Experts warn about the safe charging of electric bicycle batteries, which have become widespread recently and have caused explosions due to being left on charge overnight. Occupational Health and Safety Specialist Dr. Lecturer Rüştü Uçan stated, “There should be a mechanism on the devices that cuts off electricity when charging is complete. Charging should be monitored; the device should not be left charging unsupervised.” Dr. Uçan also emphasized that Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries should be preferred in newly purchased battery-powered devices, adding, “These new technical batteries are more long-lasting and safer than lithium-ion batteries. This reduces the risk of fire and explosion from the battery.”
Dr. Lecturer Rüştü Uçan, Head of the Occupational Health and Safety Department at Üsküdar University, Faculty of Health Sciences, made evaluations on the safe charging of electric bicycle batteries and the risk of battery explosions.
Temperature and charge control are important
Dr. Lecturer Rüştü Uçan stated that lithium-ion batteries should operate within a temperature range of 5 to 40 degrees Celsius, adding, “It should not be forgotten that direct sunlight or a very hot environment can also lead to dangers such as fire and explosion for devices carrying lithium-ion batteries. There should be a mechanism on the devices that cuts off electricity when charging is complete. Charging should be monitored; the device should not be left charging unsupervised. If an explosion occurs, it is easier to extinguish the fire in its initial stage. It may be appropriate to use a smoke detector to get early notice of a fire starting.”
New technical batteries are safer
Dr. Lecturer Rüştü Uçan also emphasized that Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries should be preferred in newly purchased battery-powered devices, stating, “These batteries represent a significant advancement in energy storage technology and offer a number of advantages that distinguish them from traditional Lithium battery types. These new technical batteries, which use lithium iron phosphate as a cathode material, are more long-lasting and safer than lithium-ion batteries. This reduces the risk of fire and explosion from the battery.”
Risk is higher in low-quality batteries
Dr. Lecturer Rüştü Uçan also touched upon the main causes of battery explosions, stating, “Thermal runaway occurs when heat generation in a lithium-ion battery cell exceeds its heat dissipation capacity. Thermal runaway usually occurs at high temperatures because it can trigger exothermic reactions in the battery. As reactions generate more heat and the battery temperature increases, it can lead to battery swelling, destruction, fires, and explosions. Of course, the risk is higher in low-quality batteries.”
Do not pour water on a burning battery!
Dr. Lecturer Rüştü Uçan also drew attention to how safe areas should be designed for charging electric vehicle batteries at home and work, saying, “Water should never be used to extinguish a device containing a burning lithium-ion battery. It should be kept away from automatic sprinkler systems. Water will cause the fire to grow larger and spread. Class D (metal) fires are very difficult to control. Special precautions must be taken to prevent the spread of fires involving alkali metals like lithium, and special extinguishers must be used to put them out.”
Electric vehicle charging stations should be outdoors
Noting that care should be taken to ensure no flammable materials are present around charging areas at home, Dr. Lecturer Rüştü Uçan concluded by saying, “Attention should be paid to the deadly gases that may be released during a battery fire. Electric vehicle charging stations should be located outdoors. In practice, if there is no special extinguisher at the charging location, keeping sand might be appropriate. In enclosed garages, it may be suitable to create a special section for electric vehicles, separated from other vehicles by concrete.”