Given the recent incidents involving two scooters from leading EV brands burst on fire, the subject of EV safety has arrived under the spotlight. Are all lithium-ion battery systems inherently a fire hazard? Are there special conditions that make it more likely for EV to burn?

Lithium-ion batteries are energy storage solutions for consumer electronics and EV because of their power density. Compared to lead-acid batteries that store around 25 watts per kg or hydrid nickel batteries that can store 100 watts per kg, lithium-ion batteries can store 150 watts per kg. Given the lithium-ion battery is an inevitable part of everyday life, turning on everything from our cellphone to other electronic items, it is clear that they are here to stay, until the form of a more sophisticated battery technology arrives. The fact that the Li-Ion battery market is projected to be worth $ 193.13 billion is proof of efficacy of technology and its ability to hold a lot of filling cycles and holding energy. While the Li-ion battery proved safe and large, there were enough incidents with consumer electronics and EV to throw their overall safety level.

How it works

Lithium-ion batteries consist of several cells, which contain lithium. Each battery has an electrode at both ends, with one containing an anode while the other contains a cathode. The anodes and cathodes both contain lithium but are made of different elements with used used carbon while the latter is made of lithium cobalt oxide.

When you plug in the lithium-ion battery, the charging current is given to cells with lithium ions that move from the cathode to the anode through the electrolytes located in the middle. When supplying energy in the form of electricity, instead it occurs where lithium ions flow from the anode to the cathode. When all Lithium ions have moved to the cathode, cells are not charged.

Battery management system

Unlike other battery systems, lithium-ion cells get a broad battery safety function. The key to managing battery temperature is a battery management system. It is responsible for both, maintaining cell temperature and managing current and voltage. All lithium-ion cells also feature separators that can melt when the core temperature becomes too high and stops the transportation of ions. Another key requirement for the battery system is the right ventilation. Ventilation that is sensitive to pressure can prevent other cells from burning batteries.

A good battery management system is the key to the health of the overall battery package. It protects battery cells from which are overcharged or excessive, manage the overall heat level, checking connections and loose shorts and constantly communicating with vehicle onboard computers.

When did they cause a fire risk?

Inaccurate manufacturing, external damage or inefficient or non-functional software can cause a lithium-ion battery burning. According to the energy of the technology platform, excessive heat generation can occur in a failed or damaged cell, which leads to what is known as’ thermal runaway “where heat generated from cells that fail can continue to the next cell, causing the reaction chain that results in a fire . This can occur when defects in manufacturing it allows dirt to seep into lithium-ion cells. The battery management system can also be compromised when the manufacturer tries to make a very compact design that can damage the separator.

Lithium is a substance that is inherently reactive and flammable. At present, the Li-Ion battery uses organic liquid electrolytes to charge. While this continues to be the only form of technology available for mass-produced Li-ion batteries, manufacturers such as Toyota and VW are in the advanced stage of testing a solid-state battery, which does not only carry a larger charge, but the solid electrolyte features It has greater immunity to extreme temperatures.

More solutions appear to appear, while the standardization of solid-state technology is awaited. According to Techbrief, a technology company based in California, Nanotech Energy Inc. has chosen electrodes made by graphene that can prevent thermal runaway. Graphene becomes an extraordinary electrical conductor and the material is generally strong, is a very good way to prevent heat.

The solution?

From a consumer point of view, the lithium-ion battery has, statistically, it is proven to be a reliable form of technology. However, until a more fireproof technology form enters the battery making process, it is best to avoid charging the battery or save it directly in the sun. If a portable battery, don’t charge your place to sleep.

With a battery unit that can be exchanged, always check external battery damage, because it can cause chemical leakage that can cause thermal runaway. When running at a low cost, make sure that the battery charging does not switch below 10 percent before it is replenished. Fast charging that often can cause the battery to lose its ability to maintain allegations, with the average EV battery only manages 100-150 fast filling cycles in its life span.