Batteries quietly power almost everything we love. Phones, laptops, your entire gaming rig, e-scooters, e-bikes, power banks; our lives are basically running on batteries. But, because they’re in everything we charge, we’re probably not thinking enough about battery safety, especially when it comes to lithium-ion batteries and charging our e-transport. And battery safety starts with one very important detail: the charger.
Lithium-ion batteries are designed to work hand-in-hand with specific chargers. When everything is compatible, charging is safe. Problems only start when the wrong charger enters the picture. Generic or incompatible chargers, especially cheap replacements bought online, can disrupt a battery’s stability, increasing the risk of overheating and fire.
These batteries store a lot of energy in a very small space. That’s part of why they’re so handy, after all. Manufacturer approved chargers are built to communicate properly with the battery, regulating power flow and stopping the charge at the right time. Generic chargers often don’t manage this as well, even if they look similar or fit the same port, which can have disastrous consequences.
When batteries are charged incorrectly, they can overheat or fail, sometimes triggering a rapid chain reaction known as thermal runaway. This can cause batteries to ignite quickly and burn intensely, often without much warning. And that’s your e-scooter up in flames.
However, the good news is that these incidents are largely preventable with the right knowledge and habits. There’s a few simple steps to reduce risk while charging lithium-ion batteries:
- Only use the charger supplied with your device or one specifically approved by the manufacturer
- Avoid mixing and matching chargers and batteries, even if they look similar
- Charge devices where you can keep an eye on them, rather than overnight or while you’re out
- Unplug devices once they are fully charged to reduce heat buildup
- Charge on hard, non-flammable surfaces
- Keep escape paths clear by charging devices away from exits
- Stop using a battery or charger immediately if it becomes hot, swells, leaks, smells strange, or makes unusual noises
But, if a lithium-ion battery fire does occur, you have to put your personal safety first.
- Call 000 immediately
- Evacuate everyone from the area
- Stay clear and do not attempt to fight the fire yourself
When it comes down to it, lithium-ion batteries are a safe and reliable part of everyday life when used as intended. Using your devices safely includes how you charge them, and that’s all about making informed choices, using the right equipment, and forming smart charging habits.
With the right charger and a few small changes to how and where you charge, lithium-ion batteries can keep powering the things you love safely and reliably (no drama required). To learn more about preventing lithium-ion battery fires, head here.
