Are lithium-ion batteries dangerous?

“So when a fire does happen, it’s much more dangerous,” Khoo said. All lithium-ion batteries use flammable materials, and incidents such as the one in the Bronx are likely the result of “thermal runaway,” a chain reaction which can lead to a fire or catastrophic explosion, according to Khoo.

Are lithium-ion batteries safer than other battery chemistries?

Although some battery chemistries are safer than others, we are still a few years away from adoption of a better, safer lithium-ion alternative, according to Sridhar Srinivasan, a senior director at market research firm Gartner. For example, LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries don’t overheat as much as other types of lithium-ion batteries.

Will lithium-ion batteries get better in 10 years?

The same thing is bound to be true in another 10 years—even if that progress doesn’t come in a single, giant leap with global fanfare. Under the hood, lithium-ion batteries have gotten better in the last decade.

Can lithium-ion batteries catch fire?

Lithium-ion batteries have been known to catch fire. Fortunately, researchers just discovered a way to make them safer, reports Mariella Moon for Engadget. Battery-caused fires aren’t common, but they are problem. A reporter at The Economist explains:

What is a lithium-ion battery?

Lithium-ion batteries have reigned for a while now—that’s true. But “lithium-ion” is a category of batteries that includes a wide variety of technologies, both in terms of batteries in service today and the ones we've used previously. A lot can be done—and a lot has been done—to make a better lithium-ion battery.

Are lithium-ion batteries cost-free?

The market for lithium-ion batteries is projected by the industry to grow from US$30 billion in 2017 to $100 billion in 2025. But this increase is not itself cost-free, as Nature Reviews Materials explored in a recent series of articles. Lithium-ion technology has downsides — for people and the planet.