A BURNING ISSUE

THE PROBLEMS

➘ Half a dozen incidents of electric bikes catching fire in India have been reported in less than a month. The problems seem to be with lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries.

➘ The electrolyte fluid between the two electrodes in Li-ion batteries is highly combustible. When the battery cells overheat, the heat and pressure rise to a point where the battery explodes.

THE SOLUTION

➘ Sodium-ion or Na-ion batteries are said to be promising alternatives. They are also cheaper than their Li-ion counterparts.

➘ Research is being carried out on magnesium, sea water, glass batteries, fuel cells and liquid batteries as well

SPEED-BREAKER?

233,971: Total number of units of e-scooters sold in India in calendar year 2021;

132% higher than the previous year. The incidents of fire, however, could scuttle this growth.