels, which can be extinguished with conventional methods, a battery fire can reignite multiple times and burns at extremely high temperatures.

This phenomenon, known as “thermal runaway,” can make extinguishing an EV fire more complex, requiring specialised firefighting techniques and extended periods, to ensure the fire is fully contained. The environmental impact of an electrified vehicle fire can also be more significant due to the potential release of toxic gases from the burning batteries and the pollution of water used to extinguish it. As a result, there are increasing calls for enhanced fire safety measures, such as improved monitoring technology and potentially stricter rules around shipping of EV’s. 

To accommodate the growing number of electric vehicles, UK ports have been investing in specialised infrastructure. This includes the development of dedicated storage areas for battery-powered vehicles, equipped with charging facilities to maintain battery levels during transit. Ports are also upgrading their logistics systems to handle the specific requirements of electric vehicles, such as ensuring that they are stored and transported safely.

In addition to handling new vehicles, ports are also becoming crucial for the transit of used electric vehicles, which are increasingly being exported to and imported from various global markets. This necessitates robust infrastructure to manage the various logistical challenges, such as handling different types of batteries and ensuring that all vehicles meet safety and regulatory standards.

Across the campaign week, we will look into the various aspects of the risks posed by electric vehicles and the increased use of lithium-ion battery power, exploring the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead as we navigate the electrification of transport and the crucial role that lithium-ion batteries play in this journey.

On Thursday 17 October 2024, PSS and the UK Chamber of Shipping will host the Electric Vehicle Maritime Safety Conference in London. This event will bring together industry experts to discuss the risks and solutions that may need to be put in place to mitigate them.

Related articles will be posted daily during this campaign, including details relating to the risks associated with electric-powered vehicles / lithium-ion batteries and statistics on vehicle fires.

We hope that this campaign will raise awareness and encourage open conversations between a variety of industries in relation to the increased use and transit of EV and lithium-ion batteries. Stay tuned for more information and resources throughout the week!

References

Share article
Linkedin X (Twitter) Facebook