A lithium-ion battery is a lightweight rechargeable battery or accumulator in electric bicycles, scooters, cars, smartphones, tablets, laptops and hoverboards. They are used by millions of people every day. This type of battery contains relatively much more energy than a standard penlite battery. According to the Netherlands Fire Brigade, every household has about 125 (!) of these batteries.
These types of batteries can overheat and catch fire. This happens, for example, during charging, through the use of non-original chargers and in case of overcharging or damage.
Prevention tips
Fortunately, you can do a lot yourself to safely deal with these lithium-ion batteries. Read our prevention tips:
- Read the manual
Read and follow the manufacturer's supplied manual on battery specific tips. It clearly describes how and where the battery can and may be charged.
- Use only supplied or recommended charger/battery pack
Imitation chargers can damage the battery, even if they sometimes have the same specifications. A charger and battery pack are factory coordinated.
- Prevent exposure of battery and charger to extremely high or low temperatures
Lithium batteries are sensitive to extremely high and low temperatures. Especially at very high temperatures, batteries can become even warmer and therefore burn out or explode. Think of a cell phone in the sun on a dashboard.
- Charge the battery at least once every three months
Lithium batteries also drain slowly and can damage at low voltage.
- Has the battery fallen, been damaged or deformed?
Place it outside and return the battery as soon as possible. Fallen, damaged or distorted batteries can burn out or even explode.
- Always charge the battery by an expert maintained
Do not have a random person tinker with or repair the battery, this type of battery is too sensitive for that.
- Keep the battery in a stable, non-combustible place while charging
During charging, the battery heats up and can therefore spontaneously lead to a fire on a flammable surface.
- Preferably charge the battery during the day
Does something go wrong while charging? Then this is immediately visible and smellable during the day and you can take action.
- Remove the battery from the charger when it is full
- Use smoke detectors in the room where the batteries are charged
Safe charging stations in parking garages
Fire hazard of electric cars in parking garages is an increasing concern for society. Insurers see that the Building Decree is now designed for flight safety and not for fire safety. Insurers and the Netherlands Fire Brigade want to move towards a situation in which fire safety is the starting point, in order to reduce the risk of fire (and also damage) as much as possible.
