New series: 4 safety factors when selecting lithium batteries
At Trojan Battery, you will often hear us say that safety comes first, second, and third. This is especially true when it comes to our lithium-ion products for motive applications.
The growth of lithium batteries
Lithium-ion has become a fast-growing chemistry in the battery industry. The lithium-ion market is expected to rise at a compound annual growth rate of 14.2%, reaching $187.2 billion by 2032.
Electric vehicles, or EVs, are not the only driver of lithium battery growth. The industrial vehicle market, including equipment like material handlers, floor scrubbers, and stock chasers, have been pushing demand. Lithium batteries power more golf carts, utility vehicles, floor cleaners, and aerial work platforms than ever.
Lithium-ion batteries are popular because they offer many benefits compared to other types of batteries such as:
Long cycle life
Fast charging
High energy density
Low self-discharge rate
Lightweight
Potential interaction and control of the battery from a smartphone app
Opportunities for data collection and energy usage metrics from the battery management system
Creating a Safer Environment for Lithium with Technology
While lithium-ion batteries have many advantages, safety can be a concern. Perhaps the biggest safety concern is thermal runaway, which can occur when overheating, damage, or defects affect the battery. It can lead to a rapid temperature rise, causing the battery to release heat, smoke, and/or flames.
One area of concern in thermal runaway is the electrolyte used in many lithium-ion batteries. It is often the electrolyte and resulting flammable gases that burn if there is a short circuit, puncture, or extreme heat.
Trojan Battery is committed to manufacturing safer batteries. Our innovations in battery technology have enhanced our products’ safety features.