Sanchore, Rajasthan:
An Ola Electric scooter caught fire suddenly in Rajasthan’s Jalore district on Wednesday, triggering fresh concerns around EV battery safety during extreme summer temperatures.
The incident took place in Hadetar village of the Sanchore area, where the scooter rider reportedly noticed smoke and sparks emerging from the vehicle while driving.
According to local reports, the rider immediately stopped the scooter on the roadside after spotting the smoke. Villagers nearby attempted to control the fire, but the flames spread rapidly after reaching the battery compartment.
Within minutes, the electric scooter was completely engulfed in flames and reduced to scrap before firefighters could reach the location.
Battery Overheating Suspected
Officials said the exact cause of the fire is yet to be confirmed. However, preliminary assessment and local police inputs suggest the possibility of:
- battery malfunction,
- overheating,
- or a technical fault in the EV system.
No injuries were reported in the incident.
The episode has once again brought attention to thermal safety risks associated with lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles, particularly during peak summer conditions.
EV Battery Safety Tips During Summer
Experts recommend several precautions for electric two-wheeler users during high temperatures:
- Avoid parking EVs in direct sunlight for long periods
- Park vehicles in shaded and ventilated areas
- Prevent overcharging; ideally maintain battery levels between 20% and 80%
- Get batteries, chargers, and electrical connections inspected regularly
- Avoid fully draining the battery frequently
- Limit excessive speeding, heavy loading, and continuous long-distance riding in extreme heat
- Stop using the vehicle immediately if the battery becomes abnormally hot
The incident adds to broader industry discussions around:
- EV battery thermal management,
- charging safety standards,
- and consumer awareness regarding battery maintenance in India’s rapidly growing electric mobility sector.
