Lithium-Ion Batteries: Safety Risks, Fire Hazards and Consumer Standards

Fires in electric vehicles powered by high-voltage lithium-ion batteries pose a serious risk to emergency responders. These risks include electric shock from exposure to damaged high-voltage components and thermal runaway, where damaged cells experience uncontrolled increases in temperature and pressure. Thermal runaway can lead to hazards such as battery reignition or fires, driven by 'stranded' energy remaining in a damaged battery. Chapter 1 examines the safety risks emergency responders face when handling high-voltage lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles. Chapter 2 reviews the fire hazards and safety concerns associated with lithium-ion batteries in everyday items like cell phones, computers, e-bikes, e-scooters, and electric vehicles. Chapter 3 proposes a consumer product safety standard for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries in micromobility devices.