Latest news with #batterySafety
Entrepreneur
02-07-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Honeywell Acquires Nexceris' Li-ion Tamer Business, Strengthening Battery Fire Detection Portfolio
The acquisition follows a five-year strategic partnership between Honeywell and Nexceris aimed at advancing battery safety technologies. You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Global technology leader Honeywell has announced the acquisition of the Li-ion Tamer business from Nexceris, a move set to boost its position in the lithium-ion battery safety market. Li-ion Tamer, a pioneering off-gas detection solution, is designed to detect early signs of thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries, offering critical protection across high-risk sectors such as energy storage, cloud infrastructure, and electric vehicle (EV) systems. The acquisition follows a five-year strategic partnership between Honeywell and Nexceris aimed at advancing battery safety technologies. As lithium-ion battery usage accelerates — with demand projected to grow over 30% annually through 2030 to exceed USD 400 billion — the need for early fire detection and safety solutions has become more urgent than ever. "As lithium-ion battery use grows rapidly across data centers, EV infrastructure, and grid-scale energy storage, the risk of fire is increasing in parallel," said Billal Hammoud, President and CEO of Honeywell's Building Automation segment. "Li-ion Tamer's early warning technology has been revolutionary for our customers and partners. Building on our legacy partnership, the acquisition of this product suite will position Honeywell as a leader in early gas detection and battery fire prevention." Li-ion Tamer uses advanced sensing technology to detect off-gassing — an early indicator of battery failure — providing facilities up to 30 minutes' warning before a thermal runaway event. This lead time can be crucial in preventing full-scale battery fires that can otherwise destroy entire systems. Trusted globally by leading battery OEMs, the Li-ion Tamer product line includes more than 30 patents. Honeywell plans to integrate the technology into its Building Automation segment, complementing existing fire detection solutions such as VESDA and the Connected Life Safety Services platform, part of the Honeywell Forge IoT ecosystem. "This acquisition not only strengthens our fire detection capabilities but also aligns with our broader strategy of building a safer and more connected world," Hammoud added. "We expect this tuck-in acquisition to further bolster the growth of our fire detection business." The deal is expected to be immediately accretive to Honeywell's financials and follows a string of strategic acquisitions and divestitures, including the sale of its Personal Protective Equipment division and over USD 13.5 billion in recent portfolio-enhancing deals. With this move, Honeywell is reaffirming its commitment to advancing safety technologies and addressing critical challenges posed by energy storage and electrification across industries.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Yahoo
Lithium-ion battery blamed for small explosion in Fond du Lac home
FOND DU LAC, Wis. (WFRV) – A lithium-ion battery is being blamed for a small explosion inside a Fond du Lac residence late Wednesday night, prompting a reminder about battery safety from local fire officials. According to Fond du Lac Fire & Rescue, crews were dispatched shortly after 11:30 p.m. for a report of an explosion in the living room of a home. Upon arrival, firefighters determined that a lithium-ion battery had been charging in the living room and experienced a thermal runaway, leading to a small explosion. Boat catches fire at Manitowoc Marina; no injuries reported The fire was extinguished by the residents before crews arrived. Firefighters confirmed that the incident did not extend beyond the immediate area, though it did cause damage to the floor and wall. No injuries were reported. Lithium-ion batteries power a wide range of everyday devices, including smartphones, laptops, e-bikes, and power tools. As demand increases, fire officials warn of the growing presence of cheaply made or uncertified batteries and chargers that often fail to meet critical safety standards. Ahead of extreme heat in Wisconsin, WisDOT warns of pavement buckling conditions Fond du Lac Fire & Rescue offered the following battery safety tips: Use only batteries and chargers that are UL listed (e.g., UL 1642, UL 2054, UL 62133, UL 2271) Purchase products from reputable manufacturers and retailers Avoid mixing components such as third-party chargers with unverified batteries Regularly inspect batteries for signs of damage, swelling, or overheating Never charge batteries unattended or overnight The department thanked the community for its cooperation and urged continued caution when using and charging lithium-ion batteries. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Android Authority
16-06-2025
- Android Authority
Survey shows people are deeply divided over Pixel battery issues
Rita El Khoury / Android Authority Pixels are among the best Android phones money can buy, but if there's one issue that keeps coming back to haunt them, it's battery safety. We've seen battery overheating problems take down the Pixel 4a. The Pixel 6a took it further, and in one alarming case, it reportedly melted completely. More recently, Google acknowledged that a batch of Pixel 7a units was experiencing 'unexpected' battery swelling. In response, Google pushes out software updates that reduce maximum charging capacity and speed, and offers replacements or compensation in some cases. But these solutions feel more like putting a Band-Aid over a problem that requires a more permanent fix, especially when swollen batteries pose a serious safety risk and Pixel phones are expected to last longer than ever, thanks to Google's extended update commitments. So, we decided to ask our readers — Are battery concerns putting you off Pixel phones? Given the safety implications, you'd expect the answer to be a resounding 'yes,' but interestingly, the results of the survey conducted on our site turned out to be deeply divided. Are battery concerns putting you off the Pixel? We received approximately 3,000 votes in our survey asking people if battery safety or the lack of it would put them off Pixel phones. 46% of the respondents said that they are indeed concerned about Pixel battery safety. On the flip side, a nearly equal 44% said they're not too worried and still believe Pixels are solid phones despite recurring issues. The remaining 10% were undecided. That's a surprisingly close split, and the comments gave us a better sense of the hesitation and trust Pixel users (and potential buyers) feel right now. What readers are saying Some survey takers voiced serious concerns based on their personal experience. One user shared that their Pixel 6a was overheating despite trying multiple chargers, including Google's official accessories. 'I'm not sure what to do and worry about leaving it plugged in for too long,' they said. Another reader pointed to multiple incidents among their friends, including a Pixel 7 that caught on fire. 'This looks more and more like real issues, and that corners that can't be cut have been cut,' they commented. Some comments also showed signs of declining loyalty towards the Pixel brand. A Pixel 6a owner noted, 'At the moment, my 6a is getting warm, but no other issues. I'm not going to get another Pixel, though, in the next year or so. I'll look around and see what else is available. I'm disappointed that they nerfed my phone.' Pixel battery issues are clearly not universal, but they're also not rare enough to ignore. That said, plenty of respondents also defended Pixel phones. One user remarked, 'I have not had a single issue ever and have owned every Nexus/Pixel released,' while another said, 'I never ever had a Pixel problem besides a few dumb things, and it's probably my error.' Clearly, not all Pixel users are encountering battery-related troubles, and many are sticking by the brand. Meanwhile, some readers also argued that battery issues aren't unique to Google. 'Had two Pixel 7as and now a Pixel 9a. No issues,' a user noted. 'Isn't this just in the nature of what are quite volatile components? Can happen to any lithium battery if not treated correctly.' The bottom line and what we gather from the survey results is that Pixel battery issues are clearly not universal, but they're also not rare enough to ignore. Some users have had great experiences with Google's phones, while others are worried about or experiencing overheating, swelling, and even dangerous failures. That said, one thing is clear — for a company that now promises seven years of updates, Google needs to do more than patch things with software.
Daily Mail
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Urgent warning over dangerous e-bike battery linked to fires and explosions that is still on sale across the country
If you own an electric bike, you need to check its battery right now, safety experts say. An investigation by Electrical Safety First has found that dangerous e-bike batteries are being posted for sale via Facebook Marketplace across the UK. Due to a defect with certain models, battery cells inside can reach temperatures of 1112°F (600°C) or more and spark a catastrophic fire. Listings of these dangerous battery models were found to be advertised for sale in London, Manchester, Hull, Derbyshire, Southampton, Reading and more. 'We urgently need sellers to check if they are unknowingly passing on a dangerous e-bike battery,' said Giuseppe Capanna, product safety engineer at Electrical Safety First. 'A single unit of this affected battery being sold online could put a household at serious risk.' So do you have one of the dangerous batteries in your e-bike? Here's how to check. According to the safety charity, the warning applies to two models of triangle-shaped e-bike batteries that are branded UPP (unit pack power). The affected model numbers – which can be found on a label attached to the edge of the battery – are U004 or U004-1. 'If you have one of these batteries, it's important that you stop using it immediately,' said Capanna. 'These two batteries have been subject to a withdrawal notice, which means they do not meet The General Product Safety Regulations 2005.' Thee models pose a serious risk of fire and can undergo a devastating process called 'thermal runaway' where the battery cells inside reach up to 1112°F (600°C), releases toxic gases and creates a ferocious fire that is almost impossible to extinguish. It's thought the offending models have an insufficient battery management system to prevent the battery entering thermal runaway. Already, fires across the country have been reported involving a UPP battery. In March, a home in Surrey was damaged after a converted bike caught fire while on charge, linked to an unknown model of UPP battery. The likes of Amazon and eBay have been notified about the faulty models but experts are worried they've been sold on Facebook Marketplace How to identify a faulty e-bike battery Consumers are being urged to check a black sticker that is often found on one of the outer sides of the triangular battery case displaying the model number of the battery. If the corresponding model number U004 or U004-1 number is displayed on the sticker consumers are urged to stop using the battery immediately. Government advice suggests those with the battery dispose of it safely by first checking with their local collection sites to ensure they cater for battery disposal. And in September 2023, a high-rise property in Coventry was devastated when a fire linked to a U004 model battery spread quickly. This incident in Coventry lead to a government withdrawal notice, published online in January 2024, which saw the battery removed for sale via various online distributors. The withdrawal notice was issued to Amazon, eBay and Chinese e-commerce site Alibaba, stating that the UPP battery posed a serious risk of fire. However, private listings of the battery were still being sold online on Facebook Marketplace, by private sellers in London, Manchester, Hull, Reading, Southampton and more. Meta, the company which owns Facebook, confirmed it had removed the listings as a precaution after Electrical Safety First raised its findings. But the experts are concerned that batteries already purchased are waiting to cause a catastrophe in buyers' homes. Electrical Safety First has been able to identify seven private listings of the UPP battery with model numbers of either U004 or U004-1. Worryingly, one battery for sale was described by the seller as being 'a little bit burnt' from being 'left near a radiator'. Serious concerns were raised about another 13 listings where an identical shaped triangular UPP branded battery was visible but where the model numbers were unable to be confirmed, due to a limited number of photos used in the product ad. These listings were also removed by Meta after being contacted by Electrical Safety First, but more soon followed. In a follow-up investigation, the charity found a further six listings of the battery for sale online where the charity was able to identify the model number, matching that of the Government warning (again these were removed by Meta). The findings comes as the Government's Product Regulation & Metrology Bill progresses through the House of Commons which seeks to address e-bike fires. Electrical Safety First is calling for new laws to prevent substandard batteries coming onto the market and being available online. 'The current rules governing online marketplaces are not fit for purpose, and new laws are urgently needed to protect shoppers from dangerous goods being sold on these platforms,' Capanna added. 'Whilst we're encouraged that the Bill will address e-bike fires, it's essential it tackles the issue head on,' Capanna added. 'Online marketplaces need to be legally responsible for ensuring they take steps to prevent dangerous goods being available on their sites. 'We also need tougher safety laws to ensure poor quality, e-bike batteries posing a fire risk don't enter the UK market.' 'That's why we're urging the Government to introduce new laws that will mandate that e-bike batteries must be independently certified as safe before being sold in the UK. 'At present, manufacturers can self-declare their batteries are safe – we want this to end. 'The fight against substandard batteries is not one we can afford to lose.' How does an e-bike work? Electric bikes have a motor and battery mounted on the frame, with a display attached to the handlebars to let you control how much assistance you want. So, as you're cycling along (you have to pedal to make the motor work) you can choose to increase the amount of power when you need it. Going up a steep hill, for example, or if you're tired towards the end of a journey. E-bikes can help you reach speeds of 15.5mph, although if you pedal faster, you can go faster. When the battery is low, simply remove it and connect to the mains to recharge it - times for this vary from three to six hours.
