Lithium ion battery accidents

What happened to lithium ion batteries?

Three of the lithium-ion batteries that ignited were damaged in high-speed, high-severity crashes, and the fourth lithium-ion battery fire occurred during normal vehicle operations. All three of the crash-damaged batteries reignited after firefighters extinguished the vehicle fires. The battery in the fourth investigation did not reignite.

Are lithium-ion batteries causing fires?

Here are summaries of some of the most severe fires caused by lithium-ion batteries in in the latter half of 2023 and in 2024 up until May 17: 2024: Sydney, Australia (March 15, 2024): Fire and Rescue NSW responded to four separate lithium-ion battery fires in one day.

Are lithium-ion batteries dangerous?

“So when a fire does happen, it’s much more dangerous,” Khoo said. All lithium-ion batteries use flammable materials, and incidents such as the one in the Bronx are likely the result of “thermal runaway,” a chain reaction which can lead to a fire or catastrophic explosion, according to Khoo.

What happens if you overcharge a lithium ion battery?

Overcharging and overheating: Overcharging a lithium-ion battery beyond its designed capacity can lead to overheating. Cycling and aging: Lithium-ion batteries degrade over time due to charge and discharge cycles.

How many lithium-ion battery fires happened in Australia in 2024?

2024: Sydney, Australia (March 15, 2024): Fire and Rescue NSW responded to four separate lithium-ion battery fires in one day. These included a fire at an electric vehicle charging station, a tradesman's toolbox igniting, a garbage truck fire, and an e-bike fire in an apartment building.

How many lithium-ion battery fires have been recorded this year?

FRNSW has recorded 63 lithium-ion battery fires this year, with seven injuries reported (Fire and Rescue NSW) . Massachusetts, USA (April 17, 2024): Over the past six months, 50 lithium-ion battery fires have been tracked in Massachusetts. This number is more than double the annual average.