Lithium batteries must have some charge, otherwise they break down chemically. Typically, it's around 40-50% charge, but varies with the exact chemistry of the battery.

And, yes, higher charge means more violent reaction to fire and being punctured for most lithium battery chemistries.

I'm not sure about other chemistries, like NiMH and sodium, that have been used in EVs. But lithium is the most popular.

[–] Rivalarrival@lemmy.today 2 points 2 months ago

Less garbage source

[–] catloaf@lemm.ee 1 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (1 children)

Do EV batteries burn less if not charged? Do they intentionally give them a low charge in transit just to maintain battery health and move them around to reduce the risk if so?

Also, at what point do you just call it a loss and scuttle the ship so that you're at least not releasing everything into the atmosphere? Or can they just flood certain compartments to extinguish the fire?

[–] shalafi@lemmy.world 1 points 2 months ago

All I can add is that lithium batteries don't vent jack when dead. SOURCE: Multiple gun shot tests.

But damn do you have some smart questions! Love to know more about all of those.