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Risks associated with lithium-ion batteries

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Published: Oct 18, 2024

Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in electric vehicles (EVs), portable electronics, and renewable energy storage, and they come with a unique set of risks. These risks were discussed at the recent Electric Vehicle maritime safety conference. A full report from the conference will be available shortly, but in brief the risks include:

Thermal runaway and fire hazard

  • Lithium-ion batteries can experience a phenomenon known as thermal runaway, where internal heating causes the battery to overheat and potentially lead to a fire or explosion.
  • Damage to the battery, overcharging, or manufacturing defects can lead to short circuits or overheating.
  • Fires from lithium-ion batteries are difficult to extinguish and can reignite sometimes days or even months after the initial fire.

Toxic chemicals and environmental risk

  • Lithium-ion batteries contain toxic chemicals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, which can be harmful to humans and the environment.
  • Battery disposal in landfills or improper recycling can lead to soil and water contamination, affecting ecosystems and human health.

Limited lifespan and degradation

  • Lithium-ion batteries degrade over time, losing their capacity to hold a charge. This degradation can be accelerated by frequent fast charging or exposure to high temperatures.
  • Shortened battery life increases replacement costs for consumers and leads to additional waste.

Supply chain and resource scarcity

  • The extraction of key materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel is concentrated in a few geographic regions, creating supply chain vulnerabilities.
  • Geopolitical instability or supply shortages can drive up prices, impacting industries that rely on these batteries. Ethical concerns also arise regarding mining practices and labour conditions in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Overcharging and over-discharging risks

  • Overcharging or discharging lithium-ion batteries beyond their recommended limits can cause damage to the battery’s cells.
  • This can result in reduced performance, a shortened lifespan, and in severe cases, cause fires or explosions.

High energy density and accidental damage

  • The high energy density of lithium-ion batteries makes them susceptible to damage from punctures, crushing, or impact.
  • Damaged batteries can cause short circuits, especially in following collisions or accidents.

Transportation risks

  • Lithium-ion batteries are classified as hazardous materials for transportation because of the risk of fire or explosion.
  • Regulations surrounding the transportation of large quantities of batteries can complicate logistics and increase costs for manufacturers.

These risks highlight the need for specific risks assessments for ports dealing with lithium-ion batteries in their plant equipment, cargo (especially the import or export of EV cars or batteries in containers) and passenger vehicles.

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