Andy Latham, Salvage Wire founder, is calling on vehicle manufacturers to publish data that shows how many batteries are fitted in each vehicle, where they are and how to remove them.
It is essential to make certain that all batteries are removed from end of life vehicles prior to being crushed or shredded. The standard 12v lead acid battery is easy to find because it is large and has two heavy leads going to the positive and negative terminals.
With more and more electronic gadgets on new models and upgrades, there is a trend towards vehicles having multiple batteries, some of which are hidden from sight.
Recently, Andy carried out an investigation with a vehicle recycler to look at what could be causing these fires. They found that, for example the Opel/Vauxhall Mokka or latest Ford Focus, can have up to eight batteries. They found a Suzuki with a second battery tucked under the passenger seat.
Andy told me, "A serious contender, but not so obvious, cause of fires could be the growing number of telematics systems being fitted to even the most humble of vehicles. Telematics systems need li-ion or NiMH type batteries so they can operate after an accident. Invariably these are small, hidden and difficult to locate even when the recycler knows they are present."
"If batteries stay in the vehicle they can explode during crushing, thus creating a fire. Or, batteries can start thermal runaway and catch fire some time later. By then, the vehicle could be under a pile of scrap and a major fire could ensue.