Lithium Batteries: Power in Your Hands

Can you imagine a world without smartphones, laptops or electric vehicles? Lithium batteries have made this reality possible, but what happens when these powerful energy sources get out of control? The growing demand for electric vehicles has driven a boom in lithium battery production, making them an essential component of our energy infrastructure. However, behind this convenience lie risks that we must be aware of to use them safely. According to the global lithium battery market, exponential growth is expected in the coming years, which represents a positive sign for the transition to renewable energy, but also poses new challenges in terms of safety and waste management.

Internal short circuits, often caused by physical damage such as punctures or crushing, trigger a chain reaction that can culminate in a fire. When a short circuit occurs, a large amount of heat is generated in a confined space, which can lead to overheating. This uncontrolled thermal process can weaken the internal components of the battery and release toxic gases such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. Inhalation of these gases can cause asphyxiation, respiratory irritation and other health problems. In addition, the high temperatures generated by the fire can cause severe burns and, in extreme cases, explosions. Factors such as the use of incompatible chargers, exposure to liquids and the age of the battery can aggravate these risks. Once the fire has started, the rapid spread of the fire can be facilitated by the presence of flammable materials nearby, which makes extinguishing work difficult and increases damage.

To ensure safe use of lithium batteries, it is essential to adopt preventive measures that minimize the risk of fires, such as avoiding overcharging and complete discharge, correct storage, preventive maintenance, and safety measures in case of fire (fire extinguishers, evacuation, not using water). The growing demand for lithium batteries has led to the implementation of international and national regulations aimed at ensuring safe handling. At the international level, organizations such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) have established specific standards for the transport of lithium batteries. In Mexico, the Ministry of Communications and Transport (SCT) is responsible for regulating the transport of dangerous goods, including lithium batteries. The SCT has adopted international standards and adapted them to national legislation. Additionally, the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) and the Ministry of Energy (SENER) have issued standards and recommendations for the installation and operation of energy storage systems based on lithium batteries, with the aim of guaranteeing the safety of people and facilities.

Electric vehicles offer numerous environmental and economic benefits, but it is essential to address the risks associated with lithium batteries.  They are a balance between innovation and safety, since they have revolutionized the automotive industry, allowing the development of increasingly efficient electric vehicles with greater autonomy, but their high energy density also makes them a potential source of fire if not managed correctly. Preventive measures in the event of a fire in an electric vehicle include a battery management system (BMS) that allows continuous monitoring of the battery status and taking preventive measures in case of detecting anomalies, early fire detection to activate the fire extinguishing system, appropriate fire extinguishers, not using water, and communicating the nature of the fire to the emergency services so that appropriate safety measures can be taken.

Despite the risks, lithium batteries will continue to be essential for the development of clean and sustainable technologies, which allows us to conclude that lithium batteries offer great potential for a more sustainable future, but it is necessary to address the risks associated with their use through research, innovation and collaboration between different actors, such as industry, the state and academia, to take full advantage of the benefits of this technology in a safe and responsible manner.