EV Fire: Gadkari appeals to EV manufacturers to take advance action, says - the high temperature of the season is a problem for the battery

Amid incidents of fire in electric two-wheelers, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday urged companies to take advance action to bring back all defective vehicles. He even said that in March, and April when the weather temperature rises then some problem arises in the EV battery.

The Minister for Road Transport and Highways also acknowledged that the country's EV industry is "just beginning" and stressed that the government does not want to create any hurdles.

"But security is the top priority for the government and there can be no compromise with human life," Gadkari said at the Raisina Dialogue held in New Delhi.

There have been several incidents of electric vehicles (EVs) catching fire in the recent past. Many people have died in these accidents and many people have been seriously injured. In such a situation, the statement of the minister matters a lot.

During a question-and-answer session, Gadkari reiterated that companies can take advance action to immediately recall all defective batches of vehicles.

"The temperature rises in March-April-May, then there is some problem with the battery (EV's). I think it (electric two-wheeler fire incidents) is a temperature problem," he said.

The Minister for Road Transport and Highways said that the government wants to popularize electric vehicles.

Gadkari said, “We understand that the EV industry has just started. We do not want to create any hurdles. But safety is the top priority for the government and there can be no compromise with human life.”

Gadkari is known for his clear thoughts. Last week, he had said that negligent companies would be penalized and the recall of all defective vehicles would be ordered after receiving the report of an expert panel that has been constituted to probe the matter. ,

The government last month ordered a probe after an e-scooter launched by ride-hailing operator Ola's electric mobility arm caught fire in Pune.

According to the road transport ministry, the Center for Fire Explosive and Environment Safety (CFEES) was asked to investigate the circumstances that led to the incident and suggest remedial measures. The ministry had also asked the CFEES to share the findings along with their suggestions on measures to prevent such incidents.

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