What is Thermal Runaway?

Thermal runaway is a condition where lithium batteries generate excessive heat, leading to continuous and uncontrollable combustion. When one cell overheats or is damaged, heat spreads to adjacent cells, triggering a "chain reaction fire" within the battery. During this process, the battery releases temperatures exceeding 1,000 °C along with flammable and toxic gases such as HF and CO, which pose severe risks to the respiratory system. This event can occur within seconds, and the battery may re-ignite several hours after the initial fire appears to have stopped.

Common Causes of Thermal Runaway

1. Overheating

→ Poor heat dissipation, confined spaces, or exposure to direct intense sunlight.

2. Overcharging or Over-discharging

→ Exceeds the internal voltage limit of cells, leading to accumulated heat buildup.

3. Physical damage from impact or compression

→ Damaged cells cause internal short circuits and ignition.

4. Non-compliant products or lack of safety protection

→ Low-quality cells with no overcharge/over-discharge protection circuits.

5. Battery aging

→ Chemical degradation and increased internal resistance lead to easier heat generation.

6. Malfunctioning Battery Management System (BMS)

→ Fails to cut off power when fully charged or detect abnormal temperature rises.

7. Improper use or overloading

→ Using incompatible equipment or modifying the electrical system without authorization.

Why Use an EV Fire Blanket?

EV fire blankets contain and control the spread of fire, reducing risks to nearby vehicles, property, and people in the surrounding area.