Israel’s Ports Face Unexpected Threat: Electric Vehicles as a Security Risk

Amidst the heightened conflict with Iran, Israel faced an unexpected challenge at its ports: the potential danger posed by electric vehicles. The government expressed concerns that EVs parked at ports could become targets during air strikes, leading to significant infrastructure damage. A detailed analysis focused on the ports of Haifa and Ashdod, emphasizing their importance for cargo transport. The core issue revolves around the nature of EV fires, which are difficult to control. The thermal runaway phenomenon, where individual battery cells ignite and spread fire throughout the battery pack, was identified as a major concern. The intense heat generated by these fires, coupled with the potential for explosions, prompted authorities to take immediate action, ordering the relocation of EVs from port facilities to reduce the risk of severe damage.