Lithium-ion Battery Fires on the Rise, but Not Users' Safety Awareness

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The number of cases of lithium-ion batteries catching on fire is on the rise. This type of battery is used in a variety of everyday products, from smartphones and home electronics to electric bicycles.

With the numerous incidents, the Consumer Affairs Agency and the Ministry of the Environment have taken action. They are urging users and local governments to exercise caution in handling this type of battery.

Lightweight, powerful, and rechargeable, the lithium-ion battery is a groundbreaking technology that could support a society independent of fossil fuels. In fact, the 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to three scientists for their contributions to the development of lithium-ion batteries.

They are an indispensable source of energy for daily life and can be recycled as a resource. However, behind their convenience lies a hidden danger. Awareness of two features, in particular, could help people to use these extraordinary batteries safely.

Understanding the Technology's Weak Points

First, it is essential to realize that lithium-ion batteries are vulnerable to heat. The temperature inside a motor vehicle sitting under the blazing sun can exceed 50°C. Mobile batteries or other devices should never be left on the dashboard or seats where they would be exposed to direct sunlight. That could result in problems such as heat generation or expansion.

Shocks and heavy pressure can also create trouble. If a lithium-ion battery is dropped onto a hard surface, its use should stop immediately. That is because these batteries contain flammable organic solvents.

Panasonic's 4680 lithium-ion batteries for EVs, produced at the company's factory in Wakayama Prefecture, September 9, 2024. (©Sankei by Hiroto Kuwajima).

Also, the practice of recharging batteries while sleeping merits reconsideration. According to the Consumer Affairs Agency, if a battery were to catch fire near your pillow, it could not only burn you, but also ignite bedding and cause a major fire. Unplugging the device from the outlet once charging is complete is additionally recommended.

Proper Recycling is Key

Meanwhile, in April, the Ministry of the Environment requested municipalities across the country to thoroughly separate lithium-ion batteries during collection. They are often mixed in with general household waste when thrown away. If not separated, they can easily cause fires during compression and crushing in collection trucks and at waste treatment facilities. There are many such examples to date.

In FY2022, there were 4,260 cases of lithium-ion battery fires nationwide. However, that number doubled to 8,543 cases in FY2023. If instances of ignition and smoke emission are included in the calculation, the total tops 20,000 cases. Clearly, this is no small matter. Waste treatment facilities are also being forced to shut down one after another.

Public awareness of the safety aspects of these batteries seems not to have kept pace with growing reliance on them.

Lithium-ion batteries require careful handling. That is true not only when they are in use or being charged, but also when they are disposed of. Manufacturers, as well as the central government and local municipalities, should step up their efforts to disseminate information about their characteristics, proper handling, and recycling.

Consumers need a deeper understanding of lithium-ion batteries to prevent accidents from occurring. After all, summers have been especially hot in recent years.