Thermal runaway: a guide to its prevention and containment in Li-ion batteries

Thermal runaway is a growing safety concern for large lithium-ion batteries, especially those used within the EV industry. If a battery cell overheats and reaches a critical temperature, it can trigger a self-heating reaction that can lead to catastrophic failure, fires and even explosion.

As the electrification of transport accelerates, the risks associated with thermal runaway have gained heightened public attention, highlighting the robust safety measures and cutting-edge materials necessary to mitigate these dangers, alongside the development of strong safety protocols.

But what is the actual risk of an electric vehicle catching fire, and are EVs more dangerous than fossil-fuelled models? Most importantly, how can industry mitigate this phenomenon? In this whitepaper, we explore the factors that cause thermal runaway, examine the risks, and evaluate a range of solutions for its prevention and containment. Finally, we will focus on how the latest silicone syntactic foams can be used to reduce the risk of thermal runaway and mitigate its consequences.