LG Chem's breakthrough could end electric car battery fires

Although rare, battery fires in electric cars raise significant concerns. Typically, these fires result from battery overheating, leading to serious risks. However, scientists continue to work on innovative solutions to eliminate this issue. LG Chem has developed a breakthrough technology that enhances temperature control inside batteries, reducing the risk of fires. Will this innovation solve the problem once and for all?

Fires in electric car batteries concern both users and manufacturers. While uncommon, they can be incredibly challenging to manage. The primary cause is overheating lithium-ion batteries due to manufacturing errors, mechanical damage, or electrical system failures. High temperatures cause a phenomenon known as thermal runaway, an uncontrollable increase in temperature within the battery cells that can lead to ignition.

Besides thermal runaway, fires can result from short circuits caused by physical damage, such as traffic collisions. Direct contact between the anode and cathode occurs in these instances, causing immediate temperature spikes and potential ignition. Another risk factor is overloading the battery or errors in energy management systems that fail to properly control current flow, leading to overheating of individual cells. These elements create a risk that necessitates advanced technological solutions to prevent fires.

Scientists have developed a cutting-edge solution that could significantly reduce the risk of electric car battery fires. In collaboration with Professor Lee Minah's team, LG Chem has created a layer known as the Safety Reinforced Layer (SRL). This innovative material acts like a "fuse" by responding to temperature increases. When a battery starts to overheat, the SRL layer interrupts the current flow, preventing further temperature escalation and minimizing the risk of ignition.

This material is exceptionally thin—only about 0.00004 inches thick, making it nearly invisible yet highly effective. Positioned between the cathode layer and the current collector, it offers protection during the early stages of overheating, potentially preventing serious failures that have historically led to fires.