Lithium Battery Fire Statistics

Lithium-ion batteries can store a tremendous energy load in a compact space. Uncontrolled releases of this energy create heat, leading to the internal components of a battery becoming flammable and releasing toxic gases. These fire and respiratory hazards threaten consumer health and safety.

The nationally recognized team at Levin Simes represents clients across the country who experience personal injury as a result of lithium battery fires. To schedule a free consultation, speak with an experienced battery explosion accident lawyer at our firm. 

Contact us online or by calling (415) 426-3000 to protect your legal right to seek compensation for your damages.

Rising Risks and Environmental Impact of Lithium Battery Fires

As consumer demand for technology grows and the motor vehicle industry makes way for electric vehicles, the risk of lithium battery fires increases.

Lithium-ion battery fire statistics from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) show 245 fires within 64 waste facilities alone over a seven-year span, which were determined to be caused or likely caused by lithium-ion batteries and lithium metal. 

The fires from lithium batteries cited by the EPA cause environmental threats and disruption to regional business, impacting 28 states in all ten EPA regions. 

Not only are the threats from fires increasing and jeopardizing manufacturing workers and our environment, but exploding lithium-ion batteries can cause severe and life-changing injuries to consumers. Below, we highlight lithium-ion battery fire statistics and their threat to you. 

Lithium Battery Fire Statistics Highlight A Serious Danger to Consumers

Our firm is committed to providing strong representation for survivors of lithium-ion battery fire injuries and educating users on preventing such fires. By gathering individual data, we have been able to better advocate for survivors nationwide.

The risk of lithium battery fires is steadily rising, as global demand for lithium-ion batteries is expected to increase nearly sevenfold between 2022 and 2030. 

Recent reports from universities and governmental agencies suggest the following:

• EV fire temperatures burn at an average of 5,000º F, greatly overshadowing the temperatures of gas fires burning at approximately 1,500º F, making lithium-ion battery fires especially difficult to control.
• Extinguishing gas fires takes about 2,000 gallons of water, while EV fires containing lithium-ion batteries require ten times the amount of water to extinguish.
• The threat of EV fires may become even greater, as 64% of total lightweight vehicles will be EVs by 2030 in the United States.
• Nearly 24% of all EV fires are directly caused by lithium-ion batteries.
• Major cities, like New York and San Francisco, reported more than 660 fires involving lithium-ion batteries in six years.
• New York City reports at least 12 deaths and over 260 injuries resulting from lithium-ion battery fires from 2021 to 2023.
• Nationwide reports of at least 208 fires or overheating incidents with micro-mobility devices occurred in less than two years in 39 states.
• Nineteen deaths are a direct result of these fires, with five involving e-scooters, eleven associated with hoverboards, and three involving e-bikes.
• Injuries from micro-mobility device fires resulted in 22 emergency room visits.

With an anticipated surge in lithium-ion batteries due in part to the electronic vehicle industry and other devices, the more of these batteries that surround us, the more we may see dangerous incidents occur. 

The team at Levin Simes has gained nationwide recognition for tackling large industries and manufacturers, giving a voice to injury survivors who may not have one otherwise. If you or a loved one were injured in a lithium-ion battery explosion, contact Levin Simes today online or by calling (415) 426-3000. When you contact our team, you can expect the undivided attention you deserve.

How Often Do Lithium Batteries Catch Fire?

The EPA report above indicates that lithium batteries have a failure rate of approximately one in one million. However, the rate at which lithium batteries catch fire may depend on the type of lithium-ion battery in use. Large-scale lithium-ion battery banks can produce large explosions and result in more injuries.

In 2018, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported over 25,000 reports of overheating or fire incidents that occurred over five years in more than 400 varying consumer products powered by lithium batteries. 

In lithium-ion battery fires, there is no way to cut off the fuel source to the fire. The fuel remains in the battery itself, resulting in fires that become more challenging to manage. However, consumers are most likely to experience injuries from a lithium-ion battery fire due to the use of the following products:

• Laptops
• Cellphones
• Vape device batteries
• E-cigs
• E-cig, pen, mod, and vape batteries
• Electric vehicles
• E-scooters and e-bikes

Levin Simes is an experienced advocate for clients suffering injuries resulting from lithium battery fires. Our national vape battery injury lawyers’ victories demonstrate our success, proven track record, and dedication.

How Safe Are Lithium Batteries?

Lithium batteries are likely safe when they are free of design defects, made of quality materials, assembled correctly, recharged properly, and remain damage-free. Consumers may only influence a few of these factors, but the safety of lithium-ion batteries depends mainly on manufacturers to produce a quality product that does not lead to injury.

Questions surrounding the safety of lithium batteries will likely grow as demand rapidly increases. Because a lithium-ion battery fire can cause extensive damage to a battery and evidence, proving the cause of a fire can be complex. Through experience and research, our team is recognized as national leaders in some of the nation’s most complicated cases and we have the tools to investigate the safety of lithium batteries.

Do You Have a Lithium Battery Fire Case?

Levin Simes provides legal advocacy to clients across the U.S., applying decades of experience to impactful cases that represent damaging changes in the lives of our clients. 

By providing a free case evaluation when you reach out online or by calling (415) 426-3000, we can help you begin the legal process and demand accountability for your damages. Time limits apply to lithium battery injury cases and vary from state to state, which requires you to act immediately to ensure your ability to pursue legal action.