Lithium batteries power the majority of modern devices, from smartphones to electric vehicles, and while concerns about their safety have garnered attention, the reality is that these batteries are not inherently dangerous. Advances in technology and stringent safety standards have significantly mitigated the risks associated with lithium batteries. Additionally, there are critical differences between various types of lithium batteries when it comes to safety risks. Understanding the safeguards & innovations in place can help dispel misconceptions and provide greater awareness of the overall safety of lithium batteries in everyday use. This article explores how these advancements ensure that lithium batteries remain a reliable and secure energy source.
Common Safety Concerns

A frequent fear that consumers have is that all lithium batteries are inherently at risk of thermal runaway, where overheating can lead to fires or explosions, which can be triggered by overcharging, physical damage, or manufacturing defects. Another common concern relates to the impact that overcharging and over-discharging can have, such as increasing the risk of failure. Additionally, lithium battery users often worry about improper storage and handling, which can further exacerbate these risks, particularly with specific chemistries of lithium batteries, making it crucial to follow proper usage guidelines and safety standards.
1. Not all lithium battery chemistries are prone to thermal runaway

The most important lithium battery myth to dispel is that all lithium batteries are highly prone to thermal runaway or fire. In order to understand to what extent a battery is likely to experience thermal runaway, it’s important to first note that lithium batteries all use different chemistries, which can be broken down into two categories:

Lithium cobalt-based batteries: Some examples include nickel manganese cobalt (NMC); lithium cobalt oxide (LCO); and nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA). The majority of the lithium batteries that are used in small devices such as laptops and cell phones use lithium cobalt-based battery chemistries. Due to the lack of strong covalent bonding in lithium cobalt-based batteries, these are the most prone to thermal runaway or fire.
Non-cobalt-based lithium batteries: Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePo4 or LFP) batteries do not use toxic cobalt. The phosphorus-oxygen bond in the LFP cathode is stronger than other cathode materials, which makes this battery chemistry more stable when stored at full charge. Lithium batteries that do not use cobalt-based chemistries, like LFP, are therefore more chemically stable and not prone to thermal runaway or fire. As a result, LFP batteries are the safest lithium battery available today. This is why companies like RELiON exclusively use LFP batteries - to ensure maximum safety for its users.

Safe LiFePO4 batteries
2. Battery Management Systems Provide Critical Protections for Lithium Batteries

A Battery Management System (BMS) monitors the voltage, current, and temperature of lithium batteries, ensuring that they operate within safe limits. It can balance cell voltages, prevent overcharging and over-discharging, and disconnect the battery in case of anomalies. By actively managing the battery's health and performance, a BMS significantly reduces the risk of thermal runaway in lithium cobalt-based batteries, as well as prevents other battery failures. All of RELiON’s LFP batteries come with an advanced, proprietary, built-in BMS to protect the battery’s integrity and performance long-term.

IEC 62133: Tests for chemical and electrical hazards
UN/DOT 38.3: Tests for eight transportation hazards
EC 62619: Tests the safety of lithium-ion batteries in industrial equipment (e.g., automated guided vehicles; forklifts; railways; and marine use) and electronics
UL 1642: Tests the safety of lithium-ion batteries that are used to power electronic products
UL 2580: Tests lithium-ion batteries used in cars

In addition to battery chemistry, BMSs and regulations and standards, several other advancements have ensured the continued safe, widespread use of lithium batteries, including protective enclosures, new manufacturing techniques and safe charging practices. If you have any questions or concerns about lithium battery safety, get in touch with a technical expert at RELiON.