Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

(Information provided by the Fire Safety Research Institute, National Fire Protection Association, and U.S. Fire Administration)

Lithium-ion battery-powered devices play an increasing role in every aspect of our lives - phones, laptops, toothbrushes, power tools, electric vehicles, scooters and bikes. They are even being deployed at a massive scale to improve the resilience of our national electrical grid. Despite many advantages, a significant safety drawback is the possibility that these batteries can overheat, catch fire, and in extreme cases, cause explosions. Fires involving various lithium-ion battery powered products have been increasing at an alarming rate and have resulted in numerous injuries and fatalities. Even when the initial cause of a fire is not the lithium-ion device, the involvement of lithium-ion batteries can increase the intensity and magnitude.

Smaller Devices & Electronics

Lithium-ion batteries are increasingly found in devices and systems that the public and first responders use or interact with daily. While these batteries provide an effective and efficient source of power, the likelihood of them overheating, catching on fire, and even leading to explosions increases when they are damaged or improperly used, charged, or stored. NFPA offers several resources that provide information to promote safer use of lithium-ion batteries across a wide range of applications.

E-Bikes & E-Scooters

Electric bicycles and electric scooters, or e-bikes and e-scooters, are more popular than ever. These devices give riders a lower-cost and environmentally friendly way of getting around. But, unknown to many users, the batteries that power e-bikes and e-scooters have also been known to catch on fire and cause explosions.

Electric Vehicles

Electric Vehicles have become a popular method of travel and will continue to increase significantly in the future. When the lithium-ion batteries used to power today’s electric vehicles catch fire, they burn much differently than the gasoline used to power internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Explore the following information and resources from NFPA to learn more about EV fires and how you can stay safer.

Additional information can be found at the Fire Safety Research Institute, National Fire Protection Association and U.S. Fire Administration websites.