How Do Lithium Batteries Work？ And Why Can They Lose Control or Even Explode？
Before discussing the causes of lithium battery explosions and how to prevent them, it’s essential to first understand how lithium batteries function.
Lithium batteries are able to deliver high efficiency and convenience precisely because of their internal structure and electrochemical properties. However, for the same reason, improper use or an imbalance in environmental conditions can lead to overheating, ignition, or even severe accidents.
Basic Structure and Operating Principles of Lithium Batteries
A lithium battery operates by allowing lithium ions to move back and forth between the positive and negative electrodes, enabling charging and discharging. Its internal structure consists of four key components, the positive electrode, negative electrode, separator, and electrolyte:
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During charging, lithium ions move from the positive electrode to the negative electrode, where energy is stored.
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During discharging, the ions move in the opposite direction, releasing energy to power the device.
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The separator prevents direct contact between the positive and negative electrodes, while the electrolyte facilitates the smooth movement of lithium ions.
Lithium Battery Explosions Are Not Just “Blowing Up”
What people commonly refer to as a “lithium battery explosion” does not always mean a literal detonation. Instead, it usually describes a situation where the battery releases a large amount of heat, gas, and internal pressure in a very short time, leading to fire, smoke, casing rupture, or even the release of toxic substances.
At the core of most lithium battery incidents is a phenomenon known as thermal runaway. When the internal temperature of a battery rises abnormally, chemical reactions accelerate, generating even more heat. This creates a vicious cycle that ultimately causes the battery to lose control.
Why Do Lithium Batteries Lose Control？
Most lithium battery–related fires and explosions are not caused by a single factor, but rather by a combination of usage habits, product quality, and environmental conditions.
Below, we break down the most common reasons lithium batteries lose control, followed by an overview of the everyday devices most frequently involved in battery-related incidents.
Six Common Causes of Lithium Battery Explosions
Most lithium battery accidents are closely linked to internal energy imbalance or thermal instability. The most common causes can be summarized as follows:
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Overcharging or Using Incompatible Charging Equipment
Using low-quality or uncertified chargers, as well as leaving devices plugged in for extended periods, can lead to abnormal voltage or temperature increases—significantly raising the risk of thermal runaway.
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Exposure to High Temperatures or Poor Heat Dissipation
Placing devices in hot environments, such as inside cars or under direct sunlight, or blocking ventilation openings during charging, can cause battery temperatures to rise continuously and compromise stability.
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Battery Aging or Excessive Service Life
As the number of charge and discharge cycles increases, internal battery materials gradually degrade. This can result in swelling, abnormal capacity loss, or overheating.
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External Impact, Compression, or Drops
Even if there is no visible external damage, internal components such as the separator or cell structure may be compromised, potentially leading to short circuits and safety hazards.
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Manufacturing Defects or Quality Issues
Poor materials, assembly flaws, or quality control issues can cause accidents even during normal use. Such problems may appear more frequently in specific product batches.
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Improper Storage Conditions
Storing batteries long-term in high-temperature or humid environments, or leaving them completely discharged for extended periods, can accelerate battery degradation and increase safety risks.
Which Devices Are Most Commonly Involved in Lithium Battery Incidents?
Lithium batteries are widely used across many types of electronic products, so incidents are not limited to a single category of devices. Instead, risks are closely related to usage frequency and battery capacity.
- In everyday life, smartphones, tablets, and laptops are among the most common examples—especially when they are charged for long periods, used while charging, or have aging batteries.
- Power banks and spare batteries are also frequently cited in incident reports, particularly products with inaccurate capacity labeling or lacking proper safety certifications, which are more prone to overheating or swelling.
- Devices such as electric bicycles, electric scooters, and electric vehicles, which use high-capacity lithium batteries, may cause greater damage and wider impact when accidents occur due to the large amount of stored energy.
Three Essential Safety Principles to Prevent Lithium Battery Explosions
Start with Proper Charging Habits and Charging Environments
Lithium batteries naturally generate heat during the charging process, which makes charging conditions and usage habits especially important. It is recommended to use original chargers or charging equipment that has passed recognized safety certifications, and to avoid charging devices in high-temperature, enclosed, or poorly ventilated spaces.
In addition, prolonged unattended charging should be avoided. If a device shows unusual heat, swelling, or other abnormal behavior while charging, stop using it immediately and have it inspected to prevent heat buildup from escalating into loss of control.
Handle Storage and Protective Measures with Care
Lithium batteries are highly sensitive to external force and environmental conditions. During daily use, avoid dropping, crushing, or exposing devices to high temperatures for extended periods—for example, leaving them inside a car.
If a lithium battery–powered device will not be used for a short or extended period, store it in a cool, dry place and maintain an appropriate charge level to reduce battery aging and internal instability. If you notice battery swelling, casing deformation, or unusual odors, discontinue use immediately.
Control Risks at the Source by Choosing Quality Products
Preventing lithium battery incidents is not only about proper usage—product quality itself plays a critical role. When purchasing lithium battery–related products, check whether they carry recognized safety certifications, clear brand identification, and transparent product information. Also verify whether official safety tests or inspection reports are available.
For frequently used devices such as power banks and spare batteries, price should never be the sole consideration. Choosing reliable, well-certified products is the most effective way to reduce potential risks at the source.
Lithium Battery Safety FAQs: Common Questions Answered at a Glance
Q1: What causes lithium batteries to explode or catch fire？
Most lithium battery incidents are related to thermal runaway. Common contributing factors include overcharging, exposure to high-temperature environments, battery aging, external impact, or manufacturing defects.
These factors can cause the internal temperature of the battery to rise rapidly, leading to the buildup of gas and pressure, which may ultimately result in fire or explosion.
Q2: Can lithium-ion batteries really explode while charging？
Under normal and compliant usage conditions, the likelihood of a lithium-ion battery exploding during charging is relatively low. However, the risk increases significantly if incompatible chargers are used, the battery is already damaged, or charging takes place in hot or poorly ventilated environments.
For this reason, proper charging equipment and suitable charging conditions are key factors in maintaining battery safety.
Q3: Is it safe to charge a phone overnight？
Most modern smartphones are equipped with overcharge protection mechanisms, so overnight charging does not usually pose an immediate danger. That said, extended charging periods can still increase battery temperature and accelerate battery aging—especially if ventilation is poor or the phone is covered while charging.
Avoiding long periods of unattended charging can help extend battery lifespan and improve overall safety.
How Should Lithium Battery Explosion Be Handled？
Due to the unique characteristics of lithium battery fires—which differ from ordinary combustible fires—not all fire extinguishers are suitable. Choosing the right fire suppression equipment and responding correctly based on the situation are critical to reducing risk quickly and preventing fire spread at the earliest stage.
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Lithium Battery–Specific Fire Extinguishers：Ideal for Homes and Small-Scale Device Fires
For common lithium battery–powered devices such as smartphones, power banks, and laptops, early-stage fires can often be contained if addressed promptly. Lithium battery–specific fire extinguishers are designed to target the combustion characteristics of battery fires, making them suitable for homes, offices, and equipment standby use.
For example, the eco-Li Lithium Battery Extinguisher 3L features a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry and operate. It is well suited for early-stage lithium battery fire incidents, providing immediate protection while prioritizing personal safety.
EV Fire Blankets：A Critical Containment Tool for Electric Vehicles and High-Risk Environments
When lithium battery capacity is significantly larger—as in electric vehicles or electric mobility devices—traditional fire extinguishing methods may be insufficient.
In such cases, fire blankets play a crucial role by covering the fire source, isolating oxygen, and slowing the spread of flames. This helps control fire growth and buys valuable time for follow-up emergency response. Products such as PADTEX ev fire blanket (Car Fire Blanket) are designed specifically for these high-risk scenarios.
EV fire blankets are primarily intended for vehicle fire situations and are suitable for use in parking garages, maintenance facilities, or locations equipped for electric vehicle servicing, where they can be deployed before the fire fully escalates.
Home Fire Blankets：Immediate Protection for Small Fire Sources
In residential environments, if a power bank, charger, or small battery-powered device catches fire, a fire blanket offers an intuitive, easy-to-use solution that does not require professional training.
By maintaining a safe distance and covering the fire source, a fire blanket can help smother flames and provide initial containment. Lithium Battery Fire Blanket for House（1 x 1.5m） is compact in size and suitable for placement in homes or offices, serving as an auxiliary protective tool during the early stages of a lithium battery fire.
Lithium batteries have become deeply integrated into our daily lives—from smartphones and power banks to electric vehicles—bringing unprecedented convenience. However, behind this convenience lies the need for proper usage practices and strong safety awareness.
By paying closer attention to details during everyday charging, storage, and use, and by preparing appropriate fire prevention and protection equipment when necessary, the risk of accidents can be significantly reduced, allowing us to enjoy the benefits of lithium battery technology with greater confidence and peace of mind.