LG Chem's breakthrough offers hope for safer electric vehicles

Although uncommon, battery fires in electric vehicles raise significant concerns. They are typically caused by overheating of the batteries, which can lead to serious risks. However, scientists are working on innovative solutions aimed at eliminating this issue. LG Chem has developed groundbreaking technology that allows better temperature control within the batteries, thereby reducing the risk of fires. Will this innovation truly solve the problem once and for all?

Fires in electric car batteries are a concern for users and manufacturers, and while not common, they can be very challenging to manage. The main cause is overheating lithium-ion batteries due to various factors such as manufacturing errors, mechanical damage, or electrical system failures. High temperatures lead to what's known as a thermal runaway, an uncontrollable rise in temperature within the battery cells, which can result in ignition.

In addition to thermal runaway, fires can be caused by short circuits arising from physical damage, such as traffic collisions. In such instances, direct contact between the anode and cathode leads to an immediate rise in temperature and potential ignition. Another risk factor is overloading the battery or errors in energy management systems, which do not properly control the current flow, causing overheating of individual cells. All these factors together create a risk that necessitates advanced technological solutions to prevent fires.

Scientists have developed a modern solution that could significantly reduce the risk of electric car battery fires. In collaboration with Professor Lee Minah's team, LG Chem has created the Safety Reinforced Layer (SRL). This innovative material functions like a "fuse" that reacts to rising temperatures. When the battery begins to overheat, the SRL layer interrupts the current flow, preventing further temperature increases and minimizing ignition risk.

This material is extremely thin — about 0.001 millimetres thick, making it virtually invisible yet exceptionally effective. Placing it between the cathode layer and the current collector protects at the early stages of overheating, which can prevent serious failures that have historically led to fires.