How safe are electric vehicles? Concerns expressed after vehicle reduced to ashes in Cuttack

The world is rapidly moving towards green energy and there has been a massive rise in the sales of electric vehicles (EV) in the country. However, concerns are now being expressed over the safety of electric vehicles after one such hybrid vehicle caught fire on Trishulia bridge in Cuttack on Saturday.

It is suspected that the electric vehicle scooter caught fire when the rider was on its way towards Cuttack this morning.

Though the rider escaped unhurt, the electric vehicle has been completely reduced to ashes in the fire mishap. The exact reason behind the fire is not known immediately. It is suspected that the incident might have occurred due to some electric short-circuit.

Also Read: Odisha enhances subsidy on purchase of electric vehicles

The electric vehicle manufacturers seem to be in a competition mode and coming up with different models, promising comfort and extra mileage, several safety aspects appear to be neglected, allege residents.

Today’s fire mishap is nothing new as similar incidents have been reported from other parts of Odisha and other states in the country.

 Local residents said that at present an electric vehicle costs somewhere between Rs 1 to Rs 1.5 lakh. 

Also Read: Electric vehicle owners in Odisha so far got subsidy of over Rs 154 crore: Minister

“We are switching to electric vehicles so that our dependency on petrol and diesel vehicles is reduced which is crucial in protecting our environment. But after regular incidents of electric vehicles catching fire is certainly concerning, “ said a local resident.