Part 7/15:
Buses have demonstrated physical fragility—minor bumps or road hazards can trigger fires or damage. For instance, in Harbin, a bus caught fire when hitting a manhole cover, highlighting the risks posed by road infrastructure not optimized for electric vehicles. Larger battery packs increase the risk of rapid fire spread during thermal runaway, especially under the heavy duty cycle of public transit, involving extended daily operation, frequent stops, and high-speed charging.