Lithium-ion batteries make electric driving possible. But if they malfunction, they can cause an uncontrollable fire in seconds. This happens weekly in Dutch homes.
In case of damage, overheating or a production error, a lithium-ion battery can go into thermal runaway : a chain reaction in which the temperature rises to over 1000°C in seconds.
The unique thing about these fires is that the chemical reaction itself produces oxygen. This makes them impossible to extinguish with conventional means. In many cases, the fire department can only wait until the battery has burned out.
A selection of news items from the past year.
Broadcasting Brabant
A bicycle battery caught fire when it was disconnected from the charger. Despite attempts to extinguish it with a standard fire extinguisher, the fire spread rapidly.
Fire Department NL
The Amsterdam-Amstelland fire department recorded 47 e-bike fires in one year, 20 of which were traced to the same brand. This prompted a national warning.
DutchNews
A fire broke out in an apartment while a fat bike battery was being charged. The residents had only seconds to escape. The apartment could not be saved.
RTV Rijnmond
A resident was making his own repairs to a bicycle battery. The battery caught fire, after which the fire spread through a party tent to the main house.
A battery fire cannot be extinguished. Therefore, passive protection is the only effective strategy.
Made of silicone-coated fiberglass, resistant to temperatures up to 1200°C. Keeps flames contained.
The bag allows gases to escape in a controlled manner to prevent pressure build-up while containing flames.
A thermal runaway is unstoppable. A battery pack limits the damage and gives you time to evacuate safely.
A fire-resistant battery bag is a small investment that can prevent major consequences. Charge your battery safely, for yourself and the environment.
News sources:
Data: Dutch Association of Insurers, Salvage Foundation, Dutch Fire Service