The battery of a new electric bike exploded at a home in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, and killed a 40-year-old man. His wife is also in critical condition with severe burns. A similar incident killed an 80-year-old man in Nizamabad three days ago.
The victim K Sivakumar bought the bike on Friday and the detachable battery was kept on charge in the bedroom at night. It exploded in the early hours of Saturday when everyone in the house was asleep.
The explosion caused a minor fire in the house. Two children in the house also suffered from asphyxiation but are not in danger now, said Suryaraopet Inspector of Police V Janaki Ramaiah.
Neighbours broke into the house after seeing the smoke and dragged the family outside. Mr Sivakumar died on the way to the hospital.
Similar incidents of electric vehicle batteries exploding have been reported in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra as well. The police said the exact cause of the explosion is not known and a case has been registered. The inspector added that the police have already spoken with the EV company to check the possibility of an electric short circuit.
There have been rising concerns about the safety issues of electric vehicles. Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday said companies found negligent will be penalised and a recall of all defective EVs will be ordered. A report from an expert panel formed to study the matter is expected.
Niti Aayog released a draft battery swapping policy for EVs two days ago. It also suggested incentives and a rigorous testing protocol for swappable batteries.