Its two selling points are an extended battery range of 120 miles rather than 100, and onboard battery heating and cooling, which should extend the life of the pack.

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Chemists call it "thermal runaway, " an ever-increasing heating process that can cause the battery to ignite.

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In low external temperatures, the battery is quickly brought up to operating temperature with the aid of an electric heating element.

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The fire service says candles, cigarettes, objects left to close too fires, pans over heating and a high number of student houses with no smoke alarm - or no battery in the alarm - are often to blame for fire outbreaks.

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