But the underlying issue is that Li-ion batteries contain a lot of energy in a compact package-which, of course, is why they are used in everything from phones to Tesla electric cars.Ī Li-ion battery has an energy density of up to around 160 watt hours per kilogram (Wh/kg), roughly twice that of a fresh alkaline battery or a NiCad rechargeable battery. Normally, it’s a manufacturing defect, and apparently that was the situation with the Note7 phones. Here’s everything you need to know about what causes Li-ion batteries to occasionally catch fire, and what improvements to mobile phone battery tech could be on the way. Of course, even one fire or explosion is one too many. 'Lithium-ion batteries have a failure rate that’s less than one in a million.” By comparison, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says your chance of being struck by lightning in the course of a lifetime is about 1 in 13,000. “It’s a very, very low probability of your phone catching fire,” said Abraham. Abraham, one of the pioneers of the Li-ion battery and a professor at Northeastern University, says, “There are more than a billion cell phones and computers used in the world every day,” and by comparison, the number of accidents has been small. So why, 25 years after the batteries hit the market, are lithium-ion batteries still prone to these problems? And when will engineers finally have a solution?įirst a reality check: Despite these high-profile incidents, if you look at the numbers, Li-ion-powered devices are relatively safe. Lithium-ion batteries have been making this kind of news for years-they’ve caused fires in hoverboards, laptops, in other phones, and even in the electrical system of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner jumbo jet. stores Wednesday, September 21, after exploding lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries forced the company to recall about a million units. New Samsung Galaxy Note7 phones were available in U.S.

Halo reach flaming helmet generator