london-bus-operator-withdraws-electric-fleet

[ALAN/ALAN D]

What is the fire risk of the LIFE PO4 cells. Has any one done a test ?

Quote from Motor home solar.

While all lithium-ion batteries have the potential for thermal runaway, LiFePO4 batteries are less prone to this issue due to their stable chemical structure. They are also incombustible, able to withstand harsh conditions, and less likely to release flammable gases or catch fire in the event of a hazardous event.

When subjected to hazardous events, such as collision or short-circuiting, LiFePO4 batteries won’t release flammable gases or catch fire. This significantly reduces the chance of harm

Why are these not used in a bus / lorry




https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/202 ... n-bus-fire

[Paul_F]

They're heavier, slightly less mature and cheaper. New buses all use them, odds are that this is a slightly older model.

[Yuff]

It’s a shame the journalist didn’t do a bit more research and explain what MAY have happened.
A bit like the Luton car park incident…….

[dan_b]

I assume the batteries aren't in the rear staircase of the double decker bus?
Might not have anything to do with the high voltage traction battery at all?

Wonder which manufacturer supplied it - there's a fair chunk of BYD e-buses in London, but other marques too.

[Mart]

They're heavier, slightly less mature and cheaper. New buses all use them, odds are that this is a slightly older model.

I think you hit the nail firmly on the head.

Purely for comparison purposes, Tesla moved to LFP's for their standard range 3 and Y models, and were able to reduce costs. They didn't change the batts in the long range models, as the battery pack space wouldn't allow. LFP batts also can't send quite as much peak power, but that's of no importance to buses, trucks, and normal car driving.

Again purely for comparison, when the Tesla Megapack became the Megapack XL, it switched to LFP's. The pack has 50% more energy, but is 64% larger and heavier. Not that size and weight matters for stationary storage.

LFP's also remove the need for cobalt. Energy density of LFP's is steadily rising.

And now Sodium-ion is beginning to roll out, but this is even less energy dense (Wh/lt & Wh/kg) than LFP, but again it doesn't matter for stationary storage, nor smaller BEV's with smaller ranges, such as city cars.