Latest news with #lithiumionbattery
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
All The Dangers You Should Know About Lithium-Ion Batteries (& How To Prevent Them)
It can be difficult to disentangle everything that contributes to panic, but we know that panic is often not the right reaction. In 2016, a major consumer advocacy publication reported that lithium-ion battery failures are less common, and are less likely at 1 in a million than your chances of being struck by lightning, which the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration put at around 13,000 to 1. But we've all heard stories of fires and explosions and, however likely they are, it's not how you want to spend an afternoon. Still, it's important to get the context right. In a 1977 article titled "Pinto Madness," author Mark Dowie said that as many as 900 people might have burned to death in Ford Pintos. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration put the number of deaths in the crashes in question at 27. But however you cut it, the Pinto had some serious problems, and a one-in-a-million chance of your phone or electric shaver exploding in your face is one too many. Indeed, lithium-ion batteries have a tendency, sometimes caused by defects and sometimes by mishandling, of failing spectacularly. There are a lot of causes, but they all tie back to the battery technology's propensity for something called "thermal runaway," a refreshingly clear term for battery chemicals that get too hot, keep getting hot, then get out of control in the form of explosion or fire. Read more: Unreliable Appliance Brands To Avoid At All Costs, According To Home Improvement Experts Only Buy Quality Products From Reputable Sellers Some of the problems are the result of misuse, but the core issues usually have to do with the specific lithium chemistry employed in a battery. Chemistries that include cobalt are more prone to thermal events, for example, but are still used. And before you complain, consider how much less power you want your phone to have or how much more slowly your EV should charge. Similarly, lithium-polymer batteries (those in rectangular plastic pouches) have the potential to be safer than hard-cased lithium-ion batteries, but aren't always. Decisions about battery chemistry and other design choices partly define the quality and safety of consumer products that make use of lithium-ion batteries. A few resources can help you unpuzzle the safety of lithium-ion-containing products. These include product recalls and listing by a national testing lab (like Underwriters Laboratories, as in "UL listed") that certify equipment as reasonably safe. These labs test products against predefined safety standards, usually having to do with factors like the possibility of electrical shock or fire. Passing the tests earns the product a listing and the right to use the testing lab's mark. Product recalls are listed in the Consumer Product Safety Commission recall database, which you can consult before buying new or used goods. Recalls happen for a number of reasons. Sometimes the products' designs fail to meet federal safety standards or are simply found to be unsafe regardless of standards. We looked at 12 months' worth of recalls that contained the term "lithium-ion," and most were related to quality issues regarding battery management, affecting 3,601,055 consumer products. If You Treat Them Badly, They'll Treat You Worse However foolproof manufacturers try to make their products, there's almost always a way to misuse them and create a hazard for yourself and your family. A product that's properly designed to manage lithium-ion batteries will typically involve protections against the sorts of problems that start the thermal runaway process, but safety mechanisms can't always keep up with the way we mistreat things. Some of these problems are very dangerous problems related to charging and storage; others are relatively minor issues that can, nonetheless, increase your risk of fire. For example, when using a product with removable lithium-ion batteries, be sure to use only the batteries designed for the device or described by the manufacturer as acceptable. It's also important to make sure you put the replaceable batteries into the product in the right orientation. If the manufacturer's instructions indicate that you should, take care to only use the charging cable that came with the product. It's generally a good idea to follow all of the manufacturer's instructions, if possible. You should also make sure that any repairs you have done to a product are performed by a professional who's qualified to work with lithium-ion batteries. That includes repairing or building battery packs, which hobbyists sometimes do to save money. These battery packs often aggregate a number of individual cells that must be perfectly matched and monitored by a battery management system (BMS). Anyone who builds such a battery pack without the requisite knowledge might very well be building a time bomb. Charging Lithium-Ion Cells Is Often Where Things Go Wrong For consumers, charging is usually a fairly straightforward affair: plug it in, then come back later. Some light will have gone off, or on, or changed color to indicate that charging is complete, and you're set for another cycle. But charging products made with lithium-ion batteries is a little more complicated. To manage the risk of thermal runaway, you must be sure to never charge such products where they might overheat (in a hot location, for example, or where heat won't be properly dissipated). You should also avoid charging products in places that can easily catch fire, such as on bedding or fabric furniture. Always use the charging equipment designated for the product by the manufacturer, which ideally came with the product. If lithium-ion batteries make charging products more complicated, charging these batteries directly can be immensely more complicated. Just as battery management systems monitor batteries so they're not discharged too rapidly, lithium-ion charging systems must also monitor the charging process for overcharging, rate of charging, temperature, and other potential problems. If you're using a charger that you think might allow you to continue charging a lithium-ion battery after it is fully charged, you should discontinue its use immediately. In fact, it's best to charge lithium-ion batteries outdoors, though it might not always be practical. Several of the products recalled for possible lithium-ion-related fire risks in the past 12 months specified that the risk was present during charging and resulted in battery overheating, so it's probably a good idea to monitor the temperature of charging lithium-ion devices periodically. No Place Is 100% Safe For Battery Storage Because thermal runaway can be triggered by a high initial temperature, and because temperature can affect the safe operation of some battery chemistries, it's important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and a few common-sense guidelines when storing lithium-ion products. Keep them at room temperature, if you can, and always above freezing but below 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Store them in a dry location, out of sunlight, and well clear of external heat sources like heaters and open flames. The ideal spot will also be well-ventilated (thermal runaway can release toxic gases) and without excessive humidity. Just in case, you should also store lithium-ion products away from anything flammable. That and the temperature extremes mean your garage might not be the best place to store spare batteries, including safely storing your mower batteries. At this point you're probably thinking that your front lawn is going to be littered with USB chargers in air-conditioned tents so that your electric toothbrushes, phones, tablets, watches, flashlights, cameras, laptops, cordless drills, and that "hoverboard" your kid used one time don't set your house on fire. One resource we found advises that lithium-ion products be stored not only on non-flammable materials but also on a material with slots or holes that allow air to reach all sides, but not metal shelving, which can cause a short circuit. Such an overabundance of caution mostly applies to storing battery packs, not consumer products, which can mostly be stored safely indoors in moderate temperatures and away from heat sources. And, you know, not on top of a full gasoline can. Lithium-Ion Batteries Are A Problem Not Easily Disposed Of A few of the recalled products we examined were recalled for non-battery-related reasons, but mentioned lithium-ion batteries because consumers were required to dispose of them safely. And it's harder than you might think. We might have become accustomed to tossing the occasional alkaline battery in the trash, but disposing of lithium-ion batteries -- or products containing lithium-ion batteries -- with municipal waste is a serious problem and a direct danger to waste and recycling facilities. A 2021 EPA study of news reports found that 245 fires in 64 waste management facilities were attributed to lithium-ion batteries. These fires resulted in a range of results, from minor incidents with no real consequences to the complete destruction of facilities. The way waste is handled in materials recovery facilities (MRFs) -- a mechanized, intentionally destructive process that often involves flammable items -- is almost designed to trigger problems with lithium-ion batteries, which react poorly to such damaging handling. As a result, there are a few key rules for disposing of lithium-ion batteries properly. First, don't throw them away with your garbage. Instead, your goal is to find the right place for them in the recycling stream. What, specifically, that means varies from area to area, so check with your local waste management department for instructions. But you should usually avoid simply putting lithium-ion batteries in your recycling bins, since that's where a majority of the problems identified by the EPA occurred. Instead, ask your waste department and local battery sellers how to recycle them. Most areas will have hazardous materials collection points, usually the best way to safely get rid of lithium-ion batteries. How To Know When A Lithium-Ion Battery Is On The Brink It can be difficult or impossible to see problems with lithium-ion batteries coming, especially if you can't see the batteries themselves. But for devices with removable -- or at least visible -- lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries, there are a few key things to be on the lookout for. If the battery is bulging or otherwise changing shape, those are usually signs of imminent danger. Any battery that is making a sound, smoking, changing color, or leaking can also be considered an immediate threat. When lithium-ion batteries are sealed within consumer products, it can be difficult to see potential signs of trouble. Keep a lookout for the sights and sounds that might be associated with battery problems, including visible smoke or any unusual odor. And heat is an obvious red flag; if a product feels hot to the touch in a way that it normally does not, proceed with great caution. Even if it's not exhibiting any of these problems, a battery that is visibly damaged should be treated as if it might catch fire at any moment. The structure of lithium-ion batteries includes features like sealed cases, protective overwraps, and integrated circuitry that can fail immediately or soon after any damage occurs. Get such a battery or product out of your home if you can safely do so, and if you can't, call the fire department for assistance and instructions. Enjoyed this article? Get expert home tips, DIY guides, and design inspiration by signing up to the House Digest newsletter! Read the original article on House Digest. Solve the daily Crossword
The Independent
2 days ago
- The Independent
Why ‘substandard' e-bike batteries pose life-threatening risks
A man died in a fire at his Bradford home, believed to be caused by a faulty lithium-ion battery from an e-bike conversion kit charging overnight. The coroner investigating the death of Mohsin Janjua, 28, concluded the fire was likely due to a "catastrophic failure" of a battery purchased from eBay. Test purchases revealed that batteries and chargers from online marketplaces often fail to meet UK safety standards, prompting the coroner to urge the government to reassess laws. The coroner also called for online marketplaces to be held jointly responsible for the safety and legal compliance of products sold by third parties on their sites. A charity, Electrical Safety First, has warned that substandard batteries sold online pose a significant risk, advocating for third-party certification for e-bikes and stricter rules on conversion kits.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
E-bike battery warning after man killed in blaze
A coroner has asked the government to examine rules around the sale of lithium-ion battery kits used to change pedal cycles into e-bikes after a fatal fire believed to have been sparked by one of the cells. Mohsin Janjua, 28, died after his converted e-bike caught fire while charging in the living room overnight at his Bradford home. Following an inquest into Mr Janjua's death, senior coroner Martin Fleming said it was "more likely than not that the fire was caused by a catastrophic failure" of the battery. He said that kits intended for e-bike conversions sold through online market places "pose a significant and growing risk to public safety". A Prevention of Future Deaths report published on Monday explained how the inquest into Mr Janjua's death heard how when he became aware of the fire in December 2023, he alerted his mother and son in the upstairs bedroom and they were all able to escape via the front door. However, Mr Janjua believed his brother was trapped inside the house and he went back in to find him, but his sibling had already leapt to safety from an upstairs window. Fire crews searching the property found Mr Janjua unresponsive in a rear bedroom and he was subsequently confirmed to have died. 'Review and reconsider' The inquest, which concluded on 30 July, heard Mr Janjua had converted his Carrera pedal cycle with an electric motor 18 months previously. He replaced the motor a week before he died with a 52-volt battery. A test purchase showed that the battery Mr Janjua bought from a seller on eBay was thought to have come from China and did not conform to UK safety standards. Although the battery recovered from the fire showed some similarities with the test purchase, the coroner said fire damage prevented further identification. The fire investigation officer confirmed in his evidence that the lithium-ion battery purchased by Mr Janjua was the source of the fire. Coroner Mr Fleming wrote to the Office for Product Safety and Standards to "review and reconsider the adequacy of the of the current unregulated sale of lithium-ion batteries". The government office, which is part of the Department for Business and Trade, has until 25 September to respond. Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North. More on this story Man dies in house fire as three others escape Related internet links The Office for Product Safety and Standards
BBC News
3 days ago
- BBC News
Bradford coroner warns danger of e-bike battery fires
A coroner has asked the government to examine rules around the sale of lithium-ion battery kits used to change pedal cycles into e-bikes after a fatal fire believed to have been sparked by one of the Janjua, 28, died after his converted e-bike caught fire while charging in the living room overnight at his Bradford an inquest into Mr Janjua's death, senior coroner Martin Fleming said it was "more likely than not that the fire was caused by a catastrophic failure" of the said that kits intended for e-bike conversions sold through online market places "pose a significant and growing risk to public safety". A Prevention of Future Deaths report published on Monday explained how the inquest into Mr Janjua's death heard how when he became aware of the fire in December 2023, he alerted his mother and son in the upstairs bedroom and they were all able to escape via the front Mr Janjua believed his brother was trapped inside the house and he went back in to find him, but his sibling had already leapt to safety from an upstairs crews searching the property found Mr Janjua unresponsive in a rear bedroom and he was subsequently confirmed to have died. 'Review and reconsider' The inquest, which concluded on 30 July, heard Mr Janjua had converted his Carrera pedal cycle with an electric motor 18 months previously. He replaced the motor a week before he died with a 52-volt battery.A test purchase showed that the battery Mr Janjua bought from a seller on eBay was thought to have come from China and did not conform to UK safety standards. Although the battery recovered from the fire showed some similarities with the test purchase, the coroner said fire damage prevented further fire investigation officer confirmed in his evidence that the lithium-ion battery purchased by Mr Janjua was the source of the fire. Coroner Mr Fleming wrote to the Office for Product Safety and Standards to "review and reconsider the adequacy of the of the current unregulated sale of lithium-ion batteries".The government office, which is part of the Department for Business and Trade, has until 25 September to respond. Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Electric Boat Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report 2025-2030, with Yamaha Motor, Vision Marine Technologies, RAND Boats, SVP Yachts, ElectraCraft, Pure Watercraft, Volvo Penta, and More
Driven by robust environmental regulations and advances in lithium-ion battery technology, the electric boat market sees a 13.5% CAGR from 2025-2030. Solar and smart propulsion systems offer significant growth opportunities. Electric Boat Market Dublin, Aug. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Electric Boat Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Boat Type (Leisure Boats, Fishing Boats, Pontoon & Deck Boats), By Propulsion Type (Outboard Electric, Inboard Electric, Hybrid), By Battery Type, By Power Source, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030" report has been added to global electric boat market size was estimated at USD 6.78 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 14.09 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 13.5% from 2025 to 2030. The market is gaining momentum, driven by stringent environmental regulations aimed at reducing emissions and achieving global carbon neutrality goals. Advances in lithium-ion battery technology and high-efficiency electric motors have enhanced vessel range, performance, and reliability, making electric boats increasingly viable. Rising demand from environmentally conscious consumers and commercial operators further supports market expansion. However, the high upfront costs and limited charging infrastructure pose significant barriers, while concerns regarding range and overall performance continue to limit broader market penetration. Integration of solar-powered systems and smart propulsion technologies represents a major opportunity for the electric boat environmental regulations are significantly driving the growth of the electric boat market. Governments worldwide are implementing stricter emission standards and carbon reduction targets, such as the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) 2020 sulfur cap and the European Union's Green Deal aiming for climate neutrality by 2050. These regulations mandate reduced greenhouse gas emissions and lower levels of water and air pollution from marine vessels. Consequently, boat manufacturers and operators are increasingly adopting electric propulsion systems to comply with these standards. As a result, demand for electric boats has been accelerated across both recreational and commercial sectors, with compliance serving as a key catalyst for market advancements in battery and motor efficiency are playing a pivotal role in accelerating the adoption of electric boats. These innovations are enhancing vessel range, speed, and overall reliability, making electric alternatives increasingly viable for both recreational and commercial use. For instance, in November 2022, Samsung Heavy Industries developed a liquid hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system for ships, receiving approval in principle from DNV. This milestone, achieved in collaboration with hydrogen technology partners, underscores growing momentum toward next-generation sustainable marine propulsion and highlights the industry's focus on high-efficiency, low-emission alternatives to traditional marine consumer demand for sustainable and quiet boating is a key driver for the electric boat market, as both recreational and commercial users increasingly seek environmentally friendly and low-noise alternatives. This trend is reinforced by strategic industry collaborations and significant capital investments to accelerate the adoption of electric propulsion technologies. For example, in November 2024, the International Electric Marine Association (IEMA) established an exclusive partnership with the Electric & Hybrid Marine Expo to promote maritime electrification through education and industry-wide cooperation. Also, in April 2022, Swedish electric boat manufacturer X Shore secured USD 50 million in funding to scale production of its Eelex 8000 model and advance research and development of zero-emission maritime solutions, underscoring the market's strong growth adoption of solar-powered boats and smart propulsion systems is creating significant innovation opportunities within the electric boat market, aimed at extending battery life and enhancing the overall user experience. Industry players are increasingly investing in advanced solar-electric technology and production capacity to meet the growing demand for sustainable maritime solutions. For instance, in December 2023, Navalt introduced the Barracuda, India's fastest solar-electric boat, featuring twin 50 kW motors and a 6 kW solar panel, designed for challenging sea conditions and seating 10 passengers. Additionally, in June 2022, Silent Yachts expanded its production capabilities by acquiring a new facility in Fano, Italy, to scale manufacturing of its luxury Silent 60 and 80 solar-electric yachts, demonstrating strong market traction in initial purchase costs and limited charging infrastructure remain significant challenges for the electric boat market, restricting broader adoption among both commercial operators and recreational users. Electric boats typically carry a premium price compared to traditional combustion-powered vessels, with entry-level models often starting above USD 100,000 and luxury or high-performance boats exceeding several hundred thousand dollars. Additionally, insufficient widespread charging stations and marina infrastructure impede convenient recharging, limiting operational range and user flexibility. These factors collectively hinder market growth despite increasing technological advancements and environmental Electric Boat Market Report SegmentationThis report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, the analyst has segmented the global electric boat market report based on boat type, propulsion type, battery type, power source, and region. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 130 Forecast Period 2024 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $6.78 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $14.09 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 13.5% Regions Covered Global Key Topics Covered: Chapter 1. Methodology and ScopeChapter 2. Executive Summary 2.1. Market Outlook2.2. Segment Outlook2.3. Competitive InsightsChapter 3. Electric Boat Market Variables, Trends, & Scope 3.1. Market Lineage Outlook3.2. Market Dynamics3.3. Electric Boat Market Analysis Tools3.3.1. Industry Analysis - Porter's3.3.2. PESTEL AnalysisChapter 4. Electric Boat Market: Boat Type Estimates & Trend Analysis 4.1. Segment Dashboard4.2. Leisure Boats4.3. Fishing Boats4.4. Pontoon & Deck Boats4.5. Yachts & Cruisers4.6. Commercial & Utility BoatsChapter 5. Electric Boat Market: Propulsion Type Estimates & Trend Analysis 5.1. Segment Dashboard5.2. Electric Boat Market: Propulsion Type Movement Analysis5.3. Outboard Electric Propulsion5.4. Inboard Electric Propulsion5.5. Hybrid Propulsion5.6. Solar-Integrated SystemsChapter 6. Electric Boat Market: By Battery Type Estimates & Trend Analysis 6.1. Segment Dashboard6.2. Electric Boat Market: By Battery Type Movement Analysis6.3. Lithium-ion Batteries6.4. Lead-acid Batteries6.5. Other Advanced ChemistriesChapter 7. Electric Boat Market: By Power Source Estimates & Trend Analysis 7.1. Segment Dashboard7.2. Electric Boat Market: By Power Source Movement Analysis7.3. < 10 kW7.4. 10-50 kW7.5. 50-150 kW7.6. >150 kWChapter 8. Electric Boat Market: Regional Estimates & Trend Analysis 8.1. Electric Boat Market Share, By Region, 2024 & 2030, USD MillionChapter 9. Competitive Landscape 9.1. Company Categorization9.2. Company Market Positioning9.3. Company Heat Map Analysis9.4. Company Profiles Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. Vision Marine Technologies Duffy Electric Boat Company RAND Boats ApS SVP Yachts d.o.o. (Greenline) ElectraCraft, Inc. Frauscher Bootswerft GmbH X Shore AB Pure Watercraft Inc. Volvo Penta Corporation For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Electric Boat Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
