Electric vehicles are gaining momentum in the UK, but with this surge comes a heightened awareness of the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. According to research by QBE Insurance, fire brigades in the UK are responding to an average of three lithium-ion battery fires daily. The data analyzed from Freedom of Information requests indicates a substantial 93% increase in these fires between 2022 and 2024.
Lithium-ion batteries power a plethora of consumer products, from e-bikes and e-scooters to electric vehicles and smartphones. In 2024 alone, these batteries were linked to 1,330 fires, a significant jump from the 690 incidents reported in 2022. Notably, electric bikes saw a doubling of fire incidents, accounting for 27% of all lithium-ion battery-related fires in 2024.
The London Fire Brigade reported the highest number of incidents, with 407 lithium-ion battery fires in 2024, surpassing other regions by a considerable margin. Residential properties were identified as the most common location for these fires, followed by outdoor spaces and commercial premises. The rise in electric car fires and incidents involving electric scooters and mobility scooters also raised concerns.
Aside from homes and vehicles, the improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries has led to a surge in fires within the UK waste management system. Over 1,200 fires were reported in bin lorries and waste processing sites in the past year, a 71% increase from 2022. Workplace safety protocols in commercial settings have not kept pace with the increased use of lithium-ion battery-powered devices, with 71% of UK organizations failing to update their fire risk assessments accordingly.
QBE Insurance is pushing for stricter regulatory oversight of lithium-ion battery-powered products, emphasizing the need for users to be well-informed about managing these technologies safely. The London Fire Brigade has launched the #ChargeSafe campaign to raise public awareness, offering safety guidelines for e-bike and e-scooter users. Basic precautions such as avoiding overnight charging and using compliant chargers are highlighted.
Adrian Simmonds, practice leader for property risk solutions at QBE Insurance, has called for legislative action to address the escalating lithium-ion battery fire risks. He advocates for the UK to consider banning the sale of unregulated e-bikes through the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill currently under parliamentary review. Simmonds stresses the urgency of understanding and managing the risks posed by lithium-ion battery fires.
As the UK embraces electric vehicles, the challenges posed by lithium-ion battery fires underscore the importance of proactive safety measures and regulatory safeguards. Public awareness campaigns and industry initiatives aim to mitigate these risks, but a comprehensive approach involving legislation, education, and responsible consumer behavior is crucial to ensure the safe adoption of electric mobility technologies.
📰 Related Articles
- Toy Car Lithium Battery Fire Prompts Safety Alert in Teralba
- Tool Faces Class Action Lawsuit Over Repetitive Festival Sets
- Xerox Versalink Printers Vulnerable to Hackers, Security Risks Identified
- Xerox Versalink C7025 Printer Vulnerability Exposes Network Security Risks
- Weezer Bassist’s Wife Faces Attempted Murder Charges in LA