Lithium-ion batteries are increasingly found in devices and systems that we as a society use daily, including EVs (electric vehicles), e-bikes, and e-scooters. While these batteries provide an effective and efficient source of power, the probability of them overheating, catching on fire, and even leading to explosions increases when they are damaged or improperly used, charged, or stored.
As the attractiveness of these modes of transportation across the U.S. soars due to their low-cost and environmentally sound concept, so too has the number of fires associated with the lithium-ion batteries that power them.
Know the Risks of Lithium-Ion Batteries
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced it had received reports of more than 200 incidents since the start of 2021 in which micro mobility-devices caught fire or overheated - incidents that led to the deaths of 19 people. These issues are not exclusive to e-bikes/e-scooters; any device containing a lithium battery has the potential to catch fire, as we have seen with phones, laptops, and electric cars. Along the same lines as EVs, newer lithium-ion technologies have made the batteries more resistant to fire. However, these batteries still face a risk of fire.
Below is a list of items that were part of a chain reaction, resulting in fire associated with lithium-ion batteries:
- Self-ignition and reignition following an accident involving an EV. Tthis is due in part to the liquid electrolyte in lithium-ion batteries being highly flammable.
- EVs that catch fire inside a public parking garage pose a greater risk of damage to the structure or any adjacent or nearby property.
- Use of non-manufactured designed chargers or charging stations results in short-circuiting electrical components.
- Improper storage of the batteries (sunlight exposure, extreme heat, etc.)
- Failure to dispose of the battery after the expiration date or when the battery no longer functions properly or holds a charge (batteries tend to physically deteriorate and come apart once past their prime.)
- Over-charging (usually with older battery models that lack an automatic power shut-off sensor.)
- Water and liquid substances in contact with a live battery's storage material.
- Battery storage with flammables or combustibles.
Preventing Potential Lithium-Ion Battery Fires
As an organization, you want to make sure you are protecting your assets and not falling victim to a potential fire. Whether you are a property manager, risk manager, facilities, or maintenance personnel, a thorough understanding of the risk associated with using items that contain lithium-ion batteries is crucial. To help prevent situations like this from occurring at your property, several risk mitigation factors should be considered and used as an educational opportunity for staff and residents:
- Understand the exposure of lithium-ion batteries in or around your property, that being e-bikes, e-scooters, or EVs.
- Maintain proper charging stations, ensure the use of a quality charger that is specially designed by the manufacturer, and follow the manufacturer's charging instructions.
- Purchase batteries from a reputable manufacturer or supplier. Cheap or counterfeit batteries may not experience the same quality control processes and have a higher likelihood of failing.
- Store batteries in a dry and well-ventilated place at room temperature or lower. While batteries can be used safely between -20 and 60 degress C (-4 to 140 degrees F), it is strongly suggested to avoid storing them at a temperature that is close to the upper or lower range. Monitor the possibility of items containing these batteries being exposed to sunlight (heat) for extended periods of time. Example: e-bike/e-scooter being charged on a balcony that gets direct sunlight and or an individual utilizing an outdoor outlet.
- Do not mix different types of batteries or mix new and old ones together (e.g., in a power pack).
- Educate individuals on the importance of not leaving a battery charging unattended, even in their own unit. Should the battery be damaged, it can overheat and become a fire source.
- Immediately disconnect the batteries if, during operation or charging, they emit an unusual smell, develop heat, change shape/geometry, or behave abnormally.
- Store batteries separately from other hazards such as combustibles, flammable liquids, and plastics.
- Do not charge groups of batteries at the same time on the same charger unless otherwise stated by the manufacturer. Overloading may happen.
- Designate a specific battery charging area outside a residential unit i.e., community rooms, exercise rooms, garages, and bike rooms. This helps control exposure and provides more oversight.
As a society, we are trying to do our part with climate change and capitalize on the use of these micro mobility-devices, but if proper procedures are not followed when maintaining them, it can be certain that risks associated with lithium-ion battery fires will follow. Do not let your property become a headline in the news or another statistic; educate your staff and residents.
Additional Resources
Safety Tips for Devices with Lithium-Ion Batteries - FDNY Smart
IMPORTANT NOTICE - The information and suggestions presented by Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance Company are for your consideration in your loss prevention efforts. They are not intended to be complete or definitive in identifying all hazards associated with your business, preventing workplace accidents, or complying with any safety related, or other, laws or regulations. You are encouraged to alter them to fit the specific hazards of your business and to have your legal counsel review all of your plans and company policies.