Andhra Pradesh Bus Fire Caused by Lithium-Ion Batteries Prompts Transport Officials to Review Charging Practices
Learn how the Andhra Pradesh bus fire caused by lithium-ion batteries has prompted transport officials to urgently review charging practices. This concise, research-backed report highlights the root causes, safety lapses, and the critical reforms now underway.
The Andhra Pradesh bus fire caused by lithium-ion batteries has raised serious questions about electric vehicle safety and battery regulation in India’s growing EV sector. The fire, which broke out on the Vijayawada–Guntur highway, engulfed a privately operated electric bus within minutes after its battery pack overheated and caught fire.
All 38 passengers managed to escape safely before the flames spread, but the incident has reignited the debate around lithium-ion battery reliability and the need for tighter thermal management systems in public transport vehicles.
Quick Context
The Andhra Pradesh bus fire caused by lithium-ion batteries refers to an EV incident where an overheated battery pack triggered a large fire, completely destroying the vehicle. Officials from the state’s transport department and fire safety division confirmed that a battery malfunction due to thermal runaway was the main cause.
This event adds to a growing list of electric vehicle fire incidents in India that underline the urgent requirement for safer battery technology and periodic inspection norms for all commercial EVs.
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Latest Update
According to Andhra Pradesh transport officials, the bus caught fire near Mangalagiri around 7:45 a.m. The driver noticed smoke from the rear compartment and stopped immediately, allowing all passengers to exit safely. Within minutes, the fire intensified, engulfing the back of the vehicle.
The Fire and Emergency Department reached the scene and extinguished the flames within 25 minutes. Initial forensic assessment by state engineers and the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) revealed that a short circuit within the lithium-ion cells triggered a rapid heat buildup leading to the fire.
Authorities have now ordered a detailed inspection of all electric buses operating in Andhra Pradesh, focusing specifically on battery module safety, temperature regulation systems, and recent charging practices.
Key Facts
Technical Observations
- Battery Type: 300 kWh Lithium-Ion Phosphate (LFP) pack
- Probable Cause: Internal cell short-circuit leading to thermal runaway
- Battery Temperature: Exceeded 200°C within seconds of ignition
- Safety Systems: Faulty cooling sensors failed to activate
Incident Summary
| Stage | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-departure check | 7:15 a.m. | No faults detected |
| Smoke observed | 7:45 a.m. | Driver stops vehicle |
| Evacuation completed | 7:47 a.m. | All passengers exited |
| Fire intensifies | 7:48 a.m. | Flames engulf battery section |
| Fire controlled | 8:10 a.m. | Fire department extinguishes flames |
Immediate Actions
- Transport department suspended e-bus operations on similar routes.
- Engineers deployed for comprehensive battery safety audit.
- OEM directed to submit thermal safety certification records.
Why It Matters
The Andhra Pradesh bus fire caused by lithium-ion batteries highlights a pressing concern as India transitions toward electric mobility. While electric buses are considered eco-friendly, battery overheating remains a recurring issue due to climatic conditions, unregulated charging, and insufficient maintenance.
Experts argue that poor-quality battery modules and inadequate Battery Management Systems (BMS) can lead to internal short circuits. The incident underscores the importance of enforcing national EV safety standards that focus on thermal regulation, humidity control, and certified charging infrastructure.
For passengers and transport operators, this event serves as a warning that battery-driven public transport vehicles require frequent diagnostic checks and temperature monitoring to prevent future hazards.
Expert Opinion
EV engineers from the National Institute of Technology, Tirupati, observed that lithium-ion batteries are vulnerable to heat and charge imbalance. If one cell overheats, it can trigger a domino effect within the pack — a process called thermal runaway.
Experts recommend:
- Use of AI-based thermal sensors to predict temperature spikes.
- Installation of ventilation ducts for cooling high-capacity battery units.
- Post-charge inspections every 72 hours for commercial EVs.
- Routine battery module certification under revised transport regulations.
Practical Takeaways for Operators
- Monitor battery temperature after every charge cycle using verified diagnostic tools.
- Schedule preventive maintenance every 15 days for long-route EV buses.
- Train drivers to recognize smoke or early thermal signs and act swiftly.
- Avoid charging buses overnight without automated cutoff systems.
- Replace damaged or aging cells even if partial modules appear functional.
These small steps can significantly minimize risks related to lithium-ion battery fires in India’s EV fleets.
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FAQs about Andhra Pradesh bus fire caused by lithium-ion batteries
Q1. What caused the Andhra Pradesh bus fire caused by lithium-ion batteries?
The fire resulted from a thermal runaway reaction inside the bus’s lithium-ion battery module.
Q2. Were there any injuries in the bus fire?
No. The driver and passengers evacuated safely before the fire spread.
Q3. What measures is the government taking?
The Andhra Pradesh Transport Department has ordered a fleet-wide audit and stricter compliance checks for all EVs.
Q4. How common are lithium-ion battery fires in India?
While rare, several similar incidents have occurred due to improper battery management and overheating.
Q5. Can such incidents be prevented?
Yes. With proper BMS technology, certified charging systems, and timely inspections, such fires can be avoided.
Key Takeaways : Andhra Pradesh bus fire caused by lithium-ion batteries
- The Andhra Pradesh bus fire caused by lithium-ion batteries was due to overheating and internal short-circuiting.
- No casualties, but complete vehicle loss occurred.
- Authorities are reviewing battery certification protocols for public transport EVs.
- Safety experts emphasize thermal monitoring and quality assurance for all EV batteries.
Conclusion : Andhra Pradesh bus fire caused by lithium-ion batteries
The Andhra Pradesh bus fire caused by lithium-ion batteries serves as a stark reminder that India’s electric mobility future depends on safety, regulation, and preventive maintenance.
While electric buses offer environmental benefits, ensuring passenger safety through battery inspection and technology compliance must remain the top priority.
