Tough regulation is required for the safer carriage of hazardous lithium-ion batteries, according to specialist freight insurer, TT Club.

The entire logistics industry needs a clearer understanding of the dangers, which can include fire, explosions and toxic gas emissions. Moreover, there needs to be increased efforts to minimise the risks and if necessary, make sure there is an effective response to any catastrophic event.

Alarmist reports and social media can overstate the number of incidents involving electric vehicles; li-ion battery fires are not an everyday occurrence. But, according to TT Club, when thermal runaway does happen, the result is release of toxic gases such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide, a very high temperature fire and can spread very fast.

The release of toxic fumes may be the first alert, but fire with temperatures higher than 1,000degs centigrade can be reached in a matter of seconds and, as the mix of chemicals and metals ignites, devastation can ensue.

“Supply chain players including ship owners, carriers, forwarders, terminal and port operators and insurers are engaged with these debates. Indeed, the maritime regulator IMO (International Maritime Organisation) has its guidance for carriage of these batteries under serious review,” said TT Club's Peregrine Storrs-Fox. “But we need to bring manufacturers of EVs and the batteries that power them actively into the debate. Their ambitions for the development of more powerful, lighter and diverse battery cells must not be allowed to outstrip prioritising safety concerns surrounding their future transportation around the globe.”

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