It is getting messier and troublesome for all concerned. There seems to be abatement in the number of fire incidents involving two-wheeler EVs in India. The latest one is from Hosur, Tamil Nadu, which State has seen many such blazes before too.
The vehicle that went up in flames was Okinawa Autotech's Praise Pro --- then again, a brand that is no stranger to such an unfortunate incident. As it happens, After dead-batting most of the allegations of faulty battery packs, Okinawa Autotech had recalled over 3215 units of its Praise Pro EV after previous incidents of fire.
This time around the company's defence is that it is not to blame for the blaze.
Previously, an Okinawa Praise Pro had exploded in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, killing a man and his daughter. And there was a fire at Okinawa dealership office in Tamil nadu. But the company put that down to electric short-circuit in the building.
Some fundamental questions remain
A report by the news agency IANS, quoting a company dealer said, the particular e-scooter, which was purchased last year, had not been brought for service for many months. "At the time of delivery, customers are informed about EV scooter usage, battery maintenance, and regular preventive services, and the same is also clearly stated in the company’s owner’s manual. We conduct vehicle health checkup camps and awareness campaigns at regular intervals to ensure the smooth running of the vehicle."
The company claims that despite repeated reminders the customer did not bring the vehicle for authorised service. "The recent reminders were dated April 11, 18, and 26, as per the company records," the report claimed.
For the record, Okinawa Autotech has a partnership with My TVS, a provider of automobile service. It has over 700 local authorized garage owners to provide customers with convenient service at any time and from any location.
Samrath Kocher, Chief Executive Officer of Trontek Electronics, which supplies batteries to Okinawa Autotech, was quoted as saying that the battery quality and manufacturing standards adhered to all the regulatory guidelines.
Even if what Okinawa says is true, there are still some unanswered questions: Why should the battery, even if unserviced, go up in fire? What triggers such accidents? Also, what if the vehicle had been serviced at a private automobile mechanic, something which Indian vehicle owners regularly do?
So those fundamental questions beg some replies.
Meanwhile, Road Transport and Highways Secretary Giridhar Aramane has said that each and every incident of such fire will be probed. "All the problems and the procurement, design, management, operations, manufacturing of the batteries and electric vehicles have to be examined," he said, adding following that appropriate recommendations will be given.
