Operators told to manage fire and insurance risks as eHGV adoption grows

The growing use of electric HGVs could expose operators to significantly higher insurance and business continuity costs unless they take steps to address the risks associated with large lithium batteries, global insurance broker WTW has warned.

Speaking at WTW’s second conference on managing risks linked to the rise of battery electric trucks and buses, Adrian Simmons said that while a fire might not start in a battery electric vehicle (BEV), once “thermal runaway” begins, it spreads rapidly.

He warned that fire brigades are often unable to tackle lithium battery fires, particularly in enclosed spaces, because of the dangers to crews. Instead, their focus is on securing the area and preventing the blaze from spreading.

Simmons said BEVs should be properly supervised during charging, with AI potentially used to detect faults before they cause fires. Vehicle alarms should be linked to building fire systems to provide early warning, and ideally vehicle parks should have sprinkler coverage to contain damage – although these remain rare in the UK. “Sprinklers won’t stop a thermal runaway event but they can limit the damage,” he said.

He also advised operators to ensure charging power shut-offs are easily accessible and not positioned inside or next to charging bays. Repairs or battery replacements should be carried out only by manufacturers, as workshop resealing can compromise protection against water ingress. Older batteries, typically over eight years old, pose higher risks than newer designs, but next-generation systems are expected to be much safer.

Further information:                                                                             https://www.commercialmotor.com/news/article/operators-told-to-manage-fire-and-insurance-risks-as-ehgv-adoption-grows