E-bike batteries carry a number of risks, and besides the battery fire, the explosion of an e-bike battery is certainly the most dangerous situation that can arise from improper handling or a defect of an e-bike battery.
The most common reason for the explosion of an e-bike battery lies in damage to the separator layer. For example, mechanical damage caused by physical impact from bumps, falls, etc., can damage this layer. The cathode and anode layers inside an e-bike battery are separated from each other by an extremely thin layer, so damage to this inner layer can lead to short circuits and thus uncontrolled energy discharges.
Explosion does not have to occur directly after damage
The damages to the separator layer described above do not necessarily lead to an explosion of the e-bike battery immediately, but can initially only be associated with an increased temperature during (fast) charging. Over time, a problem can develop that then leads to an explosion. Accordingly, e-bike batteries that show mechanical damage, deformations, etc., should by no means be used, charged, etc., but must be taken safely to an appropriate disposal facility.
Thermal Runway as a cause of the explosion of the e-bike battery
Damages to the separator layer lead to a short circuit inside the e-bike battery, causing an uncontrolled electrical current to flow. In this short circuit, a large amount of energy can be released in a short time and heat can be generated so intensely that the electrolytes may ignite and a fire can start. But this is only the beginning of a chain reaction that is also referred to in specialist circles as “Thermal Runway“. The decomposition of the electrolyte then releases further energy and oxygen is internally released at the cathode, further intensifying the exothermic reaction—a self-reinforcing cycle that can lead to the explosion of the battery.
How to prevent the explosion of an e-bike battery?
The correct charging of the battery reduces the risk
Charging e-bike batteries always involves a rise in temperature in the cells, so this period is always critical. With improper charging, e.g., overcharging or using unsuitable charging devices, there can be a risk of development and the e-bike batteries can heat up so much that the explosions described above can occur. Accordingly, it is advisable to charge even externally undamaged batteries only in a suitably protected environment, such as in appropriate battery bags, to prevent damage.
The correct and safe storage of e-bike batteries
Because of the possible dangers, especially from defective batteries, safe and correct storage of e-bike batteries is of great importance. This includes storage during regular use of the battery, e.g., in suitable fireproof battery bags, as well as storage in winter when e-bike batteries are not used as often, where batteries are often stored in battery boxes. Detailed information on this topic can be found here: The safe storage of e-bike batteries.
Niemals defekte / beschädigte E-Bike-Akkus laden oder weiter nutzen
As noted above, mechanical defects are often an initial cause of the explosion of an e-bike battery. Therefore, never charge, charge, or otherwise use defective, deformed, or otherwise impaired batteries from pedelecs or e-bikes, because the risk increases significantly.
In general: intact lithium batteries, when charged with the right devices and proper handling, do not pose an increased danger. However, you cannot always tell from the outside whether a lithium battery is completely intact. Accordingly, it is recommended to always charge lithium-ion batteries in appropriately secured environments.
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