Lithium-ion Batteries FAQs

Lithium-ion batteries are more likely to catch fire or explode if they are not disposed of, stored, or charged correctly. Damaged lithium-ion batteries and batteries not bought from reputable suppliers are also a safety risk.

In 2023, the London Fire Brigade reported 70 e-bike, 14 e-scooter and 35 other lithium-ion battery fires. In London, e-bike fires have risen by 60% since 2022.

Fires involving electric vehicles are far less common than petrol and diesel car fires. In 2022 there were 3.8 EV fires per 100,000 cars compared to 68 fires per 100,000 petrol and diesel vehicles.

Lithium-ion battery fires can emit toxic fumes including hydrogen fluoride, phosphoryl fluoride and phosphorus pentafluoride. Gases can cause swelling and fluid build-up in the lungs, and severe skin burns.

Yes, the risk of fire is from the energy in the charged lithium-ion battery. However, a fire is very unlikely to occur unless a battery is damaged or has been stored or disposed of incorrectly.

48% of waste fires a year are thought to be caused by lithium-ion batteries, posing a threat to people, animals and the environment and costing the UK economy over £20 million a year.

The lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery has the most stable chemical structure, making it less prone to overheating and thermal runaway. This type of battery is used in electric vehicles (EVs).

Lithium-ion battery fires are challenging to extinguish because the internal temperature can rapidly increase (this is called ‘thermal runaway’), causing a chain reaction that generates more heat and can lead to explosions.

The chemicals in lithium-ion batteries can burn at high temperatures and release flammable gases, making traditional fire extinguishing methods like water or foam ineffective and potentially dangerous.

Re-ignition is common because the heat generated can persist and reignite even after the initial fire is put out.

Storing lithium-ion batteries fully charged is not recommended. It is advisable to store lithium-ion batteries at around 40-60% charge in a cool, dry environment.

When a lithium-ion battery is stored at a high state of charge, the electrodes are under more stress, which increases the likelihood of thermal runaway and fire.

Yes, lithium-ion batteries are generally safe when used, stored, and charged properly. They are designed with safety features to prevent overcharging, overheating, and short circuits.

However, if damaged, improperly charged, or exposed to high temperatures, they can pose risks such as overheating, fire, or explosion due to thermal runaway.

To minimise risks, always use the correct charger, avoid overcharging or deep discharging, store batteries in a cool, dry place, and protect them from physical damage.

Keeping batteries away from flammable materials and ensuring spare batteries have insulated terminals, further reduces the likelihood of accidents.

To dispose of lithium ion batteries safely, take them to a designated recycling facility or a retailer that offers battery recycling services.

Do not throw them in general waste or recycling bins, as they pose a fire hazard. If the battery is damaged, place it in non-flammable material like sand or in a fireproof container before transporting it to a recycling centre.

Always follow local regulations for battery disposal.

A lithium-ion battery is a rechargeable battery that uses lithium ions to store and release energy. It is widely used in electronic devices, such as smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles, due to its high energy density, lightweight design, and long lifespan.

Lithium-ion batteries are efficient but require careful handling and management to avoid risks like overheating or fire.

Yes, you can take a lithium-ion battery on a plane, but there are restrictions. Batteries installed in devices are generally allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage.

Spare batteries must be carried in your carry-on luggage only, and they must not exceed 100Wh per battery (or up to 160Wh with airline approval).

Always check the airline’s specific guidelines before travelling.

It is essential to use a charger specifically designed for lithium-ion batteries. This ensures the battery is charged in adherence to voltage and current limits. Using an incompatible charger can damage the battery, reduce its lifespan, and even cause overheating or fire.

A lithium-ion battery normally lasts 2 to 3 years or 300 to 500 charge cycles, depending on usage, charging habits, and operating conditions.

To maximise the battery’s lifespan, avoid fully discharging or overcharging the battery, keeping it between 20% and 80% charge where possible. Heat accelerates degradation, so store and use the battery in a cool, dry environment.

Over time, chemical aging will reduce the battery’s capacity, but following best practices, such as avoiding extreme temperatures and using the correct charger can help extend battery life.

Yes, a lithium-ion battery can explode, though it is rare and usually caused by thermal runaway due to overcharging, physical damage, manufacturing defects, or exposure to high temperatures. This results in overheating and a rapid release of energy.

To minimise the risk, use the correct charger, avoid overcharging or deep discharging, keep batteries away from heat or flammable materials, and replace damaged or swollen batteries promptly.

Yes, lithium-ion batteries are flammable if damaged, overcharged, or exposed to high temperatures, as they can overheat and release flammable electrolytes, potentially causing fires or explosions. However, such incidents are unlikely when the batteries are used, stored, and charged properly according to manufacturer guidelines.

Yes, you can take lithium-ion batteries on a plane, but with restrictions.

Batteries installed in devices are allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage, while spare batteries must be carried in hand luggage only.

Spare batteries are normally limited to 100 watt-hours (Wh), though up to two batteries between 100 and 160 Wh may be allowed with airline approval.

Make sure batteries are protected to prevent short circuits and check your airline’s rules before travelling.

Lithium-ion batteries contain a lithium-based cathode, a graphite anode, and a liquid electrolyte with lithium salts that allow ion flow between the electrodes. These components are housed in a sealed casing to store and release energy safely.

Yes, lithium-ion batteries are recyclable. They should be taken to specialised recycling facilities where valuable materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel can be recovered and reused.

Yes, iPhones use lithium-ion batteries because they are are lightweight, rechargeable, and provide efficient power.

You can dispose of lithium-ion batteries at designated recycling centres, household waste recycling facilities, or retailers that offer battery recycling services. Many electronics shops and waste collection sites accept them.

Throwing batteries in with general rubbish or recycling bins can lead to environmental harm as the batteries contain toxic chemicals that can leak into soil and water. There are also safety risks, including fires or explosions, if batteries are damaged or exposed to heat during waste processing.

Yes, most laptop batteries are lithium-ion. They are widely used because they are lightweight, rechargeable, and provide high energy density for efficient power storage.

No, lithium and lithium-ion batteries are not the same.

Lithium batteries are single-use (non-rechargeable) and use lithium metal as the anode. They are commonly found in devices requiring long-lasting, low-drain power, such as watches, cameras, remote controls, and some medical devices like pacemakers.

In contrast, lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable and use lithium compounds in the cathode with a graphite anode, allowing repeated charging and discharging. They are widely used in devices requiring regular energy replenishment, such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, power tools, electric vehicles (EVs), and portable electronics.

The environmental impact of lithium-ion batteries is significant but does not necessarily outweigh their benefits. While the extraction of materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel causes environmental harm, including habitat destruction, water depletion, and carbon emissions, lithium-ion batteries play a crucial role in reducing reliance on fossil fuels. They power electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy storage systems, and portable electronics, all of which contribute to lowering greenhouse gas emissions over time.

The environmental harm can be mitigated through improved mining practices, increased use of recycled materials, and advancements in battery technology that reduce dependence on scarce or harmful resources. Plus, when batteries are properly recycled, valuable materials are recovered, reducing the need for new raw materials and minimising environmental damage.

While challenges remain, the long-term benefits of lithium-ion batteries in enabling cleaner energy and reducing emissions often outweigh their environmental costs, provided sustainable practices are adopted.