Lithium-ion batteries are all but an inevitability in modern homes. From smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles, these batteries are popping up in more and more devices, and it is important to understand the unique risks presented by these power sources.
Electric vehicles have become a popular choice for many in recent years, and while data shows these lithium-ion-powered rides aren’t necessarily at higher risk of fire than their fuel-powered counterparts, the type of fire risk presented is unique.
Lithium-ion fires involve thermal runaway — a chemical process that occurs when a battery cell is abused or damaged (like by heat, crushing, penetration or overcharge) that generates heat as well as toxic and flammable gases. The heat speeds up these reactions, producing more heat and gases. When the heat builds up to the point where it can no longer be dissipated to the cell’s surroundings it begins to affect nearby battery cells.
When heat generation becomes self-sustaining, it releases energy, which turns into more heat. Left unchecked, this will eventually lead to ignition.
Studies show that there were just over 500 battery-related fires in light-duty electric vehicles globally between 2010 and the end of June 2024. There were approximately 40 million EVs on the road in early 2024, which puts the rate of fire at around 1 in 100,000.
For comparison, the United States saw around 117,370 passenger vehicle fires each year from 2013 to 2017. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that a vehicle fire occurs once every 18 million miles driven, which is about seven times more frequent than EVs alone.
In the slideshow above, we’ll look at several important things to know about lithium-ion battery fires from the National Fire Protection Association.
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