India recorded over 40 EV fire incidents in a single year. Most were preventable. The chemistry and age of your battery — both revealed by the BPAN — are the two biggest factors.
Emergency: If your battery is on fire
Evacuate immediately. Do not attempt to extinguish a fully involved lithium battery fire without proper equipment. Call 112. Move at least 30 metres away. Lithium fires can reignite hours after appearing extinguished.
Understanding the root causes helps you prevent them.
Lithium cells generate heat during charge and discharge. If heat exceeds the cell's safe operating limit — especially in NMC chemistry — it triggers a self-sustaining exothermic reaction called thermal runaway. In India's 42°C+ summer ambient temperatures, the margin is much tighter.
A battery past 80% State of Health (typically after 5+ years) develops internal micro-shorts. These are invisible to the owner but dramatically increase fire risk — particularly when charging. The BPAN manufacturing date lets you calculate your battery age.
Using non-certified chargers, damaged cables, or charging in environments without adequate ventilation all increase risk. India's voltage fluctuations (180V–250V) without a stabiliser can stress the battery management system.
Know Your Battery Chemistry
Decode your BPAN. NMC batteries require stricter precautions than LFP.
Keep a Class C Fire Extinguisher
An ABC dry powder extinguisher (minimum 2 kg) should be within reach of your vehicle. For cars, consider a vehicle-mount bracket.
Charge in Ventilated Areas Only
Never charge in enclosed, unventilated garages. If a cell vents gas, ventilation prevents accumulation and explosion.
Avoid Charging in Peak Heat Hours
In summer, avoid charging between 11 AM and 4 PM when ambient temperature peaks. Charge overnight when possible.
Use OEM or BIS-Certified Chargers Only
Third-party chargers without BIS certification may lack proper protection circuits. The saving is not worth the risk.
Get SOH Tested After 5 Years
State of Health below 70% significantly increases risk. Any authorised service centre can run a battery diagnostic.
Do Not Park in Direct Sunlight for Hours
A parked car in the sun can reach 65°C interior temperature. This stresses even LFP packs.
Report Swelling or Unusual Heat Immediately
A swollen battery, unusual warmth while idle, or battery-related dashboard warnings are serious. Stop riding/driving and contact your service centre.
Check for Recall Notices
Multiple Indian EV brands have issued battery recall or inspection notices. Check manufacturer websites regularly and register your vehicle for recall alerts.
Know the Emergency Number: 112
In case of a battery fire, call 112 immediately. Inform that it is an EV battery fire — fire brigades require this information to bring the right equipment.
Both are revealed instantly by decoding your BPAN.