Lithium-ion Batteries

Data collected by insurer QBE suggests that the batteries powering electric vehicles like scooters, bikes and cars were involved in nearly three fires every day compared to two in 2022. 

Of the 42 fire safety services who provided figures, this suggests a 46% increase in lithium battery fires. 270 fires in 2023 involved e-bikes, equating to nearly a third of battery fires. Almost half of all waste fires in the UK are said to be caused by discarded lithium-ion batteries, which cost an estimated £158 million a year to waste operators, fire services, and the environment.

There are a number of measures that can be put in place regarding the storage and use of lithium-ion batteries, these include;

• Keeping batteries not in use in suitable enclosures, such as metal battery storage cabinets or fireproof safety bags

• Limiting the size of storage areas, and ensuring they are dedicated to lithium-ion battery storage only

• Provision of 2-hour rated fire compartmentation where lithium-ion storage forms part of an internal storage arrangement

• Ensuring batteries are not left charging

For more information call us on 01462 892021