What causes lithium-ion battery fires? Why are they so intense? And how should they be fought?

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🗞️ Driving the news: Electric Vehicle (EV) fires linked to lithium-ion batteries have raised concerns in Australia, following notable incidents at Sydney airport and Bouldercombe battery storage site in Queensland

🔭 The context: Lithium-ion batteries, due to their high energy storage capacity, are commonly used in EVs, smartphones, and laptops
• These batteries are generally safe, but when they do overheat, the resulting “thermal runaway” can lead to intense and potentially toxic fires
• In Australia, from 2010 to June 2023, only four EV battery fires were recorded

🌎 Why it matters for the planet: As EVs are promoted as eco-friendly alternatives to fuel-based vehicles, understanding and mitigating the risks associated with their key components are crucial to ensuring the safety and environmental benefits of this green transition

⏭️ What's next: Enhancing safety protocols, developing specialized extinguishing methods, and building awareness among users about charging and maintaining their EVs can mitigate the risks related to lithium-ion battery fires

📈 One stat: A recent paper forecasts a possible total of around 900 EV fires in Australia between 2023 and 2050, illustrating the rarity but potential growth of such incidents as EV usage increases

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